Knocked off the bike

[Pat "5mph"]

Doing OK, Pat. Pains have decreased the last couple of days, but still struggle to get dressed properly, knee is a bit stiff but most of the pain has gone. Probably back to work next week.

Glad to hear it, RedCard!
Hope this won't put you off cycling, crashing is always a worry on the bike for me, specially because no work=no pay

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

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?

Join the CTC, my settlement ( took a long while ) was 4K+ for far less damage. Get well soon and take the driver and his insurance Co for every penny, DON'T scimp a penny, even down to asprin and taxis, the Ins Co will wriggle like hell ( I had to settle for a 20% discount on damge to clothes, bike, glasses etc) so make sure you have every penny tottaled up BEFORE they start hammering it down.

 

[redcard]

Join the CTC, my settlement ( took a long while ) was 4K+ for far less damage.

Do you know why it took so long? Did the driver deny responsibility? Think I'm expecting to settle for around £4-5K

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Do you know why it took so long? Did the driver deny responsibility? Think I'm expecting to settle for around £4-5K

They settled the ordinary damages ( damage to me) 2.5K very quickly , 3 months or so. The sticking point was arguing about the value of a 20+ yr old handmade made to measure Dawes Galaxy ( I wanted a new £1200 Galaxy, arguring that I was offering a discount for age by taking an off the shelf bike) and the claim being handled by about 4 different members of staff at the Co-op and a change of solicitor my end . The CTC solicicitor was great , even if he did need chasing up ( like them all) . I would estimate 4K for your injuries, plus then the "special damages"

 

[Hip Priest]

Glad you lived to tell the tale. As others have said, make sure you get what you're owed.

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Yes, you will need an incident number.
They should give it to you over the phone.

Also... I have just remembered. If you are not CTC, you can still use their services and join later.

You will be asked to join ( and pay for ) 5 yrs membership.

 

[redcard]

They settled the ordinary damages ( damage to me) 2.5K very quickly , 3 months or so. The sticking point was arguing about the value of a 20+ yr old handmade made to measure Dawes Galaxy ( I wanted a new £1200 Galaxy, arguring that I was offering a discount for age by taking an off the shelf bike) and the claim being handled by about 4 different members of staff at the Co-op and a change of solicitor my end . The CTC solicicitor was great , even if he did need chasing up ( like them all) . I would estimate 4K for your injuries, plus then the "special damages"

Thanks for the info. I'll be gutted if I have to wait months to buy a decent bike. I wonder if there's any chance of them stumping up for a hire bike (although it would be cheaper to buy one) as it's my main method of transport.

 

[redcard]

Spoke to the lawyer today who informed me the driver is insured with TradeX. The Internet reliably informs me they are complete feckers to deal with.

Lawyer advised he doesn't expect the claim to be settled this year and that it may end up in court. So looks like I'll have to sort out a bike for the summer.

 

[ianrauk]

Spoke to the lawyer today who informed me the driver is insured with TradeX. The Internet reliably informs me they are complete feckers to deal with.

Lawyer advised he doesn't expect the claim to be settled this year and that it may end up in court. So looks like I'll have to sort out a bike for the summer.

It's been over a year since my coming together with a vehicle and it's still not sorted. These things take time unfortunately.

 

[fossyant]

3.5 years for mine to get settled, and that was with liability admitted from the start.

 

[redcard]

3.5 years for mine to get settled, and that was with liability admitted from the start.

Why did i take so long?

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Why did i take so long?

So that "the other side" can hang onto their money longer.

 

[redcard]

So that "the other side" can hang onto their money longer.

Surely in that case the Ombudsman could step in?

 

[fossyant]

Why did i take so long?

Effectively it was recovery. Took two years to get a shoulder operation, then lots more visits to consultants and pain specialists (extra cost), then did it only settle 18 months after my operation. Had to wait till we were confident I'd recovered to as good as possible - fortunately we did the right thing and I've very little trouble with my shoulder now, that finally got sorted about 12 months ago. I get no pain in it now !

 

[Little yellow Brompton]

Surely in that case the Ombudsman could step in?

Ombusdman for who? You are claiming off the driver, not his insurance company.He is their customer, they are doing their best for him ( and themselves) .