Oooh. Just got the first chunk of paperwork from the CTC, and its not looking good.
!
As I managed to walk (hobble) away from it in the style of Clare from Heroes (not so good in a cheerleader's uniform I'm afrit), it's likely that any claim for injuries will have to be dealt with through the small claims. Small claims don't pay costs, so I'll have to do all the extensive legwork myself. Just by adding up the days in the 'small claims pack', this is looking like a loooong process (4-6 months at least by my reckoning).
And the result.....I'll be able to get the
current value of a well-well-used 2 year old Airnimal Joey, plus maybe 100 quid for a pulled muscle and a scabby knee. What's that? About 300 quid if I'm lucky. I'll become a f&*king stuntman! At least I'll get paid for doing sh1t like this!
Like I said in the original post, I don't think the driver was cautioned. Have a look at these legal definitions from the beeb....
There are two forms of the careless and inconsiderate driving offences:
- Driving without due care and attention, ie the motorist did not show the proper care and attention of a reasonable, competent and prudent driver;
- And driving without reasonable consideration for other road users. The evidence must show that other road users were inconvenienced by the inconsiderate driving of the defendant
Mmmmmm, I'm no lawyer, but might the driver be accused of being 'inconsiderate' to me? Oooww, the loss of convenience really smarts!
I'll give the copshop a ring on Monday just to gauge their level of interest, but I suspect it will be minimal. Even if they do decide to caution, its not like its going to get me a replacement bike.
I'll wait for the 'not getting out of bed for that' call from the CTC solicitors and then maybe give the local rags the footage just for devilment.
My sister in law said it remindered her of a road safety ad. Maybe the CTC could use it as a 'Dogme 95' version of 'Think-Bike'? I'm just rambling now. Thanks again for all the posts. I'll post again with any developments.
Tynan - Its difficult to see from the footage, but he was indicating. Part of the reason I moved out towards the right of the lane was to make sure I wasn't hidden by the two guys walking in the road on the left so that he wouldn't cut across me!
I think someone asked in an earlier post what the camera is? It's yer standard ATC2000, running at 640x480 and 30fps. It was a bright afternoon, so the equalisation has made the footage a bit dark. I've made a brightened version which will be used in evidence, if anyone can be ar5ed.