Taken Off bike by a car - What steps should i take for bike replacement/repair?

[cutler26]

Hi, this is my first post on this forum and kinda A call for help;
This morning, on my ride to college I was struck from the side by Smart Car. I was using the middle lane of Blossomfield Road (Solihull) approaching the turn into my college, when the Smart Car pulled out to turn right hit the side of me and my bike; at the time I was coasting between 15 - 20mph, which was enough for me to smash his windscreen with my shoulder and damage the front of his car removing bits of trim and denting the bonnet. Minutes later an ambulance and 2 police cars blocked of half the road for an hour whilst paramedics gave me a check over, they said that i was lucky to have walked away; they asked whether I would like to got hospital, but I declined.
With that said the injuries I have sustained aren't serious, but these are what I have being 9 hours after collision;

• Sizable lump on my head (I wasn't wearing a helmet, for my own reasons, but have now been shaken up into getting one)
• Large bruise on should where i collided with the cars windscreen
• Bruised Feet and Ankles (Left foot struggles to bare weight when walking)
• Large lump on the side of my right knee (Caused by the frame of my bike)
• Lump on my fore arm close to elbow (Assumed from direct contact with the car)
• And the odd bumps and bruises elseware

As for my bike, the damages;

• Rear wheel has been knocked out of true
• Damaged brake calipers (V-Brakes)
• Seat was twisted out of position (Not damage, but shows how hard the hit was)

I haven't taken my bike to a shop yet, but I have read that after this kind of accident the frame may be subject to damage and same for the wheel.
So here is the main part of this thread, what actions should I take in order for damages to be paid or for my bike to be replaced? I have full details for the driver including a record taken by the police, the driver himself admitted full responsibility as he failed to see me.
I am not looking to much to making a claim on my injuries as I don't feel that it is entirely necessary .
Many thanks for any responses,
Matthew

 

[alecstilleyedye]

if you've got the details, ask him to repair the bike. if you are going the compensation route, appoint a good local specialist solicitor, but don't expect a fortune. in any case, get a reputable local bike shop to give an estimate for the cost of the damage...

 

[boydj]

You can claim direct from the driver's insurance once you have quotes for the damage to the bike and any clothing damaged in the incident. You may feel different about claiming for injuries tomorrow, because you will be sore. At a minimum, get some photos of the bruises, but it's probably worth going to the doctor tomorrow to get your injuries properly recorded.

 

[Dave 123]

Try and do them for a new bike, just for the inconvenience of it all.

You should really have gone to hospital. Have a little read up on head injuries and concussion. As stated above, get down to the Drs sharpish.

Finally, I'm glad you're ok!

 

[vickster]

Keep a very very close eye on any large lumps caused by blunt trauma landing on the frame. The picture below is what happened to my shin after landing on the frame (not wishing to alarm you but infected haematomas are no fun and that's it some while after the surgery)

As others have said, go to the doctor or hospital tomorrow and get checked thoroughly.

If not allergic etc, take two paracetamol and two ibuprofen (with something to eat) before bed. You will hurt like hell tomorrow. Tell your tutor or whoever you won't be in either tomorrow

If you start to get a really bad headache. Blurred vision. Nausea or vomiting, get someone to take you straight to hospital or call an ambulance and explain you have had a head injury

Others have advised on how to claim for the bike. Given the extent of your injuries if not better in a week or two, I'd be looking at a personal injury claim. Take photos of all your injuries or have someone else do the but not conducive to a selfie

I wasn't going to claim either, but two operations, unpaid time off work, other losses, a very awkward time with my employer and pain and scarring changed my mind

Heal well

 

[Michael86]

I had a similar thing happen to me, and like you I didn't want to claim for compo. I just kept in contact with him, and took my bike to my lbs. I got them to check over the bike. Then I arranged for the man to pay for the damage. The person that crashed into you, might not want to claim on his/her insurance and pay cash. Which would probably suit you better, then you won't have to wait as long. If you have any questions just ask.

 

[vickster]

He does however need to tell his insurance company by law that he has been involved in an accident, plus all the details including the injuries to the cyclist. You have 3 years to claim for personal injury and I believe longer for damage to property. Go through his insurance, tales of people trying to sort it out amicably for cash and being shafted. It will take longer though

 

[raleighnut]

I would have gone to Hospital, the police take it much more seriously then. If you walked away they tend to think "well he was OK"
Hope you manage to get the fella to pay for it.
BTW get well soon

 

[classic33]

Keep an eye on your vision. At this stage one of the earliest indicators that something is wrong. You'll be sore in that many places you might not feel it elsewhere.
If at any stage you don't feel "right", don't think "it'll go away". Get yourself seen as soon as possible.

I'd also say concentrate on yourself first, the bike second. The bike can't feel a thing


Link for head injury added
http://www.humanillnesses.com/Behavioral-Health-Br-Fe/Brain-Injuries.html

 

[classic33]

He does however need to tell his insurance company by law that he has been involved in an accident, plus all the details including the injuries to the cyclist. You have 3 years to claim for personal injury and I believe longer for damage to property. Go through his insurance, tales of people trying to sort it out amicably for cash and being shafted. It will take longer though

Taking payment , now for instance, would mean should you find you've actually done some serious damage you have no legal recourse to any further money.

 

[vickster]

Also, if the bike is your main form of transport and you need to use buses, taxis, etc make sure you keep all receipts for any claim. They fade apparently, so scan before they do

 

[classic33]

With regards the foot
Two bowls of water. One with the coldest water you can stand, the other with the warmest water you can stand.
Hot water for five minutes, then into the cold water for five minutes. Do it a number of times.

 

[Sara_H]

Hello @cutler26 . Sorry to hear whats happened. Don't rush to agree with the driver just yet. You may want to consider contacting a solicitor, so don't agree to anything just yet.

I'm a nurse @cutler26 and I'm a little concerned that you're not able to weight bear. I think it may still be worthwhile getting checked out in ED, but either way, I hope the sore bits get better quickly.

 

[classic33]

He's reading the thread at least

 

[Arrowfoot]

He does however need to tell his insurance company by law that he has been involved in an accident, us all the details including the injuries to the cyclist. You have 3 years to claim for personal injury and I believe longer for damage to property. Go through his insurance, tales of people trying to sort it out amicably for cash and being shafted. It will take longer though

Are you required by law to notify your insurance company?