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

[vickster]

I really didn't have much choice when I was knocked off, my shin soon swelled massively and I could barely stand! I am of the opinion that anything more than a scrape, especially a head wound or swelling limb warrants a hospital trip. I'd rather spend a couple of hours in A&E than potentially months of sequelae of non treatment!

 

[cutler26]

Sorry to hear about your injuries I'd reiterate that it's probably a good idea to seek professional legal advice. It might be worth speaking to Slater and Gordon, who provide legal cover for CTC members, they offer no-win no fee style claims for non members too.

https://www.slatergordon.co.uk/personal-injury/cycling/

There are of course others, but its a starting point. Any decent lawyer should liase with the driver's insurance company for you, so you don't have to. Given that your bike has suffered damage and his car is damaged, it's likely he will be going through his insurers anyway as his repairs will probably cost more than his excess.

Hope you are feeling better soon, and glad you are seeking a professional opinion on your injuries too. Personally I'd have taken the opportunity to go with the ambulance to hospital, better safe than sorry.

I have filled in the form for Slater & Gordon and submitted it, now just awaiting a call. Lets see how it pans out.

 

[cutler26]

Well, today i have visited the doctors and she said that it all appears to be bruising and that it should go down/back to normal soon; she did say that if it was to get any worse then to book for another appointment. The appointed didn't really seem worth it as she only seemed to have had a glimps of my injuries and wasn't very conclusive. After that i have taken my bike to Northfield Cycles for an inspection and report on my bike, so that they can check for any damage caused by the crash and will be collecting it tomorrow.

 

[vickster]

I have filled in the form for Slater & Gordon and submitted it, now just awaiting a call. Lets see how it pans out.

They'll want a lot of information so as suggested up thread, make sure you document everything while it's fresh. Just bullets are fine, they'll probably have you fill in a form. Times, weather conditions, how busy it was etc as well as the actual circumstances of the crash

And get photos of bruising and swelling while they are fresh and continue to document in pictures until they go

Prepare for awkward questions about lack of helmet, but stand your ground, there is no legal obligation for you to wear one and it did not contribute to the collision

 

[classic33]

Did you get the PM @cutler26

 

[cutler26]

Did you get the PM @cutler26

Yes i am at the stage of seeking legal help, I have contacted Slater & Gordon as suggested; however it turns out that they only cover personal injury and do not deal with damages to my bike. The lady i have spoken to has given me a number which will help me seek for the correct firm.

 

[classic33]

Two quotes for repair or replacement.
Even if the first shop declares it a write-off.

Its yourself first and the bike second, in this sort of situation. Take care.

 

[vickster]

Yes i am at the stage of seeking legal help, I have contacted Slater & Gordon as suggested; however it turns out that they only cover personal injury and do not deal with damages to my bike. The lady i have spoken to has given me a number which will help me seek for the correct firm.

I'm surprised S&G don't cover your possessions as well as PI? You could try LeighDay who do and are British Cycling's solicitors - however I think they only act on no win-no fee for members

The bike can be dealt with through the insurance company once you have quotes as above. Legal representation is advised for personal injury

I'm assuming you don't have car or home insurance with legal cover included

 

[classic33]

Avoid the ones you see advertising on TV. A solicitor used to dealing with cycling injuries is the best way to go.

 

[vickster]

Avoid the ones you see advertising on TV. A solicitor used to dealing with cycling injuries is the best way to go.

There are usually a few in the back of Cycling Active etc. I'll take a look in a bit

 

[classic33]

Having a look at the S&G site now, says

"For a free consultation or to claim compensation for cycling accident injuries, call our specialist Cycling Accident Solicitors 24/7 on freephone 0800 916 9046 or start your claim online and we will call you.

We help cyclists injured in cycling accidents through no fault of their own to get compensation and rehabilitation support"

 

[vickster]

Yes, of course. But the OP wants his bike fixed. He's not focused on a personal injury claim. That's his choice

 

[classic33]

The compensation should also help in returning him to the position he was in before the crash. I'd assume that would involve getting the bike repaired/replaced.

 

[vickster]

But it'll take 2 years I'm still going through the process at a year

 

[S.Giles]

I'm about two years into a claim for damages due to a cycling accident, so feel that my perspective may be helpful. Sorry, I haven't read all the five previous pages, so I may just be re-stating what has already been said by others.

My advice is to find a good solicitor. You are owed damages for your property, injuries, and the ordeal you have been through. If you want to forgo any of those, that is your prerogative, but you should think very carefully about it (you could always give the extra money to me:-). Compensation is exactly that, and is designed to put you where you would have been had the accident not occurred. The award can very easily be more than you thought though, once everything has been taken into consideration by a solicitor.

Remember the adage that a person who represents themselves in a legal matter has a fool for a client!

Steve