Knocked off the bike

[redcard]

So, got knocked off the bike on the way to work on Friday morning. This roundabout here: https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=e...pose=55.84814865,-4.31952079,85.44,0,27.875,0

I was heading west to east and got hit when I was just about parallel with the furthermost lane on Helen Street. So I was about 3/4s of the way round when some young guy pulled out, and I believe he was going through the roundabout and turning right. Luckily it was 20 yards from the police station!

I think the frame is a write-off, but hopefully be able to retrieve some parts - drivetrain was all new, as was 1 shifter. I've broken my clavicle, and got some bruising down my arm and shoulder. I was knocked out for minute or two, and looks like I'll be off work for 1-2 weeks and off the bike for 6-8 weeks. I recall the driver admitting liability, so hopefully he won't change his story and any claim will be straightforward. Need to phone the police this afternoon for an update.

Any words of advice regarding a claim? I only want my bike replaced (£1K-£1.5K) and loss of earnings. I imagine this will be fairly straightforward. Should I go no win no fee?

 

[swee'pea99]

Step one: google 'citizens advice bureau' and arrange to visit your nearest one.

 

[NicciT]

How horrible for you but glad to hear nothing else was broken. You were very lucky! Good luck with the insurance.

 

[fossyant]

CTC or BC solicitors.

Not being funny but shoulders are not easy to fix and can be problematic. You might have been lucky with a break as this relieved the stresses on ligaments.

Or any other cycling solicitor !

 

[benb]

Oof. GWS.

 

[Arch]

I believe people often recommend that you keep copious records - photos of injuries and bruising, and the bike, perhaps a diary of pain and extra expenses (eg bus or taxi fares).

I hope you mend quickly!

 

[Kiwiavenger]

get well soon!

 

[Wobblers]

You'll probably find it less stressful to go through solicitors - I'd contact someone like Russell, Jones and Walker (the CTC solicitors) or another firm specialising in this type of incident. Keep receipts of all expenses incurred as a result of this, and be aware that some injuries take time before they become apparent, though hopefully that won't apply in your case.

Other than that, GWS!

 

[postman]

All the best to you.

 

[Rasmus]

Oh noes! Good news that the driver appears to be admitting liability.

GWS!

 

[addictfreak]

I admire your stance of only wanting to claim for your bike and loss of earnings. But you have been genuinely injured through no fault of your own. I would say that you are perfectly entitled to compensation for injuries received.

 

[simon.r]

You don't have to go through a solicitor. If you contact the driver's insurance company you may decide that you're comfortable dealing with them directly. Also, as said above, I would claim for injuries received. You may also want to consider claiming for damage to clothing and other items.

I did this last year after being knocked off and felt that I was treated fairly by the insurance company. My claim for physical damage to a mobile phone (damaged in my pocket) was settled very quickly. In my case my bike wasn't damaged enough to claim for, but I received £1000+ for the injuries I sustained (cuts and bruises, on crutches for a week or two).

 

[growingvegetables]

Eeek - GWS

 

[Arjimlad]

Sorry to see this - hope you heal quickly and get a nice new bike out of it !

Seconded the advice about getting proper legal representation. Those sort of injuries can be less than straightforwards. My brother-in-law broke his shoulder blade falling down some stairs trying to swat a fly and it was very complicated to mend. Sadly the fly was uninsured..
Anway, GWS and I hope you can get back on a bike soon.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Oh Red Card, sorry to read this!
GWS!