Hit by a car today

copster

Hi Guys,

I was clipped by a car today on my way into work. The driver failed to stop but I managed to catch him and exchange details at some traffic lights. (I've missed out the ranting and raving I did ) I have reported the incident to the Police as he failed to stop and drove into me on a roundabout where I had right of way....

I have phoned him tonight to request his insurance details and to ask him if he wishes to pay for my bike repairs (new back wheel, possible rear derailler and other cosmetics) he has denied hitting my bike!!

Fortunately I do have an independent witness and took lots of photos at the scene of both him, the car and my damaged bike.

My question is what do I do now? I need my bike fixed for work....

Help

alfablue

Write to him recorded delivery telling him you require him to pay for the damage or you will be suing him in the small claims court for damages. Advise him that it may be in his interests to inform his insurance company. Advise him you have evidence and witnesses. Get estimates, work out your costs (everything, down to phone calls, busses, taxis etc). Write again recorded delivery with the bill, give him seven days notice to pay, say after this you will be claiming in the small claims court (it is easy and cheap, done online - google money claim online, there are no solicitors involved and just a small fee which is part of your claim). After 7 days, claim online. Wait, collect money.

spen666

Go to a lawyer - and remember to claim for the injuries you have suffered

spen666

if:
a) there are no personal injuries
b) you are satisfied you have his details
c) you serve proceedings additionally on his insurers within (I think) 14 days

then you may consider doing case yourself

c) is important as you cannot enforce any judgement against his insurers if you have not complied with relevant rules re serving them with copy of proceedings

spen666

come to think of it- why are you asking? There is a sticky at top of this thread entitled "What to do in the event of an accident"

copster

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the responses. I know there is a sticky and I read it. It some how feels better getting some replies and to reconfirm this is the right course of action.

Has anyone any experience of using companies such as www.cycle-claims.co.uk?

thanks

spen666

Do not use a claims management firm. They are just another layer of bureaucracy between you and those who will handle your claim

Go directly to a solicitors firm.

alfablue

http://www.rjw.co.uk/legal-services/acc ... a/cycling/

Bacon1983

If it was me I would ask the police for advice, especially as he failed to stop at the scene which by my google search...

"Failing to stop after an accident is punishable by a fine or even imprisonment for up to six months. Disqualification is discretionary"

Accidents happen, but not stopping to check if everyone is ok is unforgivable.

Stuy-b

when i was hit by a car early last year i used
http://www.bikeline.co.uk/accident_claims/about_us.htm
they were very very helpfull and did pretty much all the work for me. i can whole heartedly recommend them even if you just need/want some advice im sure they would be very happy to help.

good luck

Stu

copster

Guys,

Thanks for all the replies and helpful advise. I am planning to talk to the Police first thing Monday morning (their closed at weekends :shock:) as the driver has now provided me with his insurance details although he still claims he didn't hit me :?

After that I will start down the route as described here.

Bike is being repaired Monday so I will keep all the receipts etc from that to pass on.

Arghhh Hassle you could do without!!

Thanks again for all the helpful responses.