Personal injury advice please

[Accy cyclist]

Following last nights car/bike collision i'm looking for advice about being compensated for my bike,loss of earnings and other bits. How do i go about claiming without being stung with one of those firms that want a big cut of any compensation i receive?

 

[ianrauk]

As what Reg says.. CTC - Slater & Gordon.

Give them a call.
You used to be able to join retrospectively, not sure if that is the case now.

 

[Chris S]

Levenes specialize in cycle injuries
http://www.cycleinjury.co.uk/

 

[User33236]

Watching this thread with interest after I was hit last night. Currently waiting on Leigh Day calling me (contacted via BC).

Good luck with you claim.

 

[vickster]

I don't believe LeighDay will take on cases other than for BC members

You won't know what the lawyers receive, that is separate from any payout for the injured party. I believe there is a fairly rigid scale for payouts for PI based on the injuries sustained and the ongoing impact of those injuries. On the LD paperwork I received, there were 2 boxes, up to £10k and over £10k with the lawyer selecting which box to tick at that point in time

What that looks like for me, I don't know as I am still waiting to receive a sensible offer that actually covers my out of pocket costs let alone anything else (as opposed to the initial amount offered that I didn't even entertain). I'm now 14 months on from the accident. I haven't received anything but if you will require interim payments to cover lost earnings (which you will need proof of) you can apply.

 

[ianrauk]

Yup @vickster makes a good point.
Don't expect any compensation quickly. These things take a very long time to settle. My claim took over 18 months. @fossyant 's has taken years.
Though you may get an interim payment for bike repairs.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Gone through Slater and Gordon via the CTC twice over the years. Brilliant service.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Yup @vickster makes a good point.
Don't expect any compensation quickly. These things take a very long time to settle. My claim took over 18 months. @fossyant 's has taken years.
Though you may get an interim payment for bike repairs.

Yes - timescales depend on the medical prognosis. Often it takes some time for the healing process to be assessed.

 

[vickster]

Yes - timescales depend on the medical prognosis. Often it takes some time for the healing process to be assessed.

Indeed, I've recently had a second expert opinion as I haven't healed as well as I would like in the initial timescale. It seems it is now probably as good as it gets for me with regard the state of my shin (scar tissue, scar, discolouration of skin)

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Indeed, I've recently had a second expert opinion as I haven't healed as well as I would like in the initial timescale. It seems it is now probably as good as it gets for me with regard the state of my shin (scar tissue, scar, discolouration of skin)

Once you accept the compensation there is no going back if things don't heal up as expected.

 

[vickster]

Once you accept the compensation there is no going back if things don't heal up as expected.

Indeed I'm aware of that, but I can't wait for ever. The pain is less bad and intermittent, and not affecting function particularly and the 'cosmetic' issues are likely permanent (5cm scars only fade so much). There is no further treatment ultimately, the medics tell me the lump of scar tissue should reduce further over time so will see what happens

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Indeed I'm aware of that, but I can't wait for ever. The pain is less bad and intermittent, and not affecting function particularly and the 'cosmetic' issues are likely permanent (5cm scars only fade so much). There is no further treatment ultimately, the medics tell me the lump of scar tissue should reduce further over time so will see what happens

Ultimately you must trust the medical opinion. Functionality trumps cosmetics for me. If you have a modelling carreer you may have a different opinion. Hopefully the medics say the pain will vanish and have a timescale for that.

 

[vickster]

Ultimately you must trust the medical opinion. Functionality trumps cosmetics for me. If you have a modelling carreer you may have a different opinion. Hopefully the medics say the pain will vanish and have a timescale for that.

Unfortunately they can't as the pain is, as I understand it, caused by the scar tissue around/under the periosteum...which is what the lump is...remains of a massive haematoma, should have been evacuated more quickly in an ideal world...given it's been a year+ already I'm going to assume a timescale of at least another year but it's time to settle and move on. I think Bupa probably want their 5k back too that they paid for the tests, surgery and aftercare, albeit under my policy.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Unfortunately they can't as the pain is, as I understand it, caused by the scar tissue around/under the periosteum...which is what the lump is...remains of a massive haematoma, should have been evacuated more quickly in an ideal world...given it's been a year+ already I'm going to assume a timescale of at least another year but it's time to settle and move on. I think Bupa probably want their 5k back too that they paid for the tests, surgery and aftercare, albeit under my policy.

Fair enough. You are in control but don't let BUPA push you around - I'm sure they could recover costs via your claim as an interim payment.
Enjoy getting on with life either way.

 

[vickster]

This is not an ad... but for scars I would recommend BioOil. I was somewhat sceptical when it was recommended by my orthopod but it has vastly improved the scarring on my shoulder.

Thanks, I should use it really, I did to start with. The massage should help with the scar tissue lump too but it is still sore if too much pressure. I'm a wimp

@twentysix by twentyfive I don't really care what Bupa do, they are in communication with LD as far as I know

It's difficult as I have myriad issues with my knees and lower legs sigh