Accident :(
tronic
Posts: 17
My brother was wiped out by a white van yesterday morning in South London, was coming from the opposite direction to him and turned right without even noticing he was in its path. He broke his wrist, damaged his hip and has some superficial cuts and bruises. As for the bike (an Allez), the front wheel was totalled, and the bars are bent beyond repair and the rear derailleur isn't looking too happy.
He did the right thing at the time, got some witnesses, and he's writing up a report from the police. My question is - as for getting some compensation, for his injury and also for damage to his bike, does he simply claim on the van driver's insurance, or does he need to get a solicitor and start making a claim that way?
Thanks
He did the right thing at the time, got some witnesses, and he's writing up a report from the police. My question is - as for getting some compensation, for his injury and also for damage to his bike, does he simply claim on the van driver's insurance, or does he need to get a solicitor and start making a claim that way?
Thanks
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Comments
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Sorry to read your brother has been knocked off.
Does the driver definitely have valid insurance?
He should contact a solicitor who specialises in personal injury work and cycling claims. There are many advertised in the back of Cycling Weekly. Alternatively if he is a member of the LCC they have cycling solicitors who can assist. There are several that advertize in their magazine. But I would contact a few just to make sure you have got some one or a firm that puts YOU or your brother first and you are comfortable with. You really won't get a very good deal without a solicitor on this one as your brother has more than superficial injuries as well as damage to his bike which may need replacing.
It may take time to get compensation for his injuries as these will take time to heal and prognosis may be uncertain. Do keep a dairy and take lots of pics of the bike, his injuries and the scene. Also your brother should visit his GP soon after hospital treatment. Presumably he is off work so there will be a loss of earnings to recover as well from the other party. I would sign up a solicitor by way of a conditional fee agreement in the next 10 days 2 weeks once you have decided on the best one for you.Life is like a roll of toilet paper; long and useful, but always ends at the wrong moment. Anon.
Think how stupid the average person is.......
half of them are even more stupid than you first thought.0 -
You can do this without a solicitor, but in my experience (of doing it with and without), not having a solicitor will confuse the insurance company and slow things down.
Get a solicitor there are plenty that will do this fee free.
We used the CTC solicitors RJW, but I don't think you have to be a member to use them.0 -
You can contact these people if you're not sure which solicitor to contact. They will send you a list of qualified solicitors, in your area, that deal with injury/accident claims. The website explains it all. Best of luck.
http://www.national-accident-helpline.c ... zAodsmnljA"There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world, t'would be a pity to damage yours."0 -
tronic wrote:My brother was wiped out by a white van yesterday morning in South London, was coming from the opposite direction to him and turned right without even noticing he was in its path. He broke his wrist, damaged his hip and has some superficial cuts and bruises. As for the bike (an Allez), the front wheel was totalled, and the bars are bent beyond repair and the rear derailleur isn't looking too happy.
He did the right thing at the time, got some witnesses, and he's writing up a report from the police. My question is - as for getting some compensation, for his injury and also for damage to his bike, does he simply claim on the van driver's insurance, or does he need to get a solicitor and start making a claim that way?
Thanks
Sorry to hear about your brother, mate. I wish him a speedy recovery . 0 -
Ooh nasty.
Deffo get a cycling experienced solictor. Bikeline is one my mates have used to good effect.0 -
cougie wrote:Ooh nasty.
Deffo get a cycling experienced solictor. Bikeline is one my mates have used to good effect.
+1 For them, got me a tidy sum.Tail end Charlie
The above post may contain traces of sarcasm or/and bullsh*t.0 -
Would definitely recommend a solicitor.
If you're a member of British Cycling I think they have some lawyers on staff who you can contact.
It's worth pursuing, why should he have to pay for damage done to his bike by someone else. A lawyer can take a lot of the hassle away from you, otherwise it can be hanging over your head for over a year."I hold it true, what'er befall;
I feel it, when I sorrow most;
'Tis better to have loved and lost;
Than never to have loved at all."
Alfred Tennyson0 -
Can anyone let me know what kind of money is paid out on these claims?
I'm just recovering froma broken hip. Been 3 months off my feet and would be interested to know if it's worth my while making a claim.
Dragging some poor sod through court for £2k is not my idea of fun, but if it was worthwhile...0 -
guinea wrote:Can anyone let me know what kind of money is paid out on these claims?
I'm just recovering froma broken hip. Been 3 months off my feet and would be interested to know if it's worth my while making a claim.
Dragging some poor sod through court for £2k is not my idea of fun, but if it was worthwhile...
So "some poor sod" left you with a broken hip and off your feet for 3 months? Suspect that it would be much more than £2k, but see advice above re getting a solicitor.
How come he's the poor sod if it was his carelessness?Organising the Bradford Kids Saturday Bike Club at the Richard Dunn Sports Centre since 1998
http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastbradfordcyclingclub/
http://www.facebook.com/groups/eastbradfordcyclingclub/0 -
Accidents happen. I'm not the ambulance chasing type. I bear no mallice to the guy, he just stepped off a pavememnt without looking properly. He's lucky I wasn't a motorbike.
I'll call the bikeline folk and see what they say.0
