Hit by a car this morning - advice?

[Tubbs]

Hi this is my first post, but been reading the forum regularly since starting commuting to work on my bike a couple of months ago. For the most part my commute is fairly uneventful (save for the odd car/bus/truck passing too closely) and I've been really enjoying it.

This morning however I was hit by a car which was coming out of a side street and onto a dual carriageway. I saw the car coming but it looked to be slowing down. I was in the middle of the lane as the bus/cycle lane I was in had just ended and I prefer to stay in the middle of that lane because I am more visible to traffic (or so I thought!).

Just as I was about to pass the car the driver accelerated and drove straight into me. I was knocked off into the road. The driver stopped, couldn't apologise enough - she didn't see me. I was wearing a bright yellow hi-viz jacket and I had flashing lights! Her windows were still misted up, she said. I told her she was lucky I wasn't a bus, driving out into a busy main road when she couldn't see out of her window. I shouted some horrible things at her, she was very nice and obviously very sorry but I was a bit hysterical and couldn't stop crying. I took her details and gave her my number. She then left.

I wasn't really sure what to do then, nothing seemed to be broken - apart from my drinks holder and my gears made a funny clicking sound when I turned the pedals, plus my front wheel looked a bit buckled.... I was in a bit of pain though, and I was too shaken up to ride my bike, so I walked over to the police station who were great - they took all the details and told me to go to hospital as I had hit my head. Got checked out, as I suspected just cuts and bruises to my legs and left arm, sore back and head, and my wrists are hurting - but no broken bones or concussion.

So all in all I was pretty lucky and glad it was nothing worse, but what now? I know I'll have to get my bike checked out properly but the police and hospital told me I should put a claim for the damage to my bike and of course myself. I wouldn't know where to start though, what should I do? Do I contact a solicitor or wait until the police have got back in touch? Should I phone the woman?

 

[PBancroft]

Get in touch with the CTC - it doesn't matter if you're not a member - they will be able to help.

 

[sheddy]

Russell Jones & Walker - CTC solictors
http://www.rjw.co.uk/ctc

 

[mr Mag00]

as above plus contact details, witnesses? and do not contact her.

 

[gavintc]

I understand that you can join CTC / BC after the event and still get the benefits. But, I would do it now, not in a couple of days time.

 

[Tynan]

yes, join ctc first and then RJW will take it from there, they're good, takes time to get a settlement but it'll happen

Write down like now every single thing that happened, especially pain, injuries, anything at all plus damage to your bike, get the bike shop to put into writing damage to the bike, tell them it's was a no fault accident, they'll go to town, don't be shy maxing a claim becasue the insurance company wil cut it back anyway

the best bit is you seem to have come off fairly unscathed

get the wheels into motion and it'll run it's course then almost on its own

settlement in about 9 months I think

 

[Tubbs]

Thanks all - I have genuinely been meaning to join CTC, I just hadn't got round to it. Will do it now and get things going.

I don't think there were any witnesses, a few bikes and cars went past but no one stopped. She seemed like a decent person and did admit it was all her fault at the time and said she would contact her insurance company when she got home.

 

[magnatom]

Sorry to hear about what happened.

All the above information is good.

Also be aware that injuries can take a few days to appear. If you notice any new pain or discomfort get to the doctor and get it recorded.

You really have to make a claim against this driver. Not for the sake of making a few quid, but to drive the message home to her about how serious the incident was. Having steamed windows is NO excuse for knocking someone down.

 

[mr Mag00]

oh and welcome too

 

[ttcycle]

Sorry to hear you had a run in this morning. Hope you are for the most part ok. Take it easy and see how you go over the next few days and get your bike fully checked out as others have said.

I found this link that covers in detail civil claims:

good luck and again welcome to CC

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread4213.html

 

[fossyant]

Take bike to your local LBS for a quote. If you had a helmet on, you'll need a new one.

Hospital now has visit on records. Usual ibuprofen and the like. Contact solicitor PDQ - via CTC or BC.

Write down what happened, and photograph damage to bike and you (bruises). Maybe photograph scene for future reference (helps when solicitor's aren't local).

Her problem was driving a misted up car - police may not be too happy - make sure that goes down in your reports, and that she admitted that, as story's change.

Keep an eye on injuries, my shoulder issues didn't show up for a couple of weeks.

You'll most likely have to pay for repairs before you get any settlement. House content's insurance may just help out here in the interim. Don't forget damage for clothing if there was any.

Settlement times...a long long time....I'm over 9 months on mine now

Get back on that bike.

PS note you are a 'local' - where abouts was the accident ?

 

[Wheeledweenie]

What an awful experience, I dunno where to go for help but the guys on here are generally spot on when it comes to advice about these things. Hope it won't put you off for too long and that the driver's true to her word and pays up for any repairs.

 

[jonny jeez]

What an awful experience, I dunno where to go for help but the guys on here are generally spot on when it comes to advice about these things. Hope it won't put you off for too long and that the driver's true to her word and pays up for any repairs.

Sorry to appear negative...But she wont.

Usually, in the misdt of panic and confusion people say what they really think as their gaurds are down.

As soon as the driver has a chance to reflect, calm down and also talk to her miriad of bike hating pals, she'll be blameing you for the entire thing.

If you intend to take it further, then do as all the above have suggested and be sure to record everything in the smallest of detail- photo's- times- road and weather conditions-traffic conditions everything.

If on the other hand you dont want to pursue it, then change your helmet, sort out the rattly gears and check your frame for small cracks etc (they can appear over time after a collision)

but most important of all...get back on your bike, or you never will.

Best of luck, sorry to hear this has happend so soon into your experiences of commuting, and welcome to the forum. shame we all met under such circumstances.

PS, she probably will stick to her word...but best to assume she wont...there, I dont feel like such a grouch now

Jonny

 

[Tubbs]

I'm from t'other side - near Bolton - it happened in Salford on my way in to Manchester.

I sincerely hope she doesn't change her story. She seemed like a nice woman so I don't think she will, but you never know I suppose.

New injuries are appearing by the hour - my neck is stiffening up and a massive bruise has appeared on my calf! God knows what I'll feel like tomorrow.

I've given my details to CTC now so they are going to pass it onto their solicitors.

Thanks for the welcome anyway - way to make an entrance eh?!

 

[D-Rider]

She might pay up you know. I had a minor bump in the car once where the other (at fault) driver talked me into letting him pay for repairs rather than go through insurance. I regretted it almost at once but, in fairness, he did come up with the cash.... Made me get three quotes and generally managed to make me feel like *he* was the one doing the favour though.