Advice on what to do after serious accident

[Happy_Days]

I’d welcome advice on what to do following an accident.

I won’t go into details, in case it goes to court. But a high-level summary is that I was hit by a car passing me too closely at speed. It was a bad accident, and I was rushed to hospital.

The police are investigating, but I’m wondering what happens next, and what I should do. Any advice?

 

[Webbo2]

I’d welcome advice on what to do following an accident.

I won’t go into details, in case it goes to court. But a high-level summary is that I was hit by a car passing me too closely at speed. It was a bad accident, and I was rushed to hospital.

The police are investigating, but I’m wondering what happens next, and what I should do. Any advice?

Have you got insurance or are you a member of UK cycling or British cycling. If so get in touch with them for advice or do you have legal cover on your household insurance. Or you could look for a no win no fee solicitor who deals with cycling stuff.

 

[classic33]

See the post Accident Advice in this and the Commuting sections. It covers the basics.
Then, if it's not mentioned, see @Vikeonabike's Statement Template thread on how to word, and what should be included in any statement letter.

Hope you're feeling better now, and it'll not put you off cycling.

 

[fossyant]

Solicitor, etc, via house insurance or like many of us British Cycling Membership and other Cycling Memberships or you can go direct - Leigh Day act for British Cycling members. Used them about 3 times. Serious stuff like a broken spine.

 

[Gillstay]

Mr Tim Woolford of Osbourne Morris and Morgan helped me when my legal aid on my insurance proved to be hopeless.

 

[Sharky]

I was with cycling UK when I had an incident.

They negotiated a claim for me which I accepted, covering damage to bike and broken colorbone.

If all the evidence is in your favour, you will in due course be offered a settlement, whether you have legal support or not. Any challenges, then legal support is advisable.

Good that you are ok and speedy return to riding a bike.

 

[Emanresu]

Apart from the financial effects which insurance will cover, do you have an issue with the motorist that needs to be dealt with by a court - to save them harming other cyclists?

 

[annedonnelly]

Keep notes on costs incurred because of the accident - if you have to pay for taxis for trips to hospital, any private medical care, etc - to include in any financial claim.

 

[PaulSB]

I’d welcome advice on what to do following an accident.

I won’t go into details, in case it goes to court. But a high-level summary is that I was hit by a car passing me too closely at speed. It was a bad accident, and I was rushed to hospital.

The police are investigating, but I’m wondering what happens next, and what I should do. Any advice?

This is exactly what happened to me except I was hit by the trailer the tractor driver was towing. It was at about 35mph. I'm a British Cycling member and passed everything to them. I then discovered the BC insurance only covers the market (second hand) value of the bike, kit etc. so I claimed this as new for old on my home insurance. Leigh Day, BC solicitors, handled the personal injury claim and were very good though I do think undervalued the claim. As I'm 71 I didn't have much interest in a protracted battle for a higher settlement. I asked Leigh Day to go for 50% more than they suggested and we got it inside a week!!! Which proves my point re the LD valuation.

Much depends on your injuries and losses but I would strongly advise getting legal representation. If you're not covered by BC, or similar, and/or household insurance then a claims management company is your best bet. My LBS recommended the company below. I did call them but I wasn't impressed, if I hadn't had BC I would have gone with these people purely because I trust my LBS. It's no win/no fee but if you win the fee will be 30-35%. One of the big plusses for Leigh Day is they understand cyclists!

https://c-ams.co.uk/

From RTC to final settlement took 15 months, my insurance company paid out in full in ten days. If you have suffered significant injury and can afford to do so I would recommend going private for physio etc. The difference between private and the NHS is chalk and cheese.

 

[Venod]

Cycling UK did an excellent job for me, the guy who knocked me off said it was my fault, but evidence from my Garmin together with eye witness statements proved him wrong.
The police appealed for witnesses but didn't get any, I asked on the Facebook page of the town where the accident happened and got two, and a very useful description of what happened.
Something to consider.

 

[ianrauk]

Some great advice here from the esteemed CycleChat hive so good luck with your claim.
But as @PaulSB has pointed out. Be prepared for what may be a long and drawn out battle.
My claim (police car wiped me out) took nearly 18 months, others like @fossyant took similar amount of time.

 

[fossyant]

My spinal one took nearly four years to settle.

 

[Arjimlad]

Sorry to hear this. I hope you heal well and have reliable witnesses/evidence, and that liability is admitted.

 

[PaulSB]

One quick point that I forgot. If you have witnesses do not talk to them other than to gather information. Keep it strictly to this.

My witness was incredible. He able to give a 100% accurate description of what happened - I didn't know what had gone on. He overheard me giving my address to the police, realising it was only 1½ miles from my house he drove to the village, knocked on the door and told my wife what had happened.

I had to wait 15 months before I could do more than simply send him a thank you text.

 

[Venod]

Some great advice here from the esteemed CycleChat hive so good luck with your claim.
But as @PaulSB has pointed out. Be prepared for what may be a long and drawn out battle.
My claim (police car wiped me out) took nearly 18 months, others like @fossyant took similar amount of time.

I expected a long drawn out case, but to my surprise it was settled and I was payed out less than a month after my accident.
I think this was an exception rather than the norm.