Cyclist v Car = Crash & Injuries

A question about : Cyclist v Car = Crash & Injuries

Whilst cycling on Tuesday evening I was forced into taking evading action due to a car pulling out of a junction as I was passing which resulted in a visit to the local A&E and a damaged bike.

The driver did NOT crash into me but WAS the cause of my accident.

I was wearing a high vis jacket and it was good daylight at 18:30
https://www.cyclesolutions.co.uk/Imag.../full39173.jpg

The driver has said to me he didn't see me!!!!

Police and Ambulance attended the scene from where I went to hospital for a check over. All OK no broken bones but gravel rash, bruising, damaged clothing & bike.

I have a case number with the local Police. Just waiting on phone call from him today.

Which way forward now for injury claims and to recover costs of repairs to bike and clothing costs?

Do I try via his insurers or use one the claims specialists?

Best answers:

• I would go with with a cycle specialist if you can
  you will be claiming from his insurer either way
  You're 'lucky'. My driver left me in the road and I had no number plate,so no claim
• Where there's blame, there's a claim.
  Sounds like the OP is just out for what they can get, rather than being compensated for the damage.
• The LFGSS forum has a very helpful sticky on what to do if you're involved in a collision. You may have legal cover as part of your insurance policy, or through union membership or if you're a member of British Cycling/CTC/LCC (if you're not, I would strongly recommend joining). I would strongly recommend speaking to a solicitor. If you can, go back and take photos of the junction that you can show them. From your description, it sounds like the driver failed to yield at a give way line, which would make them responsible for causing a collision. A solicitor will be able to give you an informed view on the best route for making sure bike repairs, physio etc don't leave you out of pocket.
• More Importantly. Do you have witnesses? I saw a bloke knocked off, and after checking he was okay, and telling him to stay on the ground groaning, I took photo's of cars, road and the people, and then collected names and addresses on my phone - I sent them in text messages to my wife, who thought i was mad, until I explained later.
  He went off to hospital, in an ambulance, and later I phoned him, got his email address and sent him all the evidence.
  Got a short "thanks", but assuming he was able to make a claim, I never got any further responce.