Crash, Bang, Wallop! (Hit and run version)

CTML

After reading about someone else's crash experience on here a few days ago and with the statment than 'most accidents happen near the home' still fresh in my mind i was unfortunate enough to experience my first off last night.

Cycling through camberwell at around 9pm i met a nice gentlemen on a very slick silver recumbent, we started talking and riding 2 abreast on the bus lane towards camberwell green junction (going up champion hill). The light went green as we approached the crossroads and i pedaled forward to ride in one line when a car from the right lane cut across us to turn left knocking me over (the bus lane we were on had changed to a 'turn left' lane so he was in the wrong). there was a thud and obvious contact as i fell to the ground when the rear of the car hit by front wheel. He didn't stop and sped off towards peckham direction.

By that time, the traffic had stopped and the nice gentlemen on the recumbent had memorised the car's number plate. Convieniently the police were just round the corner and took care of the situation. They mentioned that the car was probably driving without insurance... being clipped in i fell to the ground cushioning my bike but luckily i only sustained minor injurys to my shoulder and leg. i was more annoyed that my bar tape was ruined and that my wheels will need tweaking because of a wreckless driver!

The weird thing was that it was the first time this year that i had not worn a helmet (it was sunny so i felt brave and left with a visor cap) and the fact that I was within 500 meters from my destination!

Was back on the bike this morning but with both the bike and me feeling sore. Just wanted to say thanks again to the gentleman on the recumbent if he reads this who took the initiative to take down details and spotted the policemen of southwark cycle squad.

downfader

Glad you're not too sore. C*** of a driver doing that. I hope he wraps his car around a tree and doesnt take anyone else with him in the process. :?

Did you get any details off the recumbant rider? Or did the police deal with that?

boneyjoe

Glad you're ok after such a scare, and the police should hopefully be able to track down this idiot. Full marks to the recumbent for quick thinking, and the other motorists and police for helping out. It makes me think that if we work together we can improve things, though its no easy task, but perhaps a first step is to help each other whenever we see this sort of thing happen.

zedders

downfader wrote:

Glad you're not too sore. C*** of a driver doing that. I hope he wraps his car around a tree and doesnt take anyone else with him in the process. :?

+1
what is it with some people! & I bet he's the sort to scream blue murder if anything happened to him that wasn't his fault!

guinea

I hope they get the bugger.

Glad you're ok. Have the police been back in touch?

The guy who hit me has at least texted me a few times to check I'm ok. Probably crapping it in case I claim compensation

CTML

guinea wrote:

I hope they get the bugger.

Glad you're ok. Have the police been back in touch?

The guy who hit me has at least texted me a few times to check I'm ok. Probably crapping it in case I claim compensation

Haven't heard from the police, but they did take a very detailed report as i wasn't in a hurry. Not really sure what they can/will do now though, they said he'll probably only get a 'warning'. I'm sure it would have been different if i was in a worse state! There were at least 2 reliable witnesses who gave details so hopefully the driver would get some sort of grilling.

unfortunately not all drivers are that considerate about cyclists which really needs to be addressed especially in London. but i think most cyclists are in the same boat when it comes to irresponsible driving so its nice to have some roadside support if something does happen.

ohlala!

Glad you're ok dude, but if I were you I usually look around the area the next morning just to see whether it's a local car. If it was, then he'll be in a real shock. I would probably sell 4 of his wheels on ebay so that I can pay for repairs or upgrade maybe.

downfader

ohlala! wrote:

Glad you're ok dude, but if I were you I usually look around the area the next morning just to see whether it's a local car. If it was, then he'll be in a real shock. I would probably sell 4 of his wheels on ebay so that I can pay for repairs or upgrade maybe.

I like your logic! 8)

Oh and this is a good reason to join the CTC or British Cycling

drewfromrisca

. He didn't stop and sped off towards peckham direction.

There's a suprise!!! :roll:

Blonde

Ring the accident clerk and ask for the incident number. Give it at least two weeks then ring and ask if they have tracked down the driver. They should give you his name and address if you ask nicely - or get your solicitor to do it. Then if he has any insurance you can make a claim, but of course not until the police have prosecuted him for failing to report/leaving the scene of the accident. If he does not have insurance, they will prosecute for that too. If you are considering making any claim (if he is insured) then make sure you get to the Docs this week for a medical report. Your solicitor may also make further appointments for you (such as physio) if needed - injuries includes soft tissue injury and scarring and your state of shock, or any time you have to take off the bike, or off work is also taken into account. Take photos of all damage to self, clothing/luggage and bike and keep any quotes or receipts, including any travel tickets that you had to buy because the bike was unusable. I can recommend Cycle Aid ("no win, no fee" and if you do win, you don't pay any fee - his insurers do). http://www.cycleaid.co.uk/site/home/

CTML

Blonde wrote:

Ring the accident clerk and ask for the incident number. Give it at least two weeks then ring and ask if they have tracked down the driver. They should give you his name and address if you ask nicely - or get your solicitor to do it. Then if he has any insurance you can make a claim, but of course not until the police have prosecuted him for failing to report/leaving the scene of the accident. If he does not have insurance, they will prosecute for that too. If you are considering making any claim (if he is insured) then make sure you get to the Docs this week for a medical report. Your solicitor may also make further appointments for you (such as physio) if needed - injuries includes soft tissue injury and scarring and your state of shock, or any time you have to take off the bike, or off work is also taken into account. Take photos of all damage to self, clothing/luggage and bike and keep any quotes or receipts, including any travel tickets that you had to buy because the bike was unusable. I can recommend Cycle Aid ("no win, no fee" and if you do win, you don't pay any fee - his insurers do). http://www.cycleaid.co.uk/site/home/

Wow, thanks for the really concise advice. but i don't think my injuries/damage would get much in terms of claims not to mention i have to spend time and money getting further involved with solicitors. If i had actually suffered more severe or lasting injuries or damages i would have definitely taken action directly after the incident.

downfader, does ctc/british cycling cover expenses claim on bike damage?

downfader

CTML wrote:

Blonde wrote:

Ring the accident clerk and ask for the incident number. Give it at least two weeks then ring and ask if they have tracked down the driver. They should give you his name and address if you ask nicely - or get your solicitor to do it. Then if he has any insurance you can make a claim, but of course not until the police have prosecuted him for failing to report/leaving the scene of the accident. If he does not have insurance, they will prosecute for that too. If you are considering making any claim (if he is insured) then make sure you get to the Docs this week for a medical report. Your solicitor may also make further appointments for you (such as physio) if needed - injuries includes soft tissue injury and scarring and your state of shock, or any time you have to take off the bike, or off work is also taken into account. Take photos of all damage to self, clothing/luggage and bike and keep any quotes or receipts, including any travel tickets that you had to buy because the bike was unusable. I can recommend Cycle Aid ("no win, no fee" and if you do win, you don't pay any fee - his insurers do). http://www.cycleaid.co.uk/site/home/

Wow, thanks for the really concise advice. but i don't think my injuries/damage would get much in terms of claims not to mention i have to spend time and money getting further involved with solicitors. If i had actually suffered more severe or lasting injuries or damages i would have definitely taken action directly after the incident.

downfader, does ctc/british cycling cover expenses claim on bike damage?

The CTC can use their own legal eagles over at Russel Jones and Walker (I nthink they're called) to collect for bike damage. If you are injured you are entitled to a personal injury claim! If you're not a member already you can go through RJW, or the firm Bio' mentioned on a no-win no-fee situation.

Not to sound judgemental, but the current situation of drivers getting off lightly with punishments with regards to peds and us means that hitting them in the pocket is the only way to go.

I wasnt considered that injured but I was still able to get nearly £2k off the driver who hit me through his insurer.

As others have said get in touch with the Police again and find out if they've done anything, found the guy etc. You'd need an official incident number to even claim off the Motor Insurer's Beurea (sp?) if he's untraceable. It may be that the Police will contact you but if its been a couple of days then jog their memory.

Good luck!