Got hit by a car and feeling very sorry for myself.

[Spiderweb]

Unfortunately I was hit from behind whilst cycling on Sunday early evening. 46 miles in to my ride and less than a mile from home then BANG and I was on the deck. A car was coming in the opposite direction and stopped immediately, the couple came running over took charge of the situation, called 999 and were so very kind. Meanwhile the driver that had hit me stopped, turned around and came back. The lady from the witness car started shouting at her saying ‘what the f*** do you think you were doing, you’re supposed to give them 1.5 meters’ etc. She started crying saying she’d not seen me, I did have a really bright daytime running rear light flashing away.

Anyway a couple of police cars and a van came really quickly, soon followed by the ambulance. They were all so professional, kind and helpful. They even took my bike home for me whilst I headed off in the ambulance to York hospital.

I left York hospital at 4am with cuts, grazes and bruising and a pot on my right arm.

The police have been in touch with a crime number and they required an update of my injuries. They are calling me again on Saturday.

The NHS have been in touch and I have a follow up appointment at the trauma & orthopaedic unit on the 17th.

I just would really like some advice, what’s the best procedure for making a claim for my losses.
Do I need a solicitor or can I just contact the driver’s insurance company?

My helmet is damaged, my favourite pair of bib shorts are ripped and the medics cut the sleeve of my cycling top so they could see the injury to my upper arm. I’m also off work (I’ve only ever had 2 days off sick in my working life, I’m 60 years old!). I will be on full sick pay. I work for Heineken and my job is pretty physical, I presume my arm will heal but what if I have some long lasting damage?

Any advice would be really appreciated, I’m sure there are many that have been through a similar situation that may be able to help.

I’m feeling really sorry for myself but also feel very lucky.
Please wear a helmet everyone.

 

[Drago]

Holy Trump! Thank heavens youre alive to tell the tale, thank heavens for decent citizens, and thank heavens the myopic offender at least had the gumption to stop.

Are you in CUK or BC?

 

[Spiderweb]

Holy Trump! Thank heavens youre alive to tell the tale, thank heavens for decent citizens, and thank heavens the myopic offender at least had the gumption to stop.

Are you in CUK or BC?

Unfortunately I’m not in either. I cancelled my BC membership some time ago.

 

[vickster]

Sorry to hear
There's some good advice in here
https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/accident-advice.226114/
There are a number of solicitors that offer no win no fee for cycling accidents
Eg LCC use Osbornes
https://osborneslaw.com/personal-injury-solicitors/cycling-accident-claims/

 

[Drago]

Dealing direct yourself may be quicker, but then insurers may be more likely to try and grift you.

A solicitor may take longer, but will be better placed to argue your corner with the less substantive numbers surrounding any injuries, etc.

So each has pros and cons.

I've no experience from that side of it myself, but hopefully a few of our number can shine more light there.

Sound like she close passed you and cacked it up? If I were the bobby id be pushing for an injury by careless driving charge, which doesn't need to be authorised by the CPS. A careless at the very least. Id be very disappointed if she got some kind of soft punishment like an FPN and a course.

Best of luck.

If you've not already done so, write down everything now about the incident jn as much detail as you can recall, including weather, traffic conditions, lighting levels, quality of the road surface, etc.

 

[Webbo2]

I think Leigh and Day who are British Cyclings solicitor might do no win no fee. If not I would see if you have legal advice on your household insurance or union at work might help.

 

[vickster]

One thing I would say based on my own experience is do not settle until you are fully healed (or are as healed as you'll ever be) especially if you may need more physio funded etc
Any solicitor will advise

 

[vickster]

I think Leigh and Day who are British Cyclings solicitor might do no win no fee. If not I would see if you have legal advice on your household insurance or union at work might help.

Or if you have an EAP with legal advice through work or possibly through private HC if you have

 

[Spiderweb]

Dealing direct yourself may be quicker, but then insurers may be more likely to try and grift you.

A solicitor may take longer, but will be better placed to argue your corner with the less substantive numbers surrounding any injuries, etc.

So each has pros and cons.

I've no experience from that side of it myself, but hopefully a few of our number can shine more light there.

Sound like she close passed you and cacked it up? If I were the bobby id be pushing for an injury by careless driving charge, which doesn't need to be authorised by the CPS. A careless at the very least. Id be very disappointed if she got some kind of soft punishment like an FPN and a course.

Best of luck.

Advice from an ex Bobbie is much appreciated Drago, thank you.
The policeman that took my bike home said that they plan to prosecute the driver

 

[Dave7]

I am of no use but offer my sympathies.

 

[Spiderweb]

Or if you have an EAP with legal advice through work or possibly through private HC if you have

Thank you Vickster for your advice. I have no private health care and forgive me, what’s EAP?

 

[Ming the Merciless]

The important question no one has asked. Is your bike okay?

 

[Drago]

Advice from an ex Bobbie is much appreciated Drago, thank you.
The policeman that took my bike home said that they plan to prosecute the driver

No problem. Just glad youre still with us and mostly intact.

 

[Spiderweb]

The important question no one has asked. Is your bike okay?

That was the first thing I asked the policeman when he was moving my bike off the road!
There isn’t a scuff on it, not even the bar tape or the end of the pedal!
I was clipped in and presume the bike stayed on top of me.
I don’t know if there was any damage to the side of the Peugeot 3008 that hit me but the whole wing mirror was on the deck in front of me.

 

[biggs682]

@Spiderweb from personal experience keep it all documented and photographed, even the slightest scratch on you and the bike.

I can't remember who I went through but will try and dig it out and let you know.

Hang in there and get back on the bike once you are able