RTA Advise

[becky-j]

Good afternoon,
I was looking for some advice. A week ago, I was hit by a car and suffered broken bones and facial injuries. The police have informed me that the car driver has admitted fault, and the insurance should contact me. I was wondering if anyone has been in the situation? How long does it take for the insurance company to contact you, and what do people advise for solicitors? Should I have a no-win, no fee solicitor or one I pay for? I'm honestly not worried about compensation; it would just be nice to be able to go private to get my scans quicker and any rehab that will be required. Thank you for any help.

[slowster]

I have asked the moderators to move your thread to the 'On the Road' board, since that is where threads asking about accident compensation generally go, and I think you will get more replies there. You will see various similar past threads there.

You really need professional legal help, so we need to know first whether you have any form of legal expenses insurance cover. I assume that you are not a member of a national cycling organisation or club which provides legal assistance as part of its membership package, but it is something which is often provided under a household contents insurance policy or as part of membership of a trade union.

[thirdcrank]

It's probably beneficial that the police seem to be investigating this, but I'm not sure that your interpretation of what you have been told is correct. The police deal with investigation of criminal offences eg careless driving and have no direct involvement with civil claims ie compo. I suspect the police may have been saying that dealing with that is up to you. (The benefit of a police criminal investigation to a civil claim is that they should have collected and preserved evidence which can be accessed by your lawyer.)

I'd recommend instructing a specialist personal injury solicitor - preferably one dealing with cycling cases - as soon as possible.

In the meantime, keep a diary recording all relevant matters to help you in future to be sure of details. Preserve evidence such as details of medical appointments and receipts for expenses caused by this incident.

[eileithyia]

Get a cycling solicitor either via CUK or BC, alternativly plenty list in cycling publications.
Keep a diary of pain and suffering and what treatments etc you have had so far.
Include what you can and can't do for yourself, what you need help with; washing dressing shopping mobility etc. Also include when you can start doing various activities for yourself again.....
Keep an account of all costs directly arising from the accident; hospital visits, car parking, trips to sort out bike etc., cost of trips that you would usually do by bike but now have to use other transport.
Get bike damage fully evaluated. Include clothing and other equipment.
Keep receipts.
What about work; do you get paid, do they want reimbursing as part of your claim... make sure you get a full cost to employer (my solicitor did this) you do not want to claim compensation then find your employer wants a cut... it should be added over and above your claim.

It is important to keep a diary of all this... claims can take up to 2 years and you will struggle to remember when exactly improvements started etc.
You do not want to settle too soon, you need to ensure you are fully recovered or as fully recovered as you are likely to be if there is any ongoing issues. It can take 18months to 2 years for full recovery from breaks, as my physio recently cheerfully informed me.

Speedy recovery