Cyclist v Car = Crash & Injuries

[Chequered Flag Racing]

Whilst cycling on Tuesday evening I was forced into taking evading action due to a car pulling out of a junction as I was passing which resulted in a visit to the local A&E and a damaged bike and clothing and pride.

Which way forward now for damage & injury claims?

Any cycling claims solicitors you have used or recommend?

[mattr]

http://www.leighday.co.uk/Illness-an...-injury-claims

These guys dealt with mine, and are British Cyclings "tame" lawyers. If you are a member you get free legal cover. If not, i *think* they do a no win no fee deal. Not 100% sure as i've not had to use them as a non-member.

http://www.ctc.org.uk/member-benefits/ctc-incident-line

These are the "other" side, the cyclists touring club. Not sure what the deal is with them, but, as with Leigh Day, they specialise in cycling accidents.

It may be worth ringing both CTC and BC, as i've heard rumour that if you join after the accident, you can still get the free cover. But that info is a few years out of date, so not sure what the current state of play is.

BTW, make sure you've reported it to plod, and got all the important bits of paper, statement, incident number etc.
Also, write down (now) exactly what happened, in detail, get some sketches (or pictures) of the junction too. Pictures of the injuries too, copy of the A&E report as well.
If it goes to court (mine did) it might take a year or more, and having it all written down will pay dividends. And having copies of other peoples reports too.

(The guy who ran me off the road (deliberately), crapped himself when he realised the two guys he'd tried to maim were professionals in their late 20s. Rather than scrotes on MTBs. Pity he realised once he'd got to court with a not guilty plea......... they put him through the wringer)

[Chequered Flag Racing]

Originally Posted by mattr

It may be worth ringing both CTC and BC, as i've heard rumour that if you join after the accident, you can still get the free cover. But that info is a few years out of date, so not sure what the current state of play is.

BTW, make sure you've reported it to plod, and got all the important bits of paper, statement, incident number etc.
Also, write down (now) exactly what happened, in detail, get some sketches (or pictures) of the junction too. Pictures of the injuries too, copy of the A&E report as well.
If it goes to court (mine did) it might take a year or more, and having it all written down will pay dividends. And having copies of other peoples reports too.

Done the above, just need the A&E report I guess.

Waiting on the Police Officer to phone back today.

[Briangb]

I have been a cyclist all my life. Mostly a bt of mountain biking these days. Cars can't get you there.
I have had a few 'incidents' with cars over the years, but fortunately nothing for some time now.
I was involved a serious accident several years ago when a stupid car driver decided to drive straight into the back of me. To be honest, I was lucky to survive, although I still have some permanent damage as a result.
At that time I was covered by the British Cycling Federation who simply appointed me a solicitor who took care of everything. Despite appeals in the local paper, the Police were unable to find any witnesses and the car driver got off completely free. Never even contacted me to see if I was ok. I am still bitter about this to this day.
My claim was settled after about 2 years, although the permanent injury was (unbelievably) not diagnosed at the time.
Fotunately your injuries would appear to be not too bad. I hope you manage to get it sorted out.
Don't forget; where there is blame, there is a claim.
Did manage to get a gash on my leg from a 1/10 electric recently while marshalling, but suppose there is always that risk.

[s22jgs]

i have every sympathy for cyclists on the road when this happens, however blame and claim is not the answer. cyclists should have to have insurance like other road users

[mattr]

Most of them do have insurance. Going by the figures for uninsured drivers in the UK. It's getting more likely that the driver is uninsured.

And how is this any different than a car driver going after someone who has driven into them?
Oh, that's right, it's not.
This is not "blame and claim" legal shenanigans, this is a legitimate RTA.

BTW, might be worth checking your household insurance too, they often provide legal aid for stuff like this.

[Lee24h]

I know im not a moderator but but calm down cars v cyclist fors and against shouldnt be on a page where someone who unfortunately needs some advice