Accident Insurance Claim Advice Please

Hunkymonkey

I recently got knocked off my bike by a motorist who has admitted responsibiltiy. The insurance company has offered £450 as a write off and keep the bike as salvage at nil value. The cycle shop quoted £509 for repair and £650 for new equivelent bike. I paid £499 for the bike reduced from £750. I am also negotiating for damages under pain and suffering. They have agreed to make an offer on this once they recieve medical report. I am considering using a specialist solicitor as advertised in cycling mags if they dont improve offer on bike or come up with fair offer on my damages. Anyone got any advice, tips or recommendations. Much appreciated.

carbonfiend

Hi as i have stated in a previous post I was involved in a serious accident a number of years ago and without being too long winded I used a company called Russell Jones & Walker and they handled my claim with excellent professionalism. My main piece of advice through my experience is accident claims can take a very long time to settle especially if it involves injuries and also when it comes to having medicals both parties have to agree on who performs the medical and they might insist on using their own representatives in this area which you might not feel happy with, then you have to agree with the report and trust me medicals from accidents involving insurance pay offs are extremely strict, I broke my collar bone and pelvis and as long as I could walk and move my arm I was ok - get my drift. Lastly pay offs are very very poor for injuries in the u.k in comparison to say the u.s or even Ireland (loss of earnings is where you the highest compensation is paid out not injuries) . Sorry to sound so pesimistic but just wanted to let you know my experience

Rockhopper

I was knocked off a few years ago now, i think the car drivers insurance company paid for repairs to my bike, plus they paid for damage to my clothing (blood soaked gloves etc) and they gave me £2500 for my injuries which amounted to four stiches in a cut in my head. I did all the writing letters myself by the way.

spen666

If you are claiming for personal injuries, you would be stupid to try to represent yourself. You have no information as to how to value a personal injury claim. Remember other party's insurers are effectively your opponent. Do not rely on them to give you a fair offer. They will try to minimise the amount they pay out.

I would not be accepting £450 for the bike if a replacement costs £650. I would be expecting to be put in the same position I was before the accident- ie a bike in good working condition, not a contribution to cost of repairs / replacement

As said by others- get a solicitor- I have had dealings in past with both RJW and bikeline and can recommend both of these firms

Hunkymonkey

Thanks guys that is really helpful I think I will look into seeking some professional advice. Will keep you posted on outcome. My first contact with the forum and found it really useful safe and happy biking!