Advice - I was involved in a road traffic incident this morning.

[Maz]

Hi all,
Advice needed.

I was involved in a road traffic incident this morning. I was cycling on the main road and an oncoming car turned right, in front of my path. I ended up going over his bonnet and landed by the driver's door.

I have the driver's name/address/insurance policy number/tel no.
Ambulance and police were called. Driver was breathalysed and checked he was insured.
I have names and tel numbers of 2 witnesses to the incident.
I have an incident reference number from the attending police officer.
My bike (Specialized Allez Elite) is in 2 pieces now (carbon forks snapped off). Possibly other damage - I've not checked yet.

What should I do next? Any advice most welcome.

Thanks

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Paging @classic33

 

[DCLane]

Write your view of the incident down. Get your LBS to look at the bike, any decent one will do a full report. Then get yourself recovered - GWS.

Looks like everything's been done right so far. Well, apart from the car driver colliding with you.

 

[Sharky]

I had a very similar incident with car. In my case knocked unconscious and air lifted to hospital. Various bones broken, but have recovered.
I was a member of the CTC (aka Cycling UK), so used their legal team. With all the evidence you have, I doubt if there will be any quibble, but they will try and negotiate the compensation down. The CTC legal team advised me what to do and processed my claim.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

 

[jefmcg]

There is a sticky of advice on this forum, but in the mean time ....

Get yourself to A&E or (better) a walk in centre or your GP, get thoroughly checked out to make sure you are ok. Important both for your own health, and proof of injury, if there are any.

 

[classic33]

Check the "Accident Advice" thread in Cycling discussions on what to do, first post of that thread is also now in Commuting.

Get yourself checked first, then get the bike checked. Hope you don't have too much damage to yourself.

 

[Maz]

I had a very similar incident with car. In my case knocked unconscious and air lifted to hospital. Various bones broken, but have recovered.
I was a member of the CTC (aka Cycling UK), so used their legal team. With all the evidence you have, I doubt if there will be any quibble, but they will try and negotiate the compensation down. The CTC legal team advised me what to do and processed my claim.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

Thanks for this, but for info, I am not a member of CTC.

 

[jefmcg]

Thanks for this, but for info, I am not a member of CTC.

Your case is clear cut. A lawyer will take it on a no-win no-fee basis. The big ones that the cycling organisations use are Slater Gordon and Leigh Day. You can call either to chat with no obligation.

Others here have had experience using then, I think. @vickster and @ianrauk

 

[ianrauk]

Yup Slater and Gordon took on my case, and won. On a no win no fee basis.

However, be warned, if the other party and their solicitor decide to play not nice, your claim can take years to resolve.

 

[ianrauk]

Maz
Give Slater and Gordon a call. Link to their Cycling claims.

ps Good to see you back Maz, bar circumstances of course.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

From Slater & Gordon's website:

https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/unions-federations-and-charities/ctc/faqs/

"It may be possible for your case to be pursued through our Solicitors but this might be on different terms to those offered to Cycling UK members. Please call the helpline on 0844 736 8452 for further advice."

 

[vickster]

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/accident-advice.226114/

As above, focus less on damage to the bike and more any damage to you. Did you get taken to A&E by ambulance?

Good luck, it can be a long haul if you have any ongoing injuries. Pretty much 4 years and counting here

@jefmcg i think Leigh day only take on BC member cases

There other non organisation linked, cycling specialist firms
E.g.
https://www.bottonline.co.uk/road-t...-much-compensation-claim-for-bicycle-accident

However, if you're not injured, they may not be especially interested in pursuing 'just' a claim for property. You might have some legal cover on home insurance that can help though

I seem to recall S&G declining to help a member in here who was not with cUK and wasn't badly hurt (if at all, I can't remember)

 

[Lonestar]

Sorry for your bad luck @Maz

 

[Maz]

Write your view of the incident down. Get your LBS to look at the bike, any decent one will do a full report. Then get yourself recovered - GWS.

Looks like everything's been done right so far. Well, apart from the car driver colliding with you.

Hi, What is the bike shop report for? Do they normally charge?

 

[vickster]

Hi, What is the bike shop report for? Do they normally charge?

They might do unless you have a good relationship with one. You can add the cost to the claim

How are you feeling now? Were you hurt?