Collision in Cardiff

[Rochenko]

About 3.20 this afternoon, I was riding SW along Dalton St in Cardiff (wearing my hi-vis invisibility jacket) when my bike was hit by a right-turning car. I was level with Minny St (on left in pic) when the driver made his turn, evidently without looking at all (the road was entirely clear, he had about 50 yards in which to see me, and the sun was at the time behind him, and behind clouds). Luckily I managed an emergency stop - he still managed to hit my front wheel, though at the same moment I jumped off.

So, I'm absolutely fine. The front wheel's taco'd, and there's likely other damage. I got his name, mobile number and rego. Asked him for insurance details, but he claimed not to have them handy - and no witnesses. Luckily this happened round the corner from the LBS, so I took the bike in to get a full check and damage assessment. It was also round the corner from the local cop shop, so i popped in there to report it - the desk officer told me I didn't need to, as there were no injuries.

Having had the chance to check his reg on AskMID, I see he's not actually insured. He's already offered to pay for damage (and I rebuffed him, saying that we'd let the insurers sort it).

Any advice on what to do next? And was the copper correct?

 

[jowwy]

No the copper was not correct - he should have taken all the details of the incident and then interviewed the driver - they would have then found out he wasn't insured and done him for dangerous driving and driving whilst uninsured.

he would have got a six month ban and then that would have been another idiot driver removed from the roads.

 

[CopperCyclist]

No, he was correct on the information available at the time. It was no injury, and the RTA was complied with as he gave you his name and address. There's no requirement in law to provide insurance details until an injury is involved.

On the further information you have found regarding the lack of insurance you can go back and they should raise an RTC to be investigated on the grounds of the lack of insurance. He may however still turn out to be insured via a traders policy. This is what I would do.

You also have the option to let him pay for the damage and not go to the police, assuming he is covered via a traders policy. Whilst this may be the quickest route to your repair (if he pays as promised) I probably wouldn't do this one personally, as I'd want to be absolutely sure that he was driving with insurance.

If you choose to go to the police, you can always tell them that the insurance is your main concern, and you are happy for no formal prosecution if he is insured as long as the damage to your bike is settled.

 

[addictfreak]

No the copper was not correct - he should have taken all the details of the incident and then interviewed the driver - they would have then found out he wasn't insured and done him for dangerous driving and driving whilst uninsured.

he would have got a six month ban and then that would have been another idiot driver removed from the roads.

You must have good courts in South Wales! I think the reality would be a fine for no insurance and 3/6 points.

My mate was injured in a similar accident (but driver was insured), she got the option to do a course which she took.

 

[fossyant]

You can ask that the station 'note' the accident.

 

[Banjo]

If the guy is uninsured I fear that the chances of you getting your bike repairs paid for are pretty low. give him the opportunity to pay for your wheel if he coughs up terrific.... Wether you pursue it through the police is up to you. Just consider if he has your name and address is it worth it.

 

[growingvegetables]

Just consider if he has your name and address is it worth it.

Ummmm - what's that about?

 

[Number14]

Ummmm - what's that about?

I believe it's about the presumption that anyone who drives a vehicle and has your details is an axe-wielding homicidal maniac who will immediately turn violent and physically destroy everything you own but not until they have inflicted severe pain/ injury/disfigurement on you and your family.

It's also known as bury your head in the sand because; I can't be bothered, he probably won't do it again, the police don't care and won't do anything, it's acceptable behaviour from a motorist, etc ...

 

[Banjo]

I believe it's about the presumption that anyone who drives a vehicle and has your details is an axe-wielding homicidal maniac who will immediately turn violent and physically destroy everything you own but not until they have inflicted severe pain/ injury/disfigurement on you and your family.

It's also known as bury your head in the sand because; I can't be bothered, he probably won't do it again, the police don't care and won't do anything, it's acceptable behaviour from a motorist, etc ...

Your the one making assumptions here not me. If the OPs priority is to get his money back and theres no insurance then that is going to rely on the guy handing it over willingly. As long as police arent involved he may consider it wise to keep the OP happy. Once police are involved he has no incentive and nothing further to lose.

I dont know if the driver is an 80 year old vicar or a 30 year old drug dealers minder so thought some element of caution might be considered.Of course I am not as brave as some people claim to be.