Hit by a van! What would you do?

R0M

I joined today, after almost exactly the same happened to me last week! So been looking for info on what to do etc.

I too was filtering to the right of stationary traffic, when an Escort Van turned right with no signal, clearly didnt check his mirrors. I had 2 very bright LED lights, 1 on strobe effect, a high vis vest, and im not a small chap.

I didnt have time to do much other than hit the brakes, me and the bike went over the bonnet, landed on my right side, still partially on the bike. Rear wheel and mech ripped off, seat ripped and bent, 1 support under the seat snapped, wheels and discs buckled, usual gouging to the frame and bars etc. Less than 6 months old.

Ive got bruised knees, thigh (inner and outer, how i worked out i was still on biker when i landed, no other way to get inner bruising i think) cut on rear thigh, bruised hip and shoulder. Took 2 days off work, went to GP got it all documented.

Made the mistake of filling out an online report, only to be told days later i need to go to a station. Which ive since done, and have a ref number for collisions unit.

He gave name and number, but 'couldnt remember' his insurer. Rang that night to be abused, and refused insurance info. Ive since got his details and reported it myself (from askmid) to his insurer, Aviva. Initial call sounds hopeful, guy said if he pulled into my way, they are usually at fault, and normally takes a couple of weeks to sort. Though obviously they dont have his version yet. Unsure how he can make it sound any better than it is, even if he says he indicated, he still pulled in front of me.

From my understanding (family in the Met) hes failed to provide details when requested, failed to report an accident involving injury or damage to persons or property.

Not had the bike looked at yet, curious what happens with regard to cosmetic damage ? That cant really be fixed, other than a frame, no real industry for bike bodyshops, outside of custom work i guess. Obviously components can be replaced, but they frame will still be a wreck.

Hope you get some where, and in the nicest way, hope mines a bit easier to deal with! My best and only bike also, so back to driving, which is costing me fuel, and time, as traffic is killer.

bails87

Keep a record of every time that you've driven when you would have used the bike. You can then claim that back when/(if!) the insurers settle.

Get in touch with a solicitor too, as can be seen from this and another recent thread (insurer's being a pain) a bit of legal expertise can be a good thing, plus it reduces the hassle for you.

Good luck with it and get well soon.

andyrr

Minor points to add :
Take pics of your injuries although I think the long-term ones are ones that result in higher pay outs from ins cos but that in itself can mean that settlement, if/when it happens, is delayed as they want to see what the real longer term effect is.
Be prepared to hassle the insurance co's and solicitors - Touch wood, I've not had any accident recently but the couple of times I have on the bike I really wish, when I was told that the letter would be sent in 2 days time, or my solicitor would contact the other company that afternoon, that I phoned them soon after their promised date of action to see if they had actually done it : be prepared to be a pest to them !

If you have a friendly LBS then take your bike there - I'm sure it was a total write-off and replacement is going to be very expensive !

R0M

I spoke to Halfords today, who suggested I wait to be instructed buy the insurer.
But I may just take it in and get it quoted, so it's all ready if they ask.

Think it's a write off as frame is bent, only slightly, but still bent. Plus all the frame cosmetic damage which can't be repaired (less than 6 moths old) Then all the broken or damaged components.
Documented all damage today at work. All injuries are documented and photographed.

Back to driving, but keeping a record of all costs. Hopefully they cover my glasses, tights, gloves, lights etc too.

mattwood

HOLY THREAD RESURRECTION BATMAN!

Yes, it is about time I resurrect this thread with a final summary of what happened and my experience with Slater and Gordon Solicitors.

I have accepted full and final settlement and received payment form the driver's insurance company to be banked today. My knees still give me grief after the accident and I will be attending appointments to solve that in the future.

I'd like to give a big shout out to Slater & Gordon solicitors for taking on my case and giving me reasonable and sound advice throughout the legal process. It took 2 years 4 months and 29 days to get from start to finish in my case and I think I went through 3 different solicitors - all of whom were very professional and helpful. It is their experience and professional opinion that has gotten me to where I am today and with a good settlement for my injuries and to reimburse the cost of repairing the bike.

So thank you Slater and Gordon! I would recommend them to anyone else in need of their services.

Thanks for reading!

chris_bass

how did it take that long? I made a claim and it took about 6 months and i thought that was a long time!

mattwood

Well...I changed solicitors a lot. So that delayed things massively. But mostly it was the fact that my witnesses proved to be uncooperative and the driver disputed the accident even occurring to start with. Lots of back and forth later I only got 50% of the case value as I was forced into 50/50 fault. But it is nice to have a result and to have recouped the cost of fixing my bike. And the guy has a claim against his insurance now so that's nice for him too :P

chris_bass

sounds like quite a lengthy process, glad you got a reasonably good outcome :-)