Accident causing broken front wheel - what do I do?

[Pale Rider]

but there are a frighteningly large number of road users who seem unable to control themselves in such a situation or even when simply offended by a third party’s behaviour.

Sad but true.

Lots of people seem to operate on a knife edge of civility where it takes next to nothing, let alone a perceived slight, for them to descend into swearing, threats, and general loss of temper.

 

[vickster]

It is of no concern to the cyclist whether the driver has a licence or not - that's up to the police or her insurer.

The OP seems to have focused on her licence, perhaps that's more of a thing in Australia which, given the OP's screen name, he is presumably from.

What the cyclist requires as a minimum is the registration mark of the vehicle, and preferably the name of the insurance company.

I try to carry a pen and a scrap of paper in my trunk bag, even if it's only the Greggs bag for my sausage roll, on which to write such basic details.

If the roadside exchange proceeds in a gentlemanly manner, there should be an exchange of details, thus it is also reasonable for the driver to ask for the cyclist's name and address.

@vickster has a point about being a woman living alone, to which there is no easy answer.

Were she to hit me in my car, I would like to think my conduct at the roadside would at least give her the confidence to provide me with a name and email address or phone number.

Going back to the OP, I agree he doesn't have much of a claim, so having reported the matter to the police, his best bet is to hope he hears no more about it.

Indeed, I’d have no issue with providing name and mobile # (and insurer name if I were driving). I see no need for me to provide my home address or driving licence to a 3rd party however. My insurer has those details

 

[straas]

It isn't *always* the fault of the person who goes into the back of another vehicle - it depends.

It's quite possible for someone to overtake and immediately stop, an unforeseeable event for the person who crashes into the back of the vehicle which is now in front.

 

[Pale Rider]

It isn't *always* the fault of the person who goes into the back of another vehicle - it depends.

It's quite possible for someone to overtake and immediately stop, an unforeseeable event for the person who crashes into the back of the vehicle which is now in front.

Quite so.

Parking is prohibited on a Clearway, to generalise, a country road.

If someone stops on one of those, it is likely their fault if you crash into the back of them.

 

[Chris S]

Crash for cash scammers overtake people and then slam on their brakes. Hopefully the driver won't try to sue you.

 

[vickster]

Crash for cash scammers overtake people and then slam on their brakes. Hopefully the driver won't try to sue you.

On the basis of their own dashcam / rear view video footage?
Surely if you wanted to do that it would make more sense to do to a car not a bike as a) it'll make a bigger mess and b) a car is rather more likely to be insured than a cyclist (and thus you've more chance of a payout!)

 

[steve292]

Incorrect. The driver needs only to give their name and address to anyone involved, and any person having reasonable cause to request it. In addition, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle if the driver is not themselves the owner.

If there is an injury it must be reported at the earliest possible opportunity in person to a constable, and in any case within 24 hours. If there is no injury but their is damage it must be reported in person to a constable as soon as is reasonably practicable, and in any case within 24 hours. Most police forces will accept you reporting it in person to an enquiry desk civilian at a police station, but reporting by phone will not be accepted as having lawfully discharging this duty.

As per the OPs incident, I'm a little confused. They overtook you, pulled back in. Had the driver not yet reached the corner when the incident occurred, or had they negotiated the corner and only then stopped?

I stand corrected. I know when I was hit thats what I was told. I remember now that I had to go and report to the police desk in the town hall. But I was injured. It's 48 hrs to inforn the insurance company I believe.

 

[Chris S]

On the basis of their own dashcam / rear view video footage?
Surely if you wanted to do that it would make more sense to do to a car not a bike as a) it'll make a bigger mess and b) a car is rather more likely to be insured than a cyclist (and thus you've more chance of a payout!)

I wasn't claiming that the driver was a crash for cash scammer, only that they cyclist would probably be held liable for any damage.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I'm pretty sure that showing your driver's licence and giving insurance details are not a legal obligation immediately after an RTA. I think you only have to give your contact details, and inform the police if somebody has been hurt.

You have to present in person at a police station within 24 hours (if someone was injured) if you refuse to exchange details at the scene.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

the police only need the reg of the car. even if the driver gives a false name (happened to me) they’ll still catch them, depending on motivation and resource i suppose...

 

[glasgowcyclist]

the police only need the reg of the car. even if the driver gives a false name (happened to me) they’ll still catch them, depending on motivation and resource i suppose...

Not always. There are cases where the keeper or other person refuses to identify the driver, or procedural cock ups by the police/Crown/PF result in the driver being acquitted. Always best (where possible) to get footage of the culprit in the driving seat and clearly identifiable.

 

[classic33]

the police only need the reg of the car. even if the driver gives a false name (happened to me) they’ll still catch them, depending on motivation and resource i suppose...

Nothing to stop the OP from applying for the keeper details.

I found out the name of the driver who hit me just before it was due to go to court. Registered keeper refused for over three years to confirm who was driving at the time.