Piers
Retro Guru
Hi,
Hope you're recovering well.
Your forks are toast. Even if they look OK, no bike shop (LBS) would make a written statement (needed for an insurance claim) to the effect that they were still safe to ride after such an impact.
I've been there a few times (inc 2 road rage attacks, one resulting in a successful prosecution and the other in disciplinary action against the slack coppers who dealt with the case).
But generally motorists are OK and improving.
ARE YOU IN A UNION? If yes, you probebly have legal cover for such things as claiming against a motorist (Thompsons have worked for me). Alternatively check your own contents insurance policy - you can claim physical losses from them and they can then claim from the motorist (with out affecting your policy). Additionally, you stand a better chance of retaining the old bike bits - you just ask your insurers if they want you to dispose of them.
Advice:
1. report it to the police (which you have done). Since you were injured they are, I believe, obliged to take statements and interview the other party. AND GO TO THE DOCTOR (which you have also done).
2. claim on his insurance (you will need a written assessment from your friendly LBS):
new helmet (that's standard advice from CTC),
new forks
new/rebuilt front wheel (get good LBS to check hub flanges etc),
get the frame checked - if it's carbon or Al, it might not be 'safe'
ALSO front brakes and controls,
Claim cost of having LBS look at the bike.
Don't forget clothing, if damaged (and laundry bill for shorts!).
Pain killers etc
His insurers might try to specify where you can spend the cheque or pay a shop direct. Insist on having the money paid direct to you (I think it's still your entitlement).
3. Claim on his insurance:
loss of earnings (or direct your employer to them so they can claim).
4. His insurers might well contact you if you exchanged details re. settling a personal injury claim out of court. It's standard practice with motorvehicle crashes and saves legal expenses. The standard offer is c.£1000 for whiplash that clears up in a month or two. Emotional trauma adds about £2-300, without a trip to the shrink, if you feel anxcious about riding etc (based on a friend's recent experience). BUT, get checked by a doc, it can be a while before joint/deep muscle injuries become aparent.
Generally, do not settle at the roadside, go to your LBS for a proper assessment. I had a similar off a few years ago and lukily went to the shop. I ended up getting about £700 cuz the front wheel was knack'd, the forks were bent (Ti), the front V was bent and some other stuff too (inc helmet) The guy wanted to give cash for bent rim at the roadside to settle things.
Be persistant.
All the best and hope your bike gets better quickly.
P
Hope you're recovering well.
Your forks are toast. Even if they look OK, no bike shop (LBS) would make a written statement (needed for an insurance claim) to the effect that they were still safe to ride after such an impact.
I've been there a few times (inc 2 road rage attacks, one resulting in a successful prosecution and the other in disciplinary action against the slack coppers who dealt with the case).
But generally motorists are OK and improving.
ARE YOU IN A UNION? If yes, you probebly have legal cover for such things as claiming against a motorist (Thompsons have worked for me). Alternatively check your own contents insurance policy - you can claim physical losses from them and they can then claim from the motorist (with out affecting your policy). Additionally, you stand a better chance of retaining the old bike bits - you just ask your insurers if they want you to dispose of them.
Advice:
1. report it to the police (which you have done). Since you were injured they are, I believe, obliged to take statements and interview the other party. AND GO TO THE DOCTOR (which you have also done).
2. claim on his insurance (you will need a written assessment from your friendly LBS):
new helmet (that's standard advice from CTC),
new forks
new/rebuilt front wheel (get good LBS to check hub flanges etc),
get the frame checked - if it's carbon or Al, it might not be 'safe'
ALSO front brakes and controls,
Claim cost of having LBS look at the bike.
Don't forget clothing, if damaged (and laundry bill for shorts!).
Pain killers etc
His insurers might try to specify where you can spend the cheque or pay a shop direct. Insist on having the money paid direct to you (I think it's still your entitlement).
3. Claim on his insurance:
loss of earnings (or direct your employer to them so they can claim).
4. His insurers might well contact you if you exchanged details re. settling a personal injury claim out of court. It's standard practice with motorvehicle crashes and saves legal expenses. The standard offer is c.£1000 for whiplash that clears up in a month or two. Emotional trauma adds about £2-300, without a trip to the shrink, if you feel anxcious about riding etc (based on a friend's recent experience). BUT, get checked by a doc, it can be a while before joint/deep muscle injuries become aparent.
Generally, do not settle at the roadside, go to your LBS for a proper assessment. I had a similar off a few years ago and lukily went to the shop. I ended up getting about £700 cuz the front wheel was knack'd, the forks were bent (Ti), the front V was bent and some other stuff too (inc helmet) The guy wanted to give cash for bent rim at the roadside to settle things.
Be persistant.
All the best and hope your bike gets better quickly.
P
