Re: Neil got hit by a car today.....

[Paul Kelly]

In ,
Becka Currant > typed:

> Apologies for my silence on this newsgroup but a 14 week old baby
> doesn't leave me much time for cycling!


Another reason for buying a Bent - breasfeeding whlie cycling!

pk

[Richard Goodman]

"Becka Currant" > wrote in message
...

>
> Neil went out for a ride today but was hit by a car turning right into a
side
> road not far from home. Fortunately he is fine apart from minor bruising,
> sprains and gravel rash but his bike is totalled.....
>

Very sorry to hear about that. Everything turns on the facts of the case,
which are not entirely clear from your message but I presume you mean Neil
was cycling straight ahead and the car turned right across his path. Which,
on the face of it, should make the other driver at fault. Presumably the
driver can't dispute that he was turning and the cyclist was going straight
ahead with priority? The facts would seem to speak for themselves, even
without any witnesses.

I'm not sure what sort of legal expenses cover you have with CTC, but if
their solicitors can't pursue it then it would be a small claim in the
County Court if the driver's insurers don't pay up. Be warned that it is
likely to require some credible threat of court action, if not actual court
action, and take some time and require some persistence on Neil's part
before they will pay up. But the absence of any witnesses is not
necessarily fatal to a claim if the basic, undisputable, facts suggest fault
on the part of the driver.

Rich

[Robert McDonald]

(Becka Currant) wrote in message
> Neil went out for a ride today but was hit by a car turning right into a side
> road not far from home. Fortunately he is fine apart from minor bruising,
> sprains and gravel rash but his bike is totalled.....

Becka:

I hope Neil is on the mend (pity bikes don't heal though).

I had a very similar incident (can't call it an accident) when a
driver stopped at a give way junction just in front of me, waited
until I was right in front of the car, then let out the
clutch........"I didn't see you", she said, despite 35 watts of light
illuminating her at the time (January at around 5:45pm).

Having been there before I lay like roadkill, that *really* worries
the cagers and helps prevent then buggering off ("I thought he was
ok"), till a crowd gathered around me, a big one!

"Can I phone for an ambulance?", said one kind soul, "Get the Police
first then an ambulance please", says I and that's the order they came
in.

A nice doc and a nurse from the health centre across the road (best
place to have a crash!) came out and applied first aid and refused to
let me get up in case of neck injuries.

A nice chap calls my wife and takes the stricken Trek home, which was
just around the corner.

Police were excellent as were the BCF lawyers but it still took a year
to get my money back for the repairs I had to make to get me back in
the saddle a few weeks afterwards.

The CTC legal chaps seem to have a good reputation for getting
recompense for cyclists.

Moral of the story is to play dead if you can, by the time you get
your breath back and realise that you're not actually dead the traffic
will have ground to a halt and, besides, you might have neck or spinal
injuries.

All the best to Neil, yourself and the baby.

Robert

[Tim Woodall]

On Wed, 16 Jul 2003 23:15:10 +0100,
Richard Goodman > wrote:
> "Becka Currant" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>>
>> Neil went out for a ride today but was hit by a car turning right into a
> side
>> road not far from home. Fortunately he is fine apart from minor bruising,
>> sprains and gravel rash but his bike is totalled.....
>>
>
> I'm not sure what sort of legal expenses cover you have with CTC, but if
> their solicitors can't pursue it then it would be a small claim in the
> County Court if the driver's insurers don't pay up. Be warned that it is
> likely to require some credible threat of court action, if not actual court
> action, and take some time and require some persistence on Neil's part
> before they will pay up. But the absence of any witnesses is not
> necessarily fatal to a claim if the basic, undisputable, facts suggest fault
> on the part of the driver.
>

I suspect that many of the "driver admits liability, driver denies liability"
cases occur because when it first happens the driver is expecting a 300GBP
bill for a new bike or a 30GBP bill for a new wheel. They can keep it from
the insurance and the cost of the repairs etc will probably be less than
the extra premiums for having had an accident in the last five years.

When they suddenly discover it's 200GBP for a wheel or 2K for a new bike
suddenly the cost/benefit changes. I also suspect that a. the average
man in the street just doesn't believe that someone might be riding
around on a push bike that costs significantly more than a (cheap second
hand) car with 12 months MOT and insurance and so there is a lot of
delay convincing insurance people etc that this is a genuine claim and
b) they hear and believe so much about how cyclists are reckless, dangerous,
always go through red lights etc that they can't believe that a cyclists
wouldn't be at fault.

The other problem is that the driver is under no obligation to provide
you with insurance details unless someone was injured. This happened to
a friend of mine whos car was hit by another car and because the driver
accepted liability and offered to pay the police wouldn't get involved.
It caused him some hassle as the other driver wanted to get the car fixed
"by a friend of a friend" and not a reputable garage but things worked out
OK in the end.

(This is one good reason to be "injured", even if it is only a graze)

Regards,

Tim.

--
God said, "div D = rho, div B = 0, curl E = - @B/@t, curl H = J + @D/@t,"
and there was light.

http://tjw.hn.org/ http://www.locofungus.btinternet.co.uk/

[Frank X]

"Tim Woodall" > wrote in message
.. .
>
> The other problem is that the driver is under no obligation to provide
> you with insurance details unless someone was injured. This happened to
> a friend of mine whos car was hit by another car and because the driver
> accepted liability and offered to pay the police wouldn't get involved.
> It caused him some hassle as the other driver wanted to get the car fixed
> "by a friend of a friend" and not a reputable garage but things worked out
> OK in the end.
>
> (This is one good reason to be "injured", even if it is only a graze)
>

I can't see any problem with avoiding insurance companies as long as the
guilty party is reasonable and pays up. I also understand a desire for the
other driver to be involved in the repairs, some garages seem to quote
double the price if they think it is an insurance job.

>

[David Hansen]

On Thu, 17 Jul 2003 10:34:01 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be Tim
Woodall > wrote this:-

>b) they hear and believe so much about how cyclists are reckless, dangerous,
>always go through red lights etc that they can't believe that a cyclists
>wouldn't be at fault.

I saw an example. A cyclist was going straight on at traffic lights
and went past them on green. Mr Idiot in his Wankmobile was turning
right and also had a green light.

Mr Idiot did not wait for the cyclist and very nearly had the paint
work of his Wankmobile damaged. Mr Idiot's opening remark was, "I
had a green light." He seemed most out when the cyclist said, "so
did I.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.

[Dave]

"David Hansen" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 17 Jul 2003 10:34:01 +0000 (UTC) someone who may be Tim
> Woodall > wrote this:-
>
> >b) they hear and believe so much about how cyclists are reckless,
dangerous,
> >always go through red lights etc that they can't believe that a cyclists
> >wouldn't be at fault.
>
> I saw an example. A cyclist was going straight on at traffic lights
> and went past them on green. Mr Idiot in his Wankmobile was turning
> right and also had a green light.
>
> Mr Idiot did not wait for the cyclist and very nearly had the paint
> work of his Wankmobile damaged. Mr Idiot's opening remark was, "I
> had a green light." He seemed most out when the cyclist said, "so
> did I.
>
I always always always slow down in this circumstance if there are no cars
going through the lights with me (i.e. same direction) and make sure I've
got eye contact with the driver, especially if they've got passengers and
are sitting there, waiting and chatting......It's been worth doing several
times ;-)
Dave.

[John Tomlinson]

On Wed, 16 Jul 2003 17:46:11 GMT,
(Becka Currant) wrote:

>
>Neil went out for a ride today but was hit by a car turning right into a side
>road not far from home. Fortunately he is fine apart from minor bruising,
>sprains and gravel rash but his bike is totalled.....
>
> We have contacted the CTC accident line
>and are waiting for the documentation to arrive in the post so we can see if
>we can make a claim.


I am sorry to hear about Neils accident. I wish him a fully recovery.
I am sorry hear about his bike too.

I was hit last month when a car went from a position parked by the
side of the road straight into a 3 point turn. The bike was totalled
and I basically walked away with bruises and a numb thumb. If you have
contacted the CTC then Russel Jones and Walker will be dealing with
your claim.

Sadly I have had two occations when I have had to used RJ&W; once when
my wife has hit from behind by a taxi driver where they totally failed
to get a penny from the driver and my current claim. The one thing I
will say is that you have to keep on at them to move things along.
They are just a firm of solicitors that the CTC use and from
experience I would say they are more concerned with the injury aspects
rather than recovering cycle replacement or repair costs. I sort of
hoped that it would be fellow cyclists dealing with your case but this
certainly is not the case.

John T
Remove the singers of Spam before replying

[Simon Proven]

Tim Woodall wrote:

> The other problem is that the driver is under no obligation to provide
> you with insurance details unless someone was injured.

Not so. If property is damaged then they are obliged to
inform anyone with a reasonable right to know.

[Simon Proven]

Tim Woodall wrote:


> The other problem is that the driver is under no obligation to provide
> you with insurance details unless someone was injured.

I claimed a minute ago this wasn't true. I've just checked,
and stand corrected.

Simon

[James Hodson]

On Wed, 16 Jul 2003 19:39:52 +0000 (UTC), "Johnny Klunk"
> wrote:

>I'll be interested to see how this comes out. A few weeks ago a driver
>turned right across me. It was only inches that I didn't come off. The
>driver pulled up and started shaking his head at me. Somehow convinced it
>was my fault. As a result I filed a report. Haven't heard anything but am
>hoping something is done. Let me know the results.
>

Hi Johnny

I was involved in a hit and run almost two months' ago - 22/05/2003. I
reported the "accident" to the police but have yet to hear from them.
Any idea how long it usually takes them to get back to the victim?

FWIW, apparently, a PC car did turn up at the scene of my crash but
I'd pedalled off before they arrived. Ironically, I was on my way to
the PC station.

James

--
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.butty/Dscf0632.jpg

[James Hodson]

On Thu, 17 Jul 2003 14:11:52 +0100, "Dave" > wrote:

>I always always always slow down in this circumstance if there are no cars
>going through the lights with me (i.e. same direction) and make sure I've
>got eye contact with the driver, especially if they've got passengers and
>are sitting there, waiting and chatting......It's been worth doing several
>times ;-)
>

OTOH, Dave, I was almost hit a few months' ago by a car pulling out of
a side junction - I was on the main road. I'd already made eye contact
with the driver so felt confident in cycling on my way. She let in the
clutch and moved into my path when I was no more ten yards away from
her. Fortunately, the bike was quite new and so had a newish set of
brake blocks; and I was travelling quite slowly.

James

--
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.butty/Dscf0632.jpg

[Becka Currant]

>
> Neil went out for a ride today but was hit by a car turning right into a
>side
> road not far from home. Fortunately he is fine apart from minor bruising,
> sprains and gravel rash but his bike is totalled.....

Thanks for all of your responses. Fortunately the bike isn't as bad as we
feared as the frame is OK but his Ksyriums are totalled so they need to be
replaced. We're going to be pursuing it via solicitors (not sure who yet, we
are waiting for the CTC people to send something through). We have both
calmed down a bit now too and are just thankful that Neil is OK (albeit very
sore still).

I'll keep you updated as to what happens. Good luck to the others of you also
(sadly) in similar situations.

Becka

p.s. I managed a whole 5 miles on my bike!!!!!!! I so need to get back in
shape before returning to work (and commuting by bike again) in Sept!

p.p.s apologies for the multiple posts too, dunno what happened there.....

[wafflyDIRTYcatLITTERhcsBOX]

>p.s. I managed a whole 5 miles on my bike!!!!!!! I so need to get back in
>shape before returning to work (and commuting by bike again) in Sept!

Excellent!

Any updated pics on the offspring???

Cheers, helen s
(in cyberauntie mode)


~~~~~~~~~~
This is sent from a redundant email
Mail sent to it is dumped
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h$**$*$el$**e$n$**$d$**$o$*$t**$$s$**$im$mo$ns*@a$ **o$l.c$$*o$*m*$
by getting rid of the overdependence on money and fame
~~~~~~~~~~

[kev]

Hi
I got knocked off my bike about 4 years ago going around a roundabout by a
Mercedes (looks big as it coming at you), the bike at the time was a sub
£200 MTB. no serious injuries just shook up and only had 1 day off work. I
went through my Union as I was on my way home from work. I ended up
receiving £1000, so unless it's a very minor bump I'd say go through a
solicitor

Don't forget to claim for clothes etc....

I got a nice road bike out of it though.


Kev

[Becka Currant]

In article >, (wafflyDIRTYcatLITTERhcsBOX) wrote:
>>p.s. I managed a whole 5 miles on my bike!!!!!!! I so need to get back in
>>shape before returning to work (and commuting by bike again) in Sept!
>
>Excellent!
>
>Any updated pics on the offspring???

of course, am happy to oblige there!!!!!

http://cuzzer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/baby.htm

enjoy :O)

Becka

[wafflyDIRTYcatLITTERhcsBOX]

>of course, am happy to oblige there!!!!!
>
>http://cuzzer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/baby.htm
>
>enjoy :O)

Cute!!! I like the one of him reading.

In a more serious mode, it's a bit off that he's getting football stuff before
cycling stuff! C'mon Becka! Sort out those priorities! ;-P

Cheers, helen s

~~~~~~~~~~
This is sent from a redundant email
Mail sent to it is dumped
My correct one can be gleaned from
h$**$*$el$**e$n$**$d$**$o$*$t**$$s$**$im$mo$ns*@a$ **o$l.c$$*o$*m*$
by getting rid of the overdependence on money and fame
~~~~~~~~~~

[Becka Currant]

In article >, (wafflyDIRTYcatLITTERhcsBOX) wrote:
>>of course, am happy to oblige there!!!!!
>>
>>http://cuzzer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/baby.htm
>>
>>enjoy :O)
>
>Cute!!! I like the one of him reading.
>
>In a more serious mode, it's a bit off that he's getting football stuff before
>cycling stuff! C'mon Becka! Sort out those priorities! ;-P

That's a very good point!! I'll have to get Neil to get the burley out of the
garage so Lex can pose in it!!!

becka

[David Hansen]

On Sun, 20 Jul 2003 09:00:25 GMT someone who may be
(Becka Currant) wrote this:-

>>Any updated pics on the offspring???
>
>http://cuzzer.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/baby.htm

I'm sure there are lots of ooohs and aaahs from people looking at
those great photographs.

I'm glad you are getting back to cycling too.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E
I will always explain revoked keys, unless the UK government
prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.

[Simon Proven]

John Blake wrote:

>
> Me too! I was in plaster for three weeks to protect it and had to have
> an exploratory op where they found it dislocated. They stuck a couple
> of pins in to shift it back and warned of potential arthritis and
> major discomfort in the winters. Thankfully no discomfort yet.

I had the same warning. By the time it was in a cast, one end
of the bone had rotated relative to the other, so I have a
somewhat uniquely shaped scaphoid. I've not had any significant
discomfort - a little when I fully flex the wrist, but that's
about it. The arthritis I'm waiting for, they said in my 40s
I'd have problems and I'm only 31.

Simon