PaulSB
Legendary Member
I've been riding for nearly 20 years now and last night had my first accident so I count myself fortunate. Plus I only have a heavily bruised right hand so under the circumstances I'm doubly fortunate. I could do with hearing of other people's experience in this area as it looks like the bike is a write-off.
I was on the main road going down a short steep hill which has a mini roundabout at the bottom and then an immediate climb. The roundabout has three exits only, the two for the main road and one on my left for the pub car park. You can see it all now!!!! At full tilt this is a 30mph downhill. I was probably doing 15mph as I entered the roundabout.
I had two cars in front of me and I saw a car approaching the roundabout from car park exit - my left. He stopped then started to move again before stopping quickly. Sensing danger I braked as I expected the cars ahead of me to stop or brake quickly. The two cars went through the roundabout, I stopped braking about 10 metres from the roundabout, as I entered the roundabout the car on my left turned right on the RA. I had a choice of a head on or turning hard right and broadsiding him. I was half successful and hit the leading driver's door pillar at about 45 degrees, smashed his wing mirror off, dented the driver's door and landed on the bonnet before slithering gracefully to the ground. The accident was seen by perhaps 20-30 people drinking outside the pub. His vehicle was fully on the RA when I hit it.
It was 7.45pm, dry, clear and brightish. The driver says he didn't see me. I think the broadside was a good decision! I think head on would have meant an over the top job. Spent 4 hours in casualty which isn't great on Friday night.
Got the bike back this morning and took it to my LBS. It's a Monoc frame with carbon forks, seat post. The LBS say the forks must be replaced, the front and rear mech is totalled, brake levers messed up but perhaps OK (LBS advise replacement), front wheel looks to be damaged, left handle-bar drop looks bent. The crank is making an awful noise! The frame is slightly out. My LBS first reaction is it may be an economic write-off. Ian and Mark will strip it right down before deciding. I think Monoc have gone out of business and this could increase the chances of a write-off.
The big question is this. I shall be claiming from this guy, don't yet if it will be his insurance or his own pocket. Any advice out there on how best to present my case etc. .
I was on the main road going down a short steep hill which has a mini roundabout at the bottom and then an immediate climb. The roundabout has three exits only, the two for the main road and one on my left for the pub car park. You can see it all now!!!! At full tilt this is a 30mph downhill. I was probably doing 15mph as I entered the roundabout.
I had two cars in front of me and I saw a car approaching the roundabout from car park exit - my left. He stopped then started to move again before stopping quickly. Sensing danger I braked as I expected the cars ahead of me to stop or brake quickly. The two cars went through the roundabout, I stopped braking about 10 metres from the roundabout, as I entered the roundabout the car on my left turned right on the RA. I had a choice of a head on or turning hard right and broadsiding him. I was half successful and hit the leading driver's door pillar at about 45 degrees, smashed his wing mirror off, dented the driver's door and landed on the bonnet before slithering gracefully to the ground. The accident was seen by perhaps 20-30 people drinking outside the pub. His vehicle was fully on the RA when I hit it.
It was 7.45pm, dry, clear and brightish. The driver says he didn't see me. I think the broadside was a good decision! I think head on would have meant an over the top job. Spent 4 hours in casualty which isn't great on Friday night.
Got the bike back this morning and took it to my LBS. It's a Monoc frame with carbon forks, seat post. The LBS say the forks must be replaced, the front and rear mech is totalled, brake levers messed up but perhaps OK (LBS advise replacement), front wheel looks to be damaged, left handle-bar drop looks bent. The crank is making an awful noise! The frame is slightly out. My LBS first reaction is it may be an economic write-off. Ian and Mark will strip it right down before deciding. I think Monoc have gone out of business and this could increase the chances of a write-off.
The big question is this. I shall be claiming from this guy, don't yet if it will be his insurance or his own pocket. Any advice out there on how best to present my case etc. .
