Advice post-accident

[mango05045]

I was recently knocked off my bike by a rental scooter. Contacted the scooter company, and sent them CCTV showing scooter rider was liable (hit me whilst pulling out from a junction in the wrong lane). I've asked for £150 to cover the cost of repairing my bike. They've said they'll review my claim. Sustained bruising on my ribs, and a soft tissue elbow injury, which all in all, will take around 6-8 weeks to heal. I'd like to claim compensation for my injuries, but I have no idea what amount would be reasonable to ask for and how to justify it. I'm a student, not currently employed, but my ability to get around town has been impacted, and I've been in a fair amount of pain. Cycling is my main mode of transport, and I've been nervous to get back on my bike.

I'm worried the insurance company will take advantage of the fact I'm not a legal expert, and haven't sought legal advice or assistance (and really would rather avoid going down that route) and will try to avoid paying out. Any advice welcome! Thanks so much!

 

[PaulSB]

Are you a British Cycling member? If so they will handle this for you. I had a major crash last year, I am in BC and the BC solicitors are very good.

If you're not a BC member you could try the company below. I must stress I am not recommending them, my experience is limited to a couple of phone calls. I have spoken to the company but I was not particularly impressed. I will balance this by telling you my LBS recommended this company to me. I've been using the same LBS for 25 years and have great faith in them. They wouldn't recommend a duff company.

https://c-ams.co.uk/

CAMS is no win/no fee but will take +/-30% of any compensation.

 

[Drago]

CUK also offer a similar service.

Also these scooters are motor vehicles, and if you're injured the rider has a duty to report it to the dibble as soon as is practicable, and in any case within 24hrs. If they haven't done so they've commited an offence, so it's worth reporting it yourself to head that off.

Best of luck.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

As above report the incident to the police. Many will have an online form you fill in, but check with your local station.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

I've used CUK as I'm a member.
There is some sort of scale for deciding on injury amounts. You may need a report form a doctor.

 

[vickster]

I've used CUK as I'm a member.
There is some sort of scale for deciding on injury amounts. You may need a report form a doctor.

Indeed. Take legal advice even though you'd rather not, there's no other way to do it properly (plenty of no win no fee firms which specialise in injuries to cyclists if you don't have cover through an organisation/home insurer etc , they'll take a percentage of any award).
It is previous case law which determines levels of compensation, not what the injured party thinks 'it's worth'.
See a doctor asap to get your injuries examined and documented (GP or A&E), take photos of cuts and bruises etc

 

[fossyant]

You'll get next to nothing for bruises which you'll need evidence etc, medical records. You might get an 'in-kind' small sum from the insurer.

 

[wiggydiggy]

I was recently knocked off my bike by a rental scooter. Contacted the scooter company, and sent them CCTV showing scooter rider was liable (hit me whilst pulling out from a junction in the wrong lane). I've asked for £150 to cover the cost of repairing my bike. They've said they'll review my claim. Sustained bruising on my ribs, and a soft tissue elbow injury, which all in all, will take around 6-8 weeks to heal. I'd like to claim compensation for my injuries, but I have no idea what amount would be reasonable to ask for and how to justify it. I'm a student, not currently employed, but my ability to get around town has been impacted, and I've been in a fair amount of pain. Cycling is my main mode of transport, and I've been nervous to get back on my bike.

I'm worried the insurance company will take advantage of the fact I'm not a legal expert, and haven't sought legal advice or assistance (and really would rather avoid going down that route) and will try to avoid paying out. Any advice welcome! Thanks so much!

Have a read of this thread: https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/accident-advice.226114/ It's got a lot of useful info.

As your a student I'd definitely approach the NUS and your universities student body for help. At the very least they can support you getting back onto your feet mentally, but hopefully they may have some insurance or legal advice you can use (especially if you were using the bike to travel to/from university).

Just in regards to compensation, I know you have asked for an amount but have you had your bike examined yet by a mechanic? Have they given you the quote or is it a guess? But I'd be wary of accepting anything from the scooter company before getting legal advice.

 

[Gillstay]

See a solicitor and if its a specialist ne for cycles then all the better.