Hit by a car....what to do....
Discussion
So was just going along a residential road in chiswick this morning, a car suddenly pulls across from the right out of a parking bay trying to turn in the road. Before I had even pulled on the brakes I hit his left wing/wheel in a t-bone crash, my wheel crumpled and I went onto his wing and then back in a heap on the floor.
After the driver saying little more than sorry, I said my bike was buggered and he reluctantly gave his name, address (just up the road from my house) and registration. He said to send an invoice or something but by Tuesday as he has to leave, whatever that means....
The bike is my steel commuter city runabout thing, 1980 or so Schwinn traveller. Doubt it's worth anything, and everything is original so either needs replacement or fixing anyway! Front wheel is toast, fork might be bent, not sure given state of wheel. Haven't really looked properly yet. I think I'm fine.... Just a few lumps and bumps. Helmet took a bump so might need a new one....
So what do I do? Just ask for some cash? Report accident to police? Claim on his insurance?
After the driver saying little more than sorry, I said my bike was buggered and he reluctantly gave his name, address (just up the road from my house) and registration. He said to send an invoice or something but by Tuesday as he has to leave, whatever that means....
The bike is my steel commuter city runabout thing, 1980 or so Schwinn traveller. Doubt it's worth anything, and everything is original so either needs replacement or fixing anyway! Front wheel is toast, fork might be bent, not sure given state of wheel. Haven't really looked properly yet. I think I'm fine.... Just a few lumps and bumps. Helmet took a bump so might need a new one....
So what do I do? Just ask for some cash? Report accident to police? Claim on his insurance?
I'd leave it 24 hours before determining if you are physically ok, wait until morning to see if any aches develop etc. Ifthey do, go through insurance companies.
The driver might baulk if you ask privately for more than they are willing to offer and then it all gets messy, he may just see an old clunker but what is the cost of a genuine replacement and what was the value of a working bicycle to you. Schwinn's are getting rare now too... Travellers in good or original condition would easily fetch £150-200 too...
The driver might baulk if you ask privately for more than they are willing to offer and then it all gets messy, he may just see an old clunker but what is the cost of a genuine replacement and what was the value of a working bicycle to you. Schwinn's are getting rare now too... Travellers in good or original condition would easily fetch £150-200 too...
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 23 August 15:28
Second two- it's an rta, report it, get the reference number, get a quote from a reputable bike shop to fix/replace your bike and then give the driver the option of using his insurance or paying you directly.
Be warned - the driver will likely want to fob you off with £50 max, if he dicks you around claim on his insurance.
Be warned - the driver will likely want to fob you off with £50 max, if he dicks you around claim on his insurance.
As Dammit says, report it.
The last time I was knocked off, bloke collected me on his bonnet and bounced me back to the tarmac. Knackered bike, bumps and bruises. We swapped details, I called him that evening about recompense and he started lying and twisting details about. I reported it, he had not. I got a bikeshop estimate for repairs. Coppers paid him a visit and put the wind up him, he coughed up my estimate promptly.
The last time I was knocked off, bloke collected me on his bonnet and bounced me back to the tarmac. Knackered bike, bumps and bruises. We swapped details, I called him that evening about recompense and he started lying and twisting details about. I reported it, he had not. I got a bikeshop estimate for repairs. Coppers paid him a visit and put the wind up him, he coughed up my estimate promptly.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff