Knocked Off again.

Gazzaputt
Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
edited November 2009 in Commuting chat
Twunt did a left turn last night and took two of us out.

Going along Old Kent Road from the Thomas Abeckett junction on the inside up towards the fire station. Idiot on the outside throws a left straight into me and the guy I was riding along side.

I went into the side of the van and bounced into the guy next to me who as the van turns hits the front. He was worse off out of the 2 of us.

Caring driver sits in the van tells us it's our fault! Driver didn't want to give details ay first. When he did pulls out a driving license that he copies the name from! When someone mentions the police attending he scarpers. Luckily taken pics of the reg, name on the van and him.

Bike scratched up think the bars have had it and a SRAM Rival shifters. Holes in top.

So all what solicitors to use CTC I suppose? Contacted the company this morning who were apologetic and have insurance details.

Comments

  • Sewinman
    Sewinman Posts: 2,131
    Am no legal eagle but is it not an offence to leave the scene of an accident?
  • Cafewanda
    Cafewanda Posts: 2,788
    :shock: :shock: Who'd you upset in a previous life :shock:

    Did you and the other person get checked out by medical staff? Can't help re legalities but hope everything works out ok for you both.
  • lost_in_thought
    lost_in_thought Posts: 10,563
    Grrrr. :x

    Have you reported it to the police? If not, I would. Also have them check for CCTV coverage of the area, the whole thing may well be caught on camera. I don't know much about the law, but I think it counts as a hit and run...
    FCN 7/1
    Viner Maxima, Tifosi CK7, Giant Bowery, Old commuter.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    That sucks!

    Good luck with pursuing things, but i wouldn't hold your breath considering his behaviour.
    Neeermad
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  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Gazza - that sucks. Sorry to hear it.

    Russell Jones & Walker, Leigh Day, Alyson France & Co are names I've read before. They might be able to help with the matter of locating the driver and vehicle.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • Gazzaputt
    Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
    Have the insurance details and I've spoken to firm that owns the van.

    Told them about the license and they will look into it. Also the driver told the firm it noway his fault. Explained what happened to his manager and he went quiet and apologised. Said he'll be speaking to him as his version of events don't have him turning left!

    I want to claim for the cost of damage to the bike and clothing. SRAM Rival shifters aren't cheap! I'm think it best to use a solicitor.
  • Angrymonkey
    Angrymonkey Posts: 17
    If you're looking for a solicitor a friend of mine runs this website

    http://www.contactlaw.co.uk

    They specialise in matching clients to solicitors who have experience with whatever your type of case is.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Leaving the scene of an accident without leaving details is an offence.

    Of course if he were indicating and you undertook he would have a case for you being at fault (to some degree or another) but scarpering does his case no favours.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • Rich158
    Rich158 Posts: 2,348
    Sorry to hear about the accident Gazza, glad you're OK. I've been looking out for you through south London, but I guess I'm too lazy to get my arse out of bed to catch you.

    I'm using Leigh Day who seem pretty good.
    pain is temporary, the glory of beating your mates to the top of the hill lasts forever.....................

    Revised FCN - 2
  • Gazzaputt
    Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
    Didn't undertake he overtook and turned into us from the outside lane.

    Cheers Rich. Still using the same route up Blackfen Road. Usually there around 7.30-40.

    Hopefully knee will heal quick. Same Knee as was badly damaged last year when knocked off. Lot of bruising on it but no swelling.
  • Headhuunter
    Headhuunter Posts: 6,494
    I go through that junction every day, I always try to take primary in the "straight on" lane (middle lane of 3). The lights are pretty much always red when I get to them so I filter to the front and then sit in primary in front of the cars as I know that there can be a lot of jostling for position by idiot drivers once the lights change, including people suddenly chucking a left or right. If the lights change as I approach I tend to tuck in behind a van or car and cross with the traffic at the same speed as the traffic, it generally doesn't go much faster than 10-15mph over that junction in rush hour.

    Sorry to hear about the accident though, as per my other thread someone almost had me off this morning by turning across in front of me as I headed along OKR towards London a little further in than the Thomas A Becket junc. the traffic on OKR was very heavy this morning, I was filtering through traffic from New Cross Rd all the way through to Bricklayers Arms. A little bit of rain and it seems everyone drives to work!

    See you on the OKR sometime - I ride a yellow Apollo so perhaps you wouldn't want to speak to me though...
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  • Gazzaputt
    Gazzaputt Posts: 3,227
    Headhuunter wrote:
    See you on the OKR sometime - I ride a yellow Apollo so perhaps you wouldn't want to speak to me though...

    My god I couldn't speak to an Apollo rider :wink:

    I'm on a Red Focus Variado.

    Hope you ok after off as well.
  • fossyant
    fossyant Posts: 2,549
    Go to the police today - 24 hours to report. Scarpering from an accident is an offence, and the driver sounds not legal..... This will also hurt the company too.

    Don't mess about, play it by the book.

    The company could also be fined.
  • ex-pat scot
    ex-pat scot Posts: 939
    Happened recently to me

    1. witnesses - or CCTV
    2. get EVERYTHING written down or take notes and file. Especially the communication with van owner / company
    3. get yersel to doctor to get checked over. Adrenaline and machismo are powerful painkillers but the bruises / scrapes will take a while to heal properly. If you have been hurt then the twunt needs to pay. Even if it is through his insurer
    4. notify police and get a reference no. It's a pain but necessary. If there is anything dodgy about driver and his license then they'll investigate
    5. leaving scene of accident is illegal if any injury.
    6. get a solicitor involved. My household insurance (direct line) has legal expenses cover and this is covering my claim
    7. get your bike to LBS for a repqir / replacement quote. Include all damages- scrapes and scratches to bike, clothing, helmet. Remember bars and helmet need replacing if crashed
    8. thank the crash gods that you got off lightly...
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  • Rich158
    Rich158 Posts: 2,348
    Gazzaputt wrote:
    Didn't undertake he overtook and turned into us from the outside lane.

    Cheers Rich. Still using the same route up Blackfen Road. Usually there around 7.30-40.

    Hopefully knee will heal quick. Same Knee as was badly damaged last year when knocked off. Lot of bruising on it but no swelling.

    Yep, but I'm about 20 mins behind you, I don't get to Bexley Village until 8'ish. I'm toying with the idea of taking the fixie over shooters hill :shock:
    pain is temporary, the glory of beating your mates to the top of the hill lasts forever.....................

    Revised FCN - 2

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