Accident

[PMJOB]

I'm fairly new to cycling since my childhood. I'm doing the london to Brighton ride so I have been training as such for a while.
On Saturday I was hit by a car on a roundabout. It was his fault as he came stright through a junction and took me out as I was going across a roundabout. I'm not too badly hurt, Isome stitches, maybe a busted nose, but I will be off work a couple of days.
I'm not insured, but my bike is pretty much a right off, glasses and footwear too. Do I have any means of recovery? Should I just give him a ring and tell him the cost or tell him to advise his insurers, can I recover my costs?
I'm not interested in profitting out of it - he was more shook than me. I just want another bike and a new pair of glasses!

 

[TVC]

Were the police involved? do you have his insurance details? Are there witnesses?

You should be able to make a claim against his insurer if there is a case against him, and his insurer should offer you legal support.
If however there was nobody about and it's your word against his after the event, then you may not get anywhere.

 

[Arch]

If you were hurt, then the police should be told.

I'd make it all official. For a start, he might have been shaken up, but he could easily decide to be uncooperative once he's thought about it. Especially when he realises that replacing your bike is more than a £59.99 BSO from Tesco. Plus, a nice hike in his insurance might make him think about being a bit more careful in future.

Be official and dispassionate about it, and if there's a hint of him (or his insurers) being difficult, prepare to engage legal help. There will be plenty of advice on here about that.

Do record as many details as you can now, while you remember it. And log your injuries. Things that seem minor can cause more trouble than you expect.

 

[Arch]

Oh, and Get Well Soon!

 

[colly]

What TVC said. There are some good cycling solicitors around if you do need to make a claim.

The CTC may be able to advise you even if you aren't a member. It's worth joining the CTC even if it's just for their insurance. In another circumstance it might be you who are claimed against. Cover for that is worthwhile.

Edit: Oh, and get well soon

 

[flissh]

Get well soon. Must have been a nasty shock.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

PMJOB and I'm sorry you're not joining us under better circumstances.

I'd second what @Arch says. My cousin was knocked down a few months back (stationary at a junction waiting to turn right & the driver turning in cut the corner) and while it was all "oh, it was my fault, send me the bill" at first, that all changed when the driver had time to think about it and now she is attempting to claim off my cousin for the damage to the car.

Hopefully in your case the driver will be honest and all will be well.

 

[Davidc]

As Colly says try contacting CTC. Not sure if you can join and use the legal representation retrospectively but worth a try.

See if any legal costs section of your household insurance can be used.

As an injury accident you should report it to the police.

 

[ianrauk]

As Colly says try contacting CTC. Not sure if you can join and use the legal representation retrospectively but worth a try.

See if any legal costs section of your household insurance can be used.

As an injury accident you should report it to the police.

You can.

 

[02GF74]

you should discuss making a claim with the driver - depending on the amount, they may want to settle outside of the insurance policy as it will not load their premiums. most driuvers think bikes cost about 100 quid so may not be so cooperative when yiou tell them your carbon framed is worth 4 grand. also if you are injured, depending on the injury, think if it will cause you problems in later life so you may want to claim medical stuff, plus for any time off work.

also if you have been injured, you are I believe, by law required to report theaccident

GWS.

 

[PMJOB]

Thanks for the good wishes and the advice.
The police were involved and came to the scene as an ambulance was called. I was interviewed as was the driver. I think he pretty much admitted liability. Others stopped too and I think gave statements.

 

[EltonFrog]

Nothing much to worry about I would imagine, except to make sure you are fit and well, the rest of it will sort itself out I expect. If you are worried there lots specialist cycling injury NWNF lawyers out there to help.

 

[TVC]

Thanks for the good wishes and the advice.
The police were involved and came to the scene as an ambulance was called. I was interviewed as was the driver. I think he pretty much admitted liability. Others stopped too and I think gave statements.

Good news it was officially recorded. Get onto his insurance company. When I got trashed by a car the drivers insurer offered me legal support (it helpsvthem control their costs) see what happens, but expect it to take up yo a year to settle.

 

[Globalti]

Don't forget to claim an extra £5000 for whiplash, the insurance company will expect you to.

(Disclaimer: This is a joke)

 

[PMJOB]

Good news it was officially recorded. Get onto his insurance company. When I got trashed by a car the drivers insurer offered me legal support (it helpsvthem control their costs) see what happens, but expect it to take up yo a year to settle.

Did you get the full cost of your bike back through the insurance claim?

I think the guy just wants to pay for the cost of replacing mine (and my glasses), but I'm a little concerned about the whole thing.