Crash!

Headhuunter

Well I suppose it had to happen. I had a spectacular crash on the way to work yesterday. I was on my way as usual along Old Kent Rd. As I approached the set of lights with Asylum Rd turning off on my left, I slowed, but then they switched to green, so I picked up pace again. There was a bunch of cyclists on my left who had been waiting at the red. They all started to move off but as I hadn't slowed to a complete stop, I passed them at about 20-25mph, when all of a sudden a maroon Ford Escort cut across my path, turning from the traffic coming the opposite way, into Asylum Rd (turning on my left, his right).

I had no time to react and bounced off the side, onto the widscreen (which I completely smashed apparently) and rolled onto the tarmac. I think I passed out for a while then I remember trying to get up and not being able to, then an ambulance crew and other people shouting at me not to move. All I could think was that I needed to get back on the bike and get off to work coz I was a bit late! But I realised that it was a bit more serious when they put me in a neck brace and on one of thise spine injury boards and stuck me in the ambulance.

Luckily one of the other cyclists got the ambulance crew to put the Apollo in the back and take it to hospital. Anyway, after x rays, spine tests, pelvic tests for breaks etc, I was allowed to go with a couple of paracetamol., badly bruised They said I was amazingly lucky considering what happened - it takes an enomous impact to break a windscreen! However I got home and took of my cycling tights and found a great big chunk missing out of my shin.... They hadn't taken off my tights at hospital and I hadn't even felt the pain. So back to A&E fo 6 stitches and tetanus jab.

Anyway, at least I'm alive but the question now is claiming on the driver's insurance if possible. I think I've got a couple of witnesses or so, one of the other cyclists took some people's numbers and the police took statments.

The front wheel is completely eliptical and I'm now worried about the integrity of the frame and forks, then there are rips in my cycling gear, they cut my rucksack off my back, so that's finished, my bike helmet has a chunk missing out of the right side and do I try to claim for injury? I mean I can barely walk at the moment. Has anyone got much experience of all this?

biondino

Whatever you do, don't claim that chunk out of the helmet had anything to do with a lack of head injuries. It would be anecdotal, you see, which is worse than Hitler.

(poor fella! Glad you're in reasonable shape, and keep stocked up with painkillers for the inevitable aches and pains to come)

prawny

Dude, heal quick!

I have no experience of crashes so can't offer any advise but glad your ok.

Breathless Commuter Man

wow - I'm glad that things are not as bad as they could have been.

Fortunately I have no experience of this kind of thing.

Get better soon.

Sewinman

Bloody hell, glad you are ok. Is everyone on this forum getting knocked off or is it just me imagining it!? :shock:

There was a post yeterday on what to do - bascailly write everything down, take pics, get your bike looked at by LBS and get a bike solicitor on the case asap.

itboffin

Ouch dude glad your okay, sort of.

Do you have CTC or BC membership? they're a good place to start with these sorts of questions.

Clever Pun

ouch, glad you're pretty much ok

lost_in_thought

Blimey, there seems to be a lot of it about at the moment, glad to hear you're relatively OK. Take care.

BoardinBob

As I approached the set of lights with Asylum Rd turning off on my left, I slowed, but then they switched to green, so I picked up pace again. There was a bunch of cyclists on my left who had been waiting at the red. They all started to move off but as I hadn't slowed to a complete stop, I passed them at about 20-25mph,

Were you filtering through traffic as you approached the lights?

Glad you're ok, but I have to say there's a world of difference between "complete stop" and "20-25mph"

Rich158

Hope you heal quickly mate, that sounds grim. At least there's nothing broken, other than the bike that is.

The Police should have the guy's insurance details but it can take a while for them to transfer their notes so be prepared for a wait. It took me a good few weeks to get the details of the guy who hit me. Get a lawyer involved as well, even at this stage they can start putting together your claim.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but these things can drag on. I was knocked off in August and I'm still waiting for the other parties insurance to admit liability, let alone start negotiations over compensation etc

will3

From my experience:

Claim for injuries. It will make the other claims small beer for the insurers which should make things go a bit quicker.

Get some solicitors (RJW were excellent). It confuses the insurers if you don't.

And get better soon.
It's amazing how fast these accidents happen!

jonginge

Ooh, sounds nasty. Glad you're pretty much ok.

bigmat

Hope the muppet has insurance! Claim for everything, list all items that are in any way damaged, take photos and get together any receipts etc. you might have. Keep a record of any other expenses e.g. taxis, painkillers etc. If you lose money from time off work (your job is commission based, right?) then claim for that. Get all injuries checked out and keep a full record / take photos. get a solicitor on board then they'll deal with all the procedural aggro and you should be able to get a no win no fee type arrangement - there are some who are known for dealing with bike accidents but its not rocket science, any reputable personal injury firm will do the job. Good luck and glad you came off relatively OK.

bigmat

Rich158 wrote:

Hope you heal quickly mate, that sounds grim. At least there's nothing broken, other than the bike that is.

The Police should have the guy's insurance details but it can take a while for them to transfer their notes so be prepared for a wait. It took me a good few weeks to get the details of the guy who hit me. Get a lawyer involved as well, even at this stage they can start putting together your claim.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but these things can drag on. I was knocked off in August and I'm still waiting for the other parties insurance to admit liability, let alone start negotiations over compensation etc

The "not admitting liability" is part of the negotiations - allows them to argue that anything they offer is a bonus because liability is still in dispute. They may never admit liability, its just a question of getting them to pay what you consider fair.

Headhuunter

BoardinBob wrote:

As I approached the set of lights with Asylum Rd turning off on my left, I slowed, but then they switched to green, so I picked up pace again. There was a bunch of cyclists on my left who had been waiting at the red. They all started to move off but as I hadn't slowed to a complete stop, I passed them at about 20-25mph,

Were you filtering through traffic as you approached the lights?

Glad you're ok, but I have to say there's a world of difference between "complete stop" and "20-25mph"

No, not filtering through traffic and not a complete stop. The road ahead was clear (apparently I have been told by witnesses, my memory of it all is a little fuzzy). I was coming towards the light on red and slowing as I aproached, but as I approached, it flicked to green so I picked up pace and continued through. The other cyclists were stationary as they had reached the junction before me and come to a complete standstill at the red light, but it was never red for me so I continued on when I was cut up by the driver turning across in front of me.

attica

Ouch, sounds like the car must've been being a bit cheeky - trying to beat the stationary cyclists, I do hope you won't get grief for overtaking at a junction.

get well soon fella

commuterconvert

Oh dear, sounds nasty, hope you recover quick, I imagine today/tomorrow the real pain will kick in.

Does seem like silly season at the moment, I've seen two accidents while commuting this week plus my brother in law had his back wheel crushed & frame bent by a van yesterday, narrowly escaping serious injury. Unfortunately he also failed to get witnesses as I did 3 weeks ago when I got left hooked. Strangely all these reports to be in the morning in full light as opposed to nighttime that you'd expect with the darkness.

With all these threads, maybe it'd be a good idea to have a sticky post on this forum detailing what to do if you are involved or witness an accident? There's one over at the london fixed & single speed forum but one here would be good. I always feel like I shouldn't really be there as I opt for the geared bike approach...

gert_lush

Dude that sounds painfull, take it easy the next few days!

would everyone please stop getting hit!

The Rookie

You'll find some good advice at www.stop-smidsy.org.uk, and you can report your accident there as well for the database.

You'll need a letter to the driver claiming for the losses first (quicker and easier to resolve) you can do this if you know what your doing, otherwsie get a solicitor, I'm sure you'll get a no-win no fee ambulance chaser to take this, or use a 'reputable one' if you prefer, once that is progressing you can start any personal injury claim as well.

GWS

Simon

Headhuunter

Thanks for all your comments. Just realised that you all went through this with Jamey yesterday, so I'll have another look at that thread. I'm just not sure how much I would claim for personal injury. Bike, clothing etc are all quantifiable. I suppose I should have a word with that CTC sol. Not a member of CTC, it was always on my to do list, but never got done! I'll make sure I join now....

In another twist, the number that I was given by the PC of the driver of the car appears to be incorrect, so either the driver gave a false number or for some reason they are claiming he doesn't live there. Or perhaps I have misread the number - the writing is a bit unclear. Anyway, I've phoned the police and was told they will get back in touch

Rich158

MatHammond wrote:

Rich158 wrote:

Hope you heal quickly mate, that sounds grim. At least there's nothing broken, other than the bike that is.

The Police should have the guy's insurance details but it can take a while for them to transfer their notes so be prepared for a wait. It took me a good few weeks to get the details of the guy who hit me. Get a lawyer involved as well, even at this stage they can start putting together your claim.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but these things can drag on. I was knocked off in August and I'm still waiting for the other parties insurance to admit liability, let alone start negotiations over compensation etc

The "not admitting liability" is part of the negotiations - allows them to argue that anything they offer is a bonus because liability is still in dispute. They may never admit liability, its just a question of getting them to pay what you consider fair.

tbh they legally have 3 months to investigate liability and then state their case, which is what I was reffering to, the negotiations then start from there if I understand my solicitor correctly

turnerjohn

Headhuunter wrote:

Well I suppose it had to happen. I had a spectacular crash on the way to work yesterday. I was on my way as usual along Old Kent Rd. As I approached the set of lights with Asylum Rd turning off on my left, I slowed, but then they switched to green, so I picked up pace again. There was a bunch of cyclists on my left who had been waiting at the red. They all started to move off but as I hadn't slowed to a complete stop, I passed them at about 20-25mph, when all of a sudden a maroon Ford Escort cut across my path, turning from the traffic coming the opposite way, into Asylum Rd (turning on my left, his right).

I had no time to react and bounced off the side, onto the widscreen (which I completely smashed apparently) and rolled onto the tarmac. I think I passed out for a while then I remember trying to get up and not being able to, then an ambulance crew and other people shouting at me not to move. All I could think was that I needed to get back on the bike and get off to work coz I was a bit late! But I realised that it was a bit more serious when they put me in a neck brace and on one of thise spine injury boards and stuck me in the ambulance.

Luckily one of the other cyclists got the ambulance crew to put the Apollo in the back and take it to hospital. Anyway, after x rays, spine tests, pelvic tests for breaks etc, I was allowed to go with a couple of paracetamol., badly bruised They said I was amazingly lucky considering what happened - it takes an enomous impact to break a windscreen! However I got home and took of my cycling tights and found a great big chunk missing out of my shin.... They hadn't taken off my tights at hospital and I hadn't even felt the pain. So back to A&E fo 6 stitches and tetanus jab.

Anyway, at least I'm alive but the question now is claiming on the driver's insurance if possible. I think I've got a couple of witnesses or so, one of the other cyclists took some people's numbers and the police took statments.

The front wheel is completely eliptical and I'm now worried about the integrity of the frame and forks, then there are rips in my cycling gear, they cut my rucksack off my back, so that's finished, my bike helmet has a chunk missing out of the right side and do I try to claim for injury? I mean I can barely walk at the moment. Has anyone got much experience of all this?

Dam near same thing happened to me last year !
Tho I smashed this windscreen and my shoulder broke his A-Pillar....not that really was a big impact...nothing broken whatsever thank goodness !
Ha loads of witnesses, and the driver admitted it was totaly his fault..and the police.
Claim through his insurance company.
Having said that the amount their offering me is laughable for which could have been far far worse given any other senario...am taking it further !
Your probably need a shed load of physio as well...just remember to claim for everything your entitled to (or seek legal advise)...insurance companies are B*******ds ! ...I pay enough insurance on my car as it is and have never claimed !
Anyways dont let them fob you off.
As for the bike, I was lucky and had reciepts for everything (got £1000 back so was happy with that), tho they do insist on receipts etc...and a full report by a LBS...this only cost me £15 :-).
Hope you dont take too long to recover. Getting back on the bike was the most important thing for me (albet still a little warry of cars turning out of junctions even now!) just get back as soon as you can.
Speedy recovery mate !

Wallace1492

Not good at all, but at least you can tell the tale, which is a great thing.
Hope all goes well over next few days, and the claim is sorted quickly.

Watch out for delayed injuries!!

the_hundredth_idiot

Sorry to hear that. But glad to hear your injuries don't appear to be too serious.

Sounds like the driver was doing that classic thing that boy racers do of thinking they can put their foot down and get across the junction before the traffic coming the other way has started moving. Problem is when the traffic coming the other way is already moving. :roll:

I had a close one in a similar fashion this morning (car turned right across the road in front of me) but I was doing somewhat less than 20-25mph so managed to stop with nothing worse than a loud expletive from me and a finger :!: from the driver of the pea-green Nissan Micra :evil: . A sweet old dear came over and checked I was okay and asked if I was the same person who'd been knocked over at that junction earlier in the week (wasn't me - junction of Champion Hill and, erm, Champion Hill in case any of you know who that might have been). That's the second near miss for me this week - as someone else said, there seems to be a lot of it about at the moment.

Headhuunter

turnerjohn wrote:

Headhuunter wrote:

Well I suppose it had to happen. I had a spectacular crash on the way to work yesterday. I was on my way as usual along Old Kent Rd. As I approached the set of lights with Asylum Rd turning off on my left, I slowed, but then they switched to green, so I picked up pace again. There was a bunch of cyclists on my left who had been waiting at the red. They all started to move off but as I hadn't slowed to a complete stop, I passed them at about 20-25mph, when all of a sudden a maroon Ford Escort cut across my path, turning from the traffic coming the opposite way, into Asylum Rd (turning on my left, his right).

I had no time to react and bounced off the side, onto the widscreen (which I completely smashed apparently) and rolled onto the tarmac. I think I passed out for a while then I remember trying to get up and not being able to, then an ambulance crew and other people shouting at me not to move. All I could think was that I needed to get back on the bike and get off to work coz I was a bit late! But I realised that it was a bit more serious when they put me in a neck brace and on one of thise spine injury boards and stuck me in the ambulance.

Luckily one of the other cyclists got the ambulance crew to put the Apollo in the back and take it to hospital. Anyway, after x rays, spine tests, pelvic tests for breaks etc, I was allowed to go with a couple of paracetamol., badly bruised They said I was amazingly lucky considering what happened - it takes an enomous impact to break a windscreen! However I got home and took of my cycling tights and found a great big chunk missing out of my shin.... They hadn't taken off my tights at hospital and I hadn't even felt the pain. So back to A&E fo 6 stitches and tetanus jab.

Anyway, at least I'm alive but the question now is claiming on the driver's insurance if possible. I think I've got a couple of witnesses or so, one of the other cyclists took some people's numbers and the police took statments.

The front wheel is completely eliptical and I'm now worried about the integrity of the frame and forks, then there are rips in my cycling gear, they cut my rucksack off my back, so that's finished, my bike helmet has a chunk missing out of the right side and do I try to claim for injury? I mean I can barely walk at the moment. Has anyone got much experience of all this?

Dam near same thing happened to me last year !
Tho I smashed this windscreen and my shoulder broke his A-Pillar....not that really was a big impact...nothing broken whatsever thank goodness !
Ha loads of witnesses, and the driver admitted it was totaly his fault..and the police.
Claim through his insurance company.
Having said that the amount their offering me is laughable for which could have been far far worse given any other senario...am taking it further !
Your probably need a shed load of physio as well...just remember to claim for everything your entitled to (or seek legal advise)...insurance companies are B*******ds ! ...I pay enough insurance on my car as it is and have never claimed !
Anyways dont let them fob you off.
As for the bike, I was lucky and had reciepts for everything (got £1000 back so was happy with that), tho they do insist on receipts etc...and a full report by a LBS...this only cost me £15 :-).
Hope you dont take too long to recover. Getting back on the bike was the most important thing for me (albet still a little warry of cars turning out of junctions even now!) just get back as soon as you can.
Speedy recovery mate !

Cheers. So did you use a solicitor? If not how did you decide how much to claim in personal injury? I haven't got receipts for the bike, it was 2nd hand with upgraded wheels, which were also 2nd hand.....

Roastie

Yowser dude! Take it easy - I'm sure you'll be back to normal soon enough.

Headhuunter

The Hundredth Idiot wrote:

Sorry to hear that. But glad to hear your injuries don't appear to be too serious.

Sounds like the driver was doing that classic thing that boy racers do of thinking they can put their foot down and get across the junction before the traffic coming the other way has started moving. Problem is when the traffic coming the other way is already moving. :roll:

I had a close one in a similar fashion this morning (car turned right across the road in front of me) but I was doing somewhat less than 20-25mph so managed to stop with nothing worse than a loud expletive from me and a finger :!: from the driver of the pea-green Nissan Micra :evil: . A sweet old dear came over and checked I was okay and asked if I was the same person who'd been knocked over at that junction earlier in the week (wasn't me - junction of Champion Hill and, erm, Champion Hill in case any of you know who that might have been). That's the second near miss for me this week - as someone else said, there seems to be a lot of it about at the moment.

I know that junction! Got a friend who lives on Champoin Hill (in Denmark Hill, SE5)

Headhuunter

One small positive in all this so far is that at the hospital they connected me up to heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors etc and at one point a nurse asked me if did a lot of exercise, to which I told her I cycled 100-120 miles per week and gym 3x per week etc and she said that she had been a little concerned because my hear rate and blood pressure are both incredibly low, like that of an athlete! Moi! An athlete....

Sorry, I'm showing off, but that gave me a bit of a lift whilst I lay in the grip of spinal injury apparatus... I thought well at least if I'm paralysed I was an athlete.... once...

cjcp

Headhuunter wrote:

One small positive in all this so far is that at the hospital they connected me up to heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors etc and at one point a nurse asked me if did a lot of exercise, to which I told her I cycled 100-120 miles per week and gym 3x per week etc and she said that she had been a little concerned because my hear rate and blood pressure are both incredibly low, like that of an athlete! Moi! An athlete....

8)

Seriously though, glad you're "ok". Contact a solicitor asap and write down all you can about the incident while it's fresh.

snailracer

I would recommend seeing your GP, who can check there's nothing else that the hospital might have missed, or might have developed (eg fluid on brain) or worsened since you were discharged. The GP can also compile a list of injuries for the record, which will make claiming more straighforward later.

shouldbeinbed

get well soon.

also get yourself to the GP's or police and let them see your injuries -it'll all help for a compensation claim from the insurance even if not proving culpability. not so much for your financial gain, but a few grand payout is going to hit their insurance premium and hopefully make them think a bit more carefully about their driving in the future.

First thing a cop said to me after reporting a (car) crash when I ended up in a neck brace was 'well thats £1000' then he asked me what happened..

also get the bike properly checked, paint can hide lots of nasties.