I got doored and he admitted fault as I was in his blindspot... Help

[Boulderman]

I came off smashing my lights, scuffing my lock, helmet and bag. I have cut fingers and 24 hours later fingers and leg came up bruised with sore shoulder and neck(where I hit the car).

It was my first ride to my place at work so didn't want to skip work (no sick pay as contractor).

I have pictures of the injuries. Do I need insurance to cover myself if injury lasts (I.e. in addition to basic cover home insurance)? Would home or motor cover it and do/should I need extra cover or do I phone those claim lines in the ads.

Edit, I couldn't cycle further away as a car parked opposite

[Vorpal]

Sorry to hear about your incident. I wish you swift healing. In the future, ride outside the door zone; I tell kids, 'the width of door and a little bit more'; even if it means you are right out in the middle.

Make sure you report the dooring to the police. The driver should, as well. It is illegal to open a car door into someone.

Some important information in here viewtopic.php?f=7&t=69901 even though it says 'bad driving', the process is the same.

Secondly, if you got the driver's insurance details contact them, or contact the driver and get them. His insurance should pay for damages and injuries.

Insurance companies don't like to pay up, so if you have to resort to it, here is some information on instructing a lawyer viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49627

[gaz]

Sorry to hear about your incident.

+1

Make sure you report the dooring to the police. The driver should, as well. It is illegal to open a car door into someone.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 s.105

[eileithyia]

Welcome and sorry to hear of your injuries. Are you a member, if so you can instruct a solicitor via membership services.

Get your injuries looked at by a medic, so at leas there is an official record of same. Continue to take phots of the period of healing time and keep an injury diary. Note any expenditure; travel that would normally be taken by bike, to bike shop to replacement items, replacement of items etc.,
Report to police.
Hope you got his reg number and details.

Speedy recovery

[ChrisF]

Do I need insurance to cover myself if injury lasts? Would home or motor cover it and do I need extra cover or do I phone those claim lines in the ads.

No insurance company would ever pay out for an accident which happened before the policy was taken out, so you're too late for this event, I'm afraid. As others have said you should claim against the driver.

[andrewk]

Do I need insurance to cover myself if injury lasts? Would home or motor cover it and do I need extra cover or do I phone those claim lines in the ads.

No insurance company would ever pay out for an accident which happened before the policy was taken out, so you're too late for this event, I'm afraid. As others have said you should claim against the driver.

Even if you were insured you should still claim against the driver...it was his fault.

[Boulderman]

Thanks, I did steer clear of the door but a car was parked opposite and he was parked half on the verge.

So I'll contact my home insurance, I think the bike should be serviced... The chain came off, got that on but the wheels, brakes and stem are out of line (did clamp it between the legs to re-straighten but my fingers can't do the tricky bits.

[karlt]

Thanks, I did steer clear of the door but a car was parked opposite and he was parked half on the verge.

So I'll contact my home insurance, I think the bike should be serviced... The chain came off, got that on but the wheels, brakes and stem are out of line (did clamp it between the legs to re-straighten but my fingers can't do the tricky bits.

Don't claim on your insurance. Claim on his. That's why drivers have to have third party insurance. Your home insurance is unlikely to cover this.

[Boulderman]

Phoned my insurance and yeah doesn't cover it. I phoned Police too. I need to call in to police station (fyi you should do it within 24 hrs and especially if you don't have all the driver details). Maybe we can create a FAQs out of this

[niggle]

Phoned my insurance and yeah doesn't cover it. I phoned Police too. I need to call in to police station (fyi you should do it within 24 hrs and especially if you don't have all the driver details). Maybe we can create a FAQs out of this

Have you not got the driver's details, not even his vehicle registration number?

[Boulderman]

I didn't want to look mean and take it but after phoning my wife asking me a lift she asked me to get his details, so I finally got his phone number after I asked him to call me (he said he changed it and didn't know it). I know part of the reg and can find him when he drops the kids off ( ) at school next

[Alan O]

I know it's a bit late now, but it always pays to get a driver's details in the event of an accident, no matter how nice they're being about it.

Some years ago I had a driver pull out directly in front of me, and I hit the wing and ended up on the bonnet. Fortunately I escaped without a scratch, and the bike seemed fine too. The driver was seriously shocked by what happened, was very apologetic, and offered me their details - I felt worse for them than for me, and foolishly declined with "No, it's fine, there's no damage done".

It wasn't until a few days later that I felt there was something wrong with the bike's handling, and a trip back to the shop identified a slight push back to the forks. By then I couldn't even remember what make of car it was, and I ended up having to pay for the replacement.

Alan

[mjr]

Thanks, I did steer clear of the door but a car was parked opposite and he was parked half on the verge.

You didn't steer clear of the door, else it wouldn't have hit you. If cars were parked so that they narrowed the carriageway to below a safe width, then at least one of them was parked illegally and it's worth mentioning that to the police too, because obstructing the highway is also an offence. Parking enforcement is probably down to the local council, so it may be worth letting them know too, especially as their non-enforcement in this case seems to have contributed to a collision. I fear nothing will come from it, but at least it'll show that you do what you can to safeguard yourself, if it all ends up with lawyers.

Anyway, hope you get it resolved soon

[Boulderman]

A mobile ANPR vehicle when past the following day actually, I may text the driver for his details I'll say I went to A&E who directed me to the Police who need his details. I was on handsfree to the police (local) and the lady was a little clucky and said she didn't like talking if driving and went snooty. If anything relevant comes up from the police visit I'll post it (if interested).

[niggle]

So you have reported properly to the police and got a reference number from them?

If so and you want compensation for damage to your things and any other losses (earnings, travel expenses etc), which you are entitled to:

1. Get a medical assessment of injuries ASAP- attend Minor Injuries department, or A&E if you don't have such, stating exactly how, when and where you were injured. They will make a record and give you a copy. Also you may undiagnosed injuries that show up later, for which a record such as this will be vital.
2. Phone driver and ask him for his full name and address. Don't get in to a discussion about who is at fault etc, you are legally entitled to this information regardless.
3. Get a quote for replacing damaged items, including having bike shop check your bike over.
4. Send driver a polite note asking him to pay up to your satisfaction- with break down of costs.
5. Contact a 'No win no fee' solicitor specialising in cyclist claims if you do not get a satisfactory response from the driver.

If you want compensation for injuries best do 1. and 5. first I think.

As others have said you may not have ridden particularly wisely, but OTOH the driver is at fault legally as there is specific legislation covering this.