Is my bike a write off? Help please.

WarrenT

Had a nasty accident where an old lady decided to smash into the side of me and almost kill me. 6 teeth gone and plastic surgery required to my lip and jaw but still alive!

Anyway the question is, does anyone know if this bike is still usuable from the pictures I've shown. I am going to take it to my LBS but just thought I'd ask here first.

Thanks,

cookeeemonster

cant see the pictures for some reason?

Bloody hell that sounds nasty, yeah yeah yeah it could've been worse but it sounds bad enough as it is!!

Did you get the police etc involved? any witnesses?

WarrenT

I can see the pictures. Thats weird.

Yes the police got involved and said it was her fault. They have now decided not to press any charges due to no cctv or witnesses not replying. Pissed me off no end. How long before she does it again? Thankfully her insurers admitted liability so that will pay for the extensive dental work that I need.

WarrenT

I'll try and upload them again!

lovestheclimb

WarrenT

Hopefully you can see them now. Albeit a little small.

CiB

It probably is a write-off, hard to tell from small pics but the impact you describe has probably done it no good.

First off get a bike shop to inspect it for damage and provide an estimate for any repairs. Her insurers have admitted liability and are paying for the medical costs presumably; they should also put you and your bike back in the position you were in before their client drove into you.

There's a good guide here - viewtopic.php?f=40052&t=12722930

Don't lose out; no need to be a money-grabber but you shouldn't be out of pocket for an incident that wasn't your fault, assuming it wasn't.

elderone

after my accident I took my bike to the lbs for an assesment and it was written off,so sent the form off to insurance.My Advice is get it checked properly as there could be damage you cant see.

thescouselander

The pictures are very small and I can't see them properly but from what I can see I'd say that bike has had it.

WarrenT

Cheers for the help guys. I did fear the worst to be honest.

Pross

If her insurers have admitted liability don't take any chances and get anything that is damaged replaced with new at their cost.

WarrenT

Pross wrote:

If her insurers have admitted liability don't take any chances and get anything that is damaged replaced with new at their cost.

This will happen hopefully. It just takes so long. I'm going to be without a bike for a while now and haven't got the cash to just go out and spend on a new road bike. Very frustrating.

CiB

Payouts can be staggered. There's the fixed cost of replacing a bike like for like, and the additional medical costs that take time to ascertain and value. You should contact the insurers to see where they stand on this, adding [correctly] that your out of pocket transport expenses will continue to rise whilst you're without the bike.

MichaelW

Bent downtube, buggered bike.
Dont forget to claim for all and every accessory that was also totalled inc helmet, speedometer, lights, mudguards, rack.
Dont forget to claim for any part that you upgraded inc pedals, saddle.
Ditto wrecked clothing, torn leggings, abraded waterproof, gloves, helmet, glasses.
Taxi rides, bus tickets, all and every expense that nice old lady put you through can be claimed.

I used to work for an insurance claim's handling agency (as their bike specialist) so make sure that, if they offer you a replacement bike, it is as good , if not better than your current model in terms of groupsets etc.

WarrenT

Quick update.....

As predicted on here, the bike is finished. Mechanic in my LBS coudn't belive the way the downtube and the toptube had been compressed and bent. Now to get the paperwork off to my solicitor.

Thanks again for all the advice.