Head on with a car this morning.

Manc Ronnie
Manc Ronnie Posts: 330
edited March 2008 in Commuting chat
Driver turning right cut the corner and we collided at relatively low speed. My injuries are a gashed shin and aches and pains. Last I saw of the bike, front wheel was a mess (which doesn't bode well for the frame) and helmet is wrecked. Coppers were on scene v quick and I was carted off in an ambulance. Driver said it was his fault (it was), but we'll see what he says later. Any tips on procedure from here etc, as is the first time it's happened in 7 years of cycling commuting. Will also be off a week or so, as a contractor I therefore don't get paid.

Thanks in advance

Comments

  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    Oooh, unlucky mate, I'm sorry to hear that. Glad you're OK though. If you haven't already, join the CTC *NOW* and get some legal help.
  • chronyx
    chronyx Posts: 455
    GWS mate, can't offer any advice other than - "Guinness is good for you"! (Think of it as medicinal) :D
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  • richardast
    richardast Posts: 273
    Unlucky.

    Your car or house insurance usually comes with legal assistance which includes on the phone advice on any civil law matter. I've used them previously and found their advice to be spot on, but they don't always take actions on your behalf.
    A no win no fee solicitor might take your claim all the way for you or you can just make contact with the driver's insurers yourself (if you have any faith in human nature).

    Police accident report = very good evidence for your claim so request a copy.

    Good luck.
  • Totalnewbie
    Totalnewbie Posts: 932
    Sorry to hear that, you have my sympathy. I wish you luck with your claim, it's definitely worth joining the CTC.

    That behaviour is one of my pet hates, there is a corner on my commute where the drivers always cut the corner while I wait at the give way, and then glare at me as though it's my fault for being in their way (as thus far they see me in time and slow right down as they try to make the turn properly to avoid me, still usually partly on 'my' side of the road though).
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    If people with just two wheels and 23mm tyres can make a corner without going over into the other lane, why can't four wheeled vehicles with better brakes?

    It's also one of the number of things that drivers do, that is pointless and a sign of laziness.
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  • attica
    attica Posts: 2,362
    Happened to me a few years ago when I was a student and had no insurance of any kind, I went to the CAB and got put in touch with a solicitor who gave me a no win no fee deal.

    I was also really lucky in that the bloke who hit me said "I'm sorry I didn't see you" in front of several witnesses (I could almost hear the cash register go kerching).

    Did the driver admit it was his fault in front of anyone? If that's the case and you have witnesses to either the statement or the actual accident then you've got him by the short and curlies, expect a new bike and compensation on top and don't accept his insurance companies first offer, hold out for more!

    Get well soon
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  • Eat My Dust
    Eat My Dust Posts: 3,965
    If people with just two wheels and 23mm tyres can make a corner without going over into the other lane, why can't four wheeled vehicles with better brakes?

    It's also one of the number of things that drivers do, that is pointless and a sign of laziness.

    Oh come on give them a break. It's really hard to turn your car while ............ (on the phone, applying makeup, changing CD, eating breakfast)
  • http://www.bikeclaims.org.uk/

    I have used this guy, he specializes in motorcycle claims, but does bicycles too I think.
    If you see the candle as flame, the meal is already cooked.
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  • cee
    cee Posts: 4,553
    If people with just two wheels and 23mm tyres can make a corner without going over into the other lane, why can't four wheeled vehicles with better brakes?

    It's also one of the number of things that drivers do, that is pointless and a sign of laziness.

    Oh come on give them a break. It's really hard to turn your car while ............ (on the phone, applying makeup, changing CD, eating breakfast)

    you mean its really hard to drive your car while texting and doing 45 in a 30 zone :wink:
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  • Eat My Dust
    Eat My Dust Posts: 3,965
    cee wrote:
    If people with just two wheels and 23mm tyres can make a corner without going over into the other lane, why can't four wheeled vehicles with better brakes?

    It's also one of the number of things that drivers do, that is pointless and a sign of laziness.

    Oh come on give them a break. It's really hard to turn your car while ............ (on the phone, applying makeup, changing CD, eating breakfast)

    you mean its really hard to drive your car while texting and doing 45 in a 30 zone :wink:

    As long as there's no RLJing cyclist going around, it's a doddle!!!

    (BTW am I going to hell for that?)
  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    Sounds a bit like my "Bollo" incident from last week, only I got off without a touch.

    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... t=12560852
  • spen666
    spen666 Posts: 17,709
    BentMikey wrote:
    Oooh, unlucky mate, I'm sorry to hear that. Glad you're OK though. If you haven't already, join the CTC *NOW* and get some legal help.

    There is no need to join the CTC to get legal help - any PI firm will deal with case on a no win no fee basis. This so called benefit of CTC membership is illusionary


    I would not advise against joining the CTC for other reasons - eg the 3rd party insurance to cover you if you are to blame in an accident
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  • tyskie
    tyskie Posts: 252
    You could try this firm of SOLICITORS. They are used by the CTC and are handling my claim.
  • BentMikey
    BentMikey Posts: 4,895
    spen666 wrote:
    There is no need to join the CTC to get legal help - any PI firm will deal with case on a no win no fee basis. This so called benefit of CTC membership is illusionary

    Sorry, I didn't mean to imply the two were connected. For me the benefits come down to insurance in case I make a mistake, and because the CTC fights our corner rather well.
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    You'll be able to calim for loss of earnings too, providing you can provide proof.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • cakewalk
    cakewalk Posts: 220
    Driver turning right cut the corner and we collided at relatively low speed. My injuries are a gashed shin and aches and pains. Last I saw of the bike, front wheel was a mess (which doesn't bode well for the frame) and helmet is wrecked. Coppers were on scene v quick and I was carted off in an ambulance. Driver said it was his fault (it was), but we'll see what he says later. Any tips on procedure from here etc, as is the first time it's happened in 7 years of cycling commuting. Will also be off a week or so, as a contractor I therefore don't get paid.

    Thanks in advance

    Had a similar sort of accident two years ago (car admitted liability; police on scene, ambulance etc..) Contacted my house insurance. They were very helpful. Filled in a form and they agreed to cover my legal fees. Took nearly two years to sort out - however got well worth it in the end. (New TREK Madone 5,2 and lots of money left over).

    Keep a note of all losses - get/find receipts (including taxi's etc.) Record all tasks at home/work you cannot do and/or cause discomfort.
    "I thought of it while riding my bicycle."
  • cakewalk
    cakewalk Posts: 220
    cakewalk wrote:
    Driver turning right cut the corner and we collided at relatively low speed. My injuries are a gashed shin and aches and pains. Last I saw of the bike, front wheel was a mess (which doesn't bode well for the frame) and helmet is wrecked. Coppers were on scene v quick and I was carted off in an ambulance. Driver said it was his fault (it was), but we'll see what he says later. Any tips on procedure from here etc, as is the first time it's happened in 7 years of cycling commuting. Will also be off a week or so, as a contractor I therefore don't get paid.

    Thanks in advance

    Had a similar sort of accident two years ago (car admitted liability; police on scene, ambulance etc..) Contacted my house insurance. They were very helpful. Filled in a form and they agreed to cover my legal fees. Took nearly two years to sort out - however got well worth it in the end. (New TREK Madone 5,2 and lots of money left over).

    Keep a note of all losses - get/find receipts (including taxi's etc.) Record all tasks at home/work you cannot do and/or cause discomfort.

    I'm a contractor also - they covered my loss of earnings (minus tax) and paid for a minor operation on shoulder. Solicitor suggested loss of earnings might be a problem but was not the case.

    Any more questions let me know.
    "I thought of it while riding my bicycle."