claim from driver car insurance after accient

[Sela]

I had an accident with a car. He came from a street with give way sign. he was still when i cycled on the main road and suddenly he started moving and i fell of the bike and they're damaged.
How do I claim the lost from the driver insurance? I phoned him and he said if it isn't a lot he would pay, but the shop suspect the frame is dent and I need a new bike.
anyone got experience claiming bike from the insurance company? does the driver has to give me the insurance details? the police was in the scene but they only gave me his number and not his insurance details.

 

[PaulSB]

On the basis of your post and if you are certain the driver is at fault get a solicitor.

The guy will have offered to pay believing the cost will be low. If you need a new bike he'll change his mind very quickly.

Get proper advice from someone who knows the law and how to act correctly to protect your interests.

I had a similar thing a few years back and it took about 18 months to resolve, mainly because for 12 months the driver refused to give his insurance details.

 

[Spinney]

I've never used them but I understand the CTC lawyers/solicitors are good. If you are not already a member, I believe they will let you join and use their legal firm for your claim.

 

[Sela]

I used to be a member of LCC (London Cycling Campaign) and I don't remember they were very helpful when I had an accident about 5 years ago.
Do you think if I ask him for his insurance details and contact directly the insurance I can get anything? or still better to have a solicitor? would the solicitor charge me more than the value of a new bike?

 

[Rob3rt]

He knocked you off or you fell off?

 

[Sela]

He knocked me off. The police should have his statement, but I'm not sure if it's available to me. I was too shocked to think clear at the time of the accident.

 

[simon.r]

What I'd do:

• Get a quote for repair / replacement of your bike.
• Call the guy who knocked you off and tell him how much money you want off him.
• Ask him for details of his insurance policy.
• Tell him if he pays you within a day or two that's the end of the matter, if he doesn't contact his insurance company and claim from them.

Above is assuming there's no personal injury. If there is you need to either deal directly with his insurance company or go via a solicitor.

 

[simon.r]

The guy will have offered to pay believing the cost will be low. If you need a new bike he'll change his mind very quickly.

Not necessarily. Loss of no claims bonus can be very expensive. Depending on the cost of the bike it may well pay him, financially, to pay up and not involve his insurance company.

 

[Pale Rider]

You can get the other driver's insurance details from the Motor Insurers' Database.

http://www.askmid.com/

You then claim directly from his insurance company.

The police might give you his insurance details, but an askmid query only costs £4 and the answer is instant, so it's probably quicker and easier.

 

[Sela]

Thank you very much for all the information. I got a letter from the bike shop and I email it to the driver. I'm waiting for him to come back to me. It's good to know I can get his insurance details.

 

[wisdom]

Let us know how you get on with this.We may all benefit.Good luck with your claim.