Recovering costs after an accident

[2pies]

Someone hit my bike the other day. Not hard, just enough to damage the rear wheel. At the time, he was quite apologetic and gave me his business card. I also made a note of his reg. #.

I've taken the bike into an LBS for them to look at. It may just need truing, but in the event that the rim is cracked or the hub is damaged, I would want the wheel replaced. I've texted the guy letting him know but he hasn't responded yet.

Should I do anything else at this stage? Should I proceed with the repairs and then simply ask for this guy to repay once I have a receipt of the costs.

If he doesn't respond or doesn't want to pay for a replacement wheel, do I engage legal channels?

Thanks

 

[fossyant]

You've answered the question.

Get it fixed then chase him for the money. If he doesn't, either text him to death, put a spud up his exhaust, or go the legal route, which will cost him a fortune.

 

[TissoT]

Agree with the above ... new wheel then hunt him down !
If the worst comes to the worst and there is no response tell him your off to get legal advice ...

 

[2pies]

Thanks. What exactly is the legal route? Are there companies that specialise in this?

 

[TissoT]

Thanks. What exactly is the legal route? Are there companies that specialise in this?

Yes are company's that specialise in theses matters .
I have never used them so I can nt recommend any ....
Thought I do have a British cycling membership...

 

[Profpointy]

I'd not get too carried away with the legal side unless you need to. It does rather look like the chap will simply pay. If he doesn't then ask for his insurer's details - that'll probably be enough to make him pay

 

[Cycleops]

If you don't get any joy out of the guy and he stonewalls you you could perhaps go to the police, explain the situation and ask for details of his insurer. Text or write telling him of your intent to contact his insurers demanding he pay up. He won't want to loose his NCB so that should do it. There is no point in going to a specialist legal firm as this would be outweighed by the cost a a new rear wheel. Good luck.

 

[vickster]

Thanks. What exactly is the legal route? Are there companies that specialise in this?

Are you a member of CTC, British cycling, LCC? They all offer legal advice as part of certain levels of membership

Otherwise, do you have legal cover on home or car insurance? The citizens advice should be able to advise otherwise. If you weren't hurt, the no win no fee merchants won't be interested, there's not enough in it for them

Police or motor insurance bureau might be able to help getting details. Were you on the bike at the time?

 

[2pies]

LBS just called to say the wheel (Fulcrum Racing 5) is knackered. Just texted him to say that £200 for wheel, tyre and labour is the quote I received. Hope he responds quickly. If not, I'll call him tonight and, at last resort, ask for his insurance details.

Yes, I have a Silver British Cycling license.

 

[vickster]

If you get no joy, contact their legal line. Maybe suggest that if he doesn't respond positively, then you may be forced to consider taking legal advice

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Definitely phone him to follow up the text, it's tougher to avoid a phone call. If you suspect he is ignoring you then you might want to use a different phone to the one you texted from so he doesn't recognise the number. Talking to him will give you a good idea of where he stands now (it's often not in the same place he was standing when he was face to face with you straight after the accident.) If he gives you any flannel, just ask for his insurance details and hopefully the legal advice will tell you what you need to do from there. Be calm and straight forward about it. If you explain the process he might realise that £200 straight to you is a lot less of a hit than going through insurance (or it might be company insurance at which point he may not care...)

 

[classic33]

Definitely phone him to follow up the text, it's tougher to avoid a phone call. If you suspect he is ignoring you then you might want to use a different phone to the one you texted from so he doesn't recognise the number. Talking to him will give you a good idea of where he stands now (it's often not in the same place he was standing when he was face to face with you straight after the accident.) If he gives you any flannel, just ask for his insurance details and hopefully the legal advice will tell you what you need to do from there. Be calm and straight forward about it. If you explain the process he might realise that £200 straight to you is a lot less of a hit than going through insurance (or it might be company insurance at which point he may not care...)

#31# in front of the number you are dialing will not allow the handset to send your number.

 

[spen666]

If the only damage is the cost of a new wheel, then rather than instruct a legal firm, you would be better addressed in using the small claims court procedure via money claim online.

 

[Globalti]

FFS it's not difficult. Treat it as a business matter, get it replaced and mail the bill to him by recorded delivery. If he doesn't pay within 21 days write again with a copy of the bill. If he still doesn't pay, give him another week or you will go to the Small Claims Court. I did and it worked, although there were some costs.

Don't mess around.

 

[vickster]

If the only damage is the cost of a new wheel, then rather than instruct a legal firm, you would be better addressed in using the small claims court procedure via money claim online.

You have to pay for small claims. Legal advice, which may suggest small claims, is free through British cycling. I believe by law, if involved in an accident, regardless of circumstances, you are obliged to provide insurance details