Knocked off bicycle by car - Injuries

[1983SD]

Deleted

[geomannie]

I think you need help. In Scotland Cyclelaw https://www.cyclelawscotland.co.uk/ will offer excellent support on a no win no fee basis. They recently acted for a friend in similar circumstances and managed to greatly increase the damages he was able to claim. If not in Scotland, it's quite likely you have a similar legal firm near you.

[chris_suffolk]

Def get legal help. I'm surprised that the insurer will deal with you direct - when was knocked off they would only deal with my legal representation.

If you're not in a club / group with legal aid ,then do you have it with your house insurance? Last recourse would be pay for yourself or no win no fee, but I'd def get representation.

[eileithyia]

Get a solicitor and under no circumstances accept a settlement until you are happy your injuries are either fully recovered or as good as they will ever be. Start a diary of pain, discomfort and of what you can and can't do starting with driving etc., and work. You will not remember these details later in proceedings.

Also you need to check your work contract, you may find if there is an accident where you are claiming compensation, then your employer also expects their costs to be claimed...... You do not want to find you have not done this and then they ask you for payments out of your compensation.. My last accident the solicitor was in contact with the works finance dept to assess their cost which were then added on top of my claim.....

[chris_suffolk]

Get a solicitor and under no circumstances accept a settlement until you are happy your injuries are either fully recovered or as good as they will ever be. Start a diary of pain, discomfort and of what you can and can't do starting with driving etc., and work. You will not remember these details later in proceedings.

Also you need to check your work contract, you may find if there is an accident where you are claiming compensation, then your employer also expects their costs to be claimed...... You do not want to find you have not done this and then they ask you for payments out of your compensation.. My last accident the solicitor was in contact with the works finance dept to assess their cost which were then added on top of my claim.....

Hence why you need GOOD legal coverage, as they will (should) know all these things and you won't get stung later.

[1983SD]

I think legal representation is probably best.

[thirdcrank]

Just waiting the medical report so they can do a final proposal for me .

The more you have posted, the greater are the complications which require the instruction of a suitable lawyer. The bit I've quoted suggests you haven't taken onboard some of the advice above. Things like a damaged bike are usually straightforward, but personal injury is of a different order, especially if the injuries are long-lasting and even more so if they cause any disability.

[simonhill]

This is the Cycling Uk forum. Members of CUK get free legal advice, I'm guessing you are not a member. Nonetheless, it might be worth contacting them and asking if they can recommend a cycling orientated solicitor.

https://www.cyclinguk.org/join?gclid=Cj ... 1EQAvD_BwE

[Richard D]

The insurers will be hoping to settle with you before you go to a lawyer; that way they know that they can offer you less than it’s actually worth. The problem with going to a lawyer is that most of them will want you to take out an "after the event" insurance policy, AND they will want a cut of the damages. In a case where the other side has already effectively admitted liability, you don’t want to sign any agreement that gives them more than 15% - 20% at the absolute most.

My years of reading Kemp & Kemp to be able to quantify damages are long over, I’m afraid. I have a figure in mind, but it would be a complete guess.

[Syd]

When I was knocked off a few years ago I got a phone call from the driver’s insurance company within 24 hours effectively asking he how much to make it go away.

I gave them an inflated figure, they agreed there and then and, following an exchange of emails, the money was in my bank less than an hour later.

My gob was well and truly smacked!

[Grandad]

My granddaughter was the passenger in a car when it was hit by another one. All the damage was on the driver's side and she was totally unaffected. The other driver's insurers immediately offered her £1,000 which she gratefully accepted, and was perfectly happy to sign their form confirming this was a full and final settlement.

[simonhill]

Why has OP deleted his post?

Non disclosure agreement??

[Syd]

Possibly been advised to do so by a solicitor.

[hemo]

Likely because what he writes may prejudice any outcome having gone been put out in the public domain.

[1983SD]

Hi, thanks for the advice. I deleted as I felt I hadn’t listened to the advice given prior from the members here, and felt a little silly TBH.

I have an insurance policy which provides legal assistance for injury with which this would be included.

So far the only thing I accepted from the company was the cost of repairs for my bike. Which were reasonable .

Once I have my medical report I’ll talk to my insurance company for advice.

Thanks so far.