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

[Webbo2]

I got hit by a car and just suffered a few grazes, torn clothing and it turned out my bike was wrecked. Carbon fibre frame and the impact caused the bottom bracket shell to be come loose in the frame. I used a solicitor who claimed for a new bike, clothing and also got me to have a medical review at which the doctor asked me did the scaring on my elbow stop me wearing short sleeved shirts😱
I got a new bike out of the claim plus monies for clothing and my discomfort.
My solicitor went back to drivers insurer several times to say they were not offering enough. I would use a solicitor every time.

 

[Spiderweb]

@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

Thank you, I have plenty of photographs of my arm pre pot, cuts and grazes. I did bin my cycling top at the hospital but do have my damaged bibs and helmet.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

There isn’t a scuff on it

I would still get a bike shop to check it over. Let them know it is post being hit. Frame may be twisted, derailleur hanger bent, other damage that won’t become apparent until the bike is ridden.

Does sound like they hit your elbow with wing mirror and at speed. No way they slowed down if wing mirror ripped off.

 

[biggs682]

Thank you, I have plenty of photographs of my arm pre pot, cuts and grazes. I did bin my cycling top at the hospital but do have my damaged bibs and helmet.

This is who I went (cams) with they were ok it was just a bit stressful

View attachment 645594
Pick this up at LBS this morning they highly recommend them

And deffo get bike checked over

 

[ivegotabike]

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.

Sorry to hear about this, which happened on roads that I expect I ride on too.

I hope you heal fast and well.

You absolutely should enagage a solicitor to assist with your claim. Others have mentioned the main ones already.

Be sure to include the treatment you need to recover properly long term - if paying for, say physio or scans get you on the mend quicker, that should all be on the insurer. You should not be months on a waiting list, or out of pocket, for the treatment of injuries caused by a dodgy driver.

Do get your bike properly checked over - the bike shop can charge for their inspection work and that is paid by the insurer too.

 

[classic33]

There's not much I can add other than to say keep an eye on sore bits that hurt now, and those parts that will make themselves known as other parts ease.

Good to know you're okay though.

 

[lazybloke]

Sorry to hear about it, @Spiderweb. I dont have any advice that hasn't been said already, but i do want to wish you all the best for your recovery.
It's the psychological impact as much as the physical. Confidence can take a serious knock.

Hope you're back on your wheels again soon!

 

[gbb]

You certainly can deal with their insurance company yourself, whether its advisable in every circumstance, who knows ?
My experience, Incident with a bus driver, bike damaged, no injuries.
Driver denied responsibility, taken to court, found guilty.
I had already indicated to his insurance i would consider pursuing a claim directly, inferring it would be advantageous to them, no expensive second parties costs etc.
They wouldnt play ball particually (unsurprisingly) but once convicted, they made a lowish offer, rebutted by me, they came back to with the cost of a new bike, accepted.

Once injuries are involved i think I would approach it differently...officially.

Good luck and gws...

 

[fossyant]

Ouch. GWS. What this lot have said. Happened to me a few times. Leigh Day are good.

 

[farfromtheland]

Best wishes. Use a solicitor if you can - this is an insurance company you're dealing with.

 

[sevenfourate]

Wow. There’s nothing I can add.

Other that wishing you well, am glad to hear you’ve pretty much come out of this trauma free it appears - and hoping that EVERYTHING ongoing goes in your favour.

Stay safe !

 

[oxoman]

Ouch, glad you're relatively ok. As others have said use a solicitor. Are you in a union at work, quite often they provide legal cover. Claim for everything you can.

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

WOW - sympathy and best wishes

as said before - get you bike checked and make sur you claim any expense
and if it is an LBS tell them it is due to the accident - you can claim back what they charge!

Also - make sure your work knows the reason - they may be able to claim your salary for the days you are off from the driver's insurance

and take it easy - getting better takes time so don;t rush it

 

[Spiderweb]

Ouch, glad you're relatively ok. As others have said use a solicitor. Are you in a union at work, quite often they provide legal cover. Claim for everything you can.

I’ve been working for Heineken for 18 months now, from day one my team moan about the Union, particularly the relatively new rep so I opted out, never joined!

 

[teeonethousand]

I am glad you are here to tell the tale. It was good that you were supported by nice people..BUT...IMHO you cannot afford to be nice or accomodating in your claim. insurance companies are not nice and you need a warrior on your side IE a good solicitor used to this sort of thing.

Also..as someone up-thread already said don't ignore the psycologal injuries...you deserve to be compensated for that as well.

All the best