The next thing I knew I was on the deck

[50000tears]

How did you work out the parts you have no memory of? And when did your memory "stop", then "restart"? Serious questions.

I have little memory of it. My friend who was a bike length clocked the car just before it pulled out and was fully aware the whole time know his back wheel was taken. I have no memory of just before the crash but do remember being hit and everything after, the ambulance paramedic who spoke to the witness told the hospital that I had T boned the front quarter of the car. The fully buckled front wheel suggests this also as does the damage to the car.

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

Thanks for the quick replies and sympathies. Loss of earnings will not be a factor unless I have problems long term with recovery as I get full sick pay for 6 months. This should be way more than I need.

My biggest concern at the moment is "how soon until I can be back on the bike". I guess I will need to ask BC about what to do with regard to assessing damage and getting it fixed etc. At the very least my £340 wheels brought 6 weeks ago will need replacing.

The thing I have learnt is not to be worried about getting back on the bike. Heal first. I know it is easier said than done (really I do, it drove me mad not being able to ride or even knowing when I could start trying to ride again) Listen to the doctors, but chase them up at every chance you get, otherwise you will get forgotten (I was lost in the system twice and only because I made a pain of myself did it all get sorted out)
Do not worry about your bike etc at the moment. It sounds like an open and shut case and the police will sort out a report quickly and then your solicitor will deal with it for you.

 

[vickster]

Start your claim as soon as you feel able, but you have three years. Personally, I'd wait until the medical situation is clear. Get photos of injuries, don't dispose of damaged clothing, or the helmet etc . Assuming there's damage, you'll need the bike inspected independently by two shops at some point. You'll need to see expert specialists at some point, probably an orthopaedic surgeon if bones broken. Possibly a psychologist if affected by the trauma as time goes on

Call british cycling, they'll guide you through the process. There's lots of paperwork, keep all receipt as said, and it'll take a while to settle. I'm over a year from mine, I am out of pocket through lost pay, but I didn't ask for interim payments. You can do so. A complex case could easily take two to three years to settle, especially if injuries take a while

GWS, concentrate on getting better, the legal stuff can wait if required

Prosecution is up to the police /CPS although you will be asked what action if any you think appropriate

 

[classic33]

I remember about an hour before the accident as it was a Saturday and the boss buys us a bacon butty and I remember polishing that off! Then I remember waking up in the hospital about 4 hours after the accident, although I was concious after a few minutes. My girlfriend said I kept asking the same things for about 3 hours. I had my garmin running so I know how fast I was going. The police took a statement from the driver and he also went to the scene. It was pretty much open and shut case though, she pulled out into my path without looking.

Similar situation, too many times, different reason. But another piece to add, thanks.

 

[themosquitoking]

I had an accident where a woman pulled out in front of me and I went through the side window and head butted her! I had no memory of the accident (I still dont nearly a year later) The police report (evetually) blamed her for the crash. I was in hospital for a week with a broken neck and have still not gone back to work.
I have been using a bike specialist insurance company. They have told me everything I need to claim for and arranged everything for me. I keep a diary of the pain and problems I had right from the start as when you are healed you forget a lot of things! You can claim for loss of earnings, any damage to your clothing and bike. The solicitor will go through everything with you. The police will ask you for a statement and then go from there. As I had no memory of it I could not help, but fortunately it was an open and shut case, despite her trying to blame me.

A week with a broken neck? I was in for a month. Well played.

 

[gavintc]

In your head, you need to separate the police / CPS action against the driver for any offences and your claim for compensation through the insurance. Indeed, try to avoid getting too hopeful of any police CPS action. concentrate on getting your compensation sorted through the insurance company (BC) and as others have stated you will forget lots - so keep a diary. It will protect you.

 

[vickster]

With fractured hip, I expect you'll be off the bike for a number of months. Make sure British Cycling sort you out with a private physio as soon as the specialist thinks it appropriate.

Your employer may wish to claim against the driver too for your sick pay which will add further complexity

 

[Pumpkin the robot]

A week with a broken neck? I was in for a month. Well played.

I was lucky it was a stable fracture of the T6 T7 and C1 I had to wear a neck brace for 2 months. The accident was last July and now T7 has healed but the others have still not joined together. I am still off work but will probably be looking to go back in July. Was yours a stable fracture?

 

[50000tears]

I have little memory of it. My friend who was a bike length clocked the car just before it pulled out and was fully aware the whole time know his back wheel was taken. I have no memory of just before the crash but do remember being hit and everything after, the ambulance paramedic who spoke to the witness told the hospital that I had T boned the front quarter of the car. The fully buckled front wheel suggests this also as does the damage to the car.

Sorry missed that the question to which this is a reply was not aimed at me. Lights out for me now.

Thanks for all the great advice.

 

[Bollo]

GWS 5000!

 

[themosquitoking]

I was lucky it was a stable fracture of the T6 T7 and C1 I had to wear a neck brace for 2 months. The accident was last July and now T7 has healed but the others have still not joined together. I am still off work but will probably be looking to go back in July. Was yours a stable fracture?

I pretty much disintegrated the middle 50% of t5, very lucky to still be moving below the neck in any sense. Had a halo brace for a month then had a piece of wire installed to tie the top and bottom parts of t5 together. It's still in there 27 years later in perfect condition.

 

[Dave 123]

I hope the mending process goes smoothly!
GWS

 

[avsd]

No advice but GWS . Glad you are able to post. A bust pelvis is a serious injury and will take time to heal. I din mine in a car accident and took up riding as part of my rehab

 

[400bhp]

Wishing you all the best. 2 cyclists down by one driver. Hopefully the driver will be prosecuted.

 

[Wobblers]

I can't add anything to the excellent advice you've already had, but heal well, and do all the exercises the physio tells you to.