Is my solicitor taking the wee-wee?

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PaulSB

Squire
I have had two claims for cycling accidents, I have used Cycling UK for both, I never thought of using using household insurance, 2015 broken shoulder was the most severe injury, it didn't go well as it got infected, so had five ops, the bike and clothing was damaged, I settled for £27,000 within a year.
This latest accident 20th August, fractured skull and nose, various cuts and bruises damaged clothing, bike OK, the driver said it was my fault, my solicitor submitted evidence that it wasn't, I have had a first offer of £50,000 which surprised me and won't be happy until the money is in the bank, Cycling UK has been well worth the membership fee for me, YMMV.

I agree regarding the PI aspect of the claim. The BC solicitors very good and clearly understand cycling and cyclists. I would not have wanted a standard insurer doing this aspect of the work.

However the BC cover for my bike, kit, Wahoo etc. was "market value" that is secondhand value. It cost me a genuine £7500 to replace everything. Possibly Cycling UK offer "new for old" but BC don't. Add to this it could have been 13 months before I received the payment.

On this basis full replacement cost inside four weeks via home insurance is hard to beat.
 

simongt

Guru
Location
Norwich
When I was rear ended in 2018 and broke my leg, I used the Cycle UK recommended solicitors and after the faff of medicals, checks etc., it all went 'according to plan' although it took about a year to sort.
Payout was five figures and the culprit lost his licence.
 

icowden

Guru
Location
Surrey
I have had a first offer of £50,000 which surprised me and won't be happy until the money is in the bank, Cycling UK has been well worth the membership fee for me, YMMV.
Sounds good. The damages part is basically high stakes poker. Each side keeps making counterbids. The danger is in going to Trial because if you are awarded less than the opponent previously offered, you become responsible for all of their costs.

An added part is that your solicitor will not tell you if you should accept the offer, because if you do and then decide it was too low you could sue said solicitor for bad advice - same goes if they say to go to Trial then you don't get an offer and lose money. They will tell you what the likely range is, and what they think you can successfully claim for. They will also advise if an offer is way too low. Ultimately however the Solicitor wants to be paid. Therefore if they are under a "no win, no fee" arrangement, they want a win so they get their fee. Thus it is in their interest to ensure the case is settled properly.
 
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