Do NOT expect the insurance company to do anything unless you put a knife to their throats. They are devious bastards who will do all they can to hang on to their cash for as long as possible.
Ain't that the truth. My crash was over a year ago, the driver was convicted on three counts, but apparently the insurance company (Ecclesiastical Ins Co, believe it or not) are still saying they need time to "determine liability" .
R J & W have given up giving them the benefit of the doubt and have issued court proceedings against them - having had CTC's agreement.
I dont like our litigeous society
Neither do I, but surely that refers to frivoulous claims (eg through your own stupidity) or pure accidents. If you are injured due to someone else's carelessness, why should you have to suffer, both physically and monetarily?
+1
My bump was in November 2006 and they're (defendants) still dragging their heels.
And I am a CTC member. I had a look through all the personal injury people in the ads in the latest issue of "cycle", which is where I found someone local that are supposed to be good. But phoning them was on the list of things to do tomorrow when I find out this blokes insurance details.
As a CTC member, phone them first, no need to wait for the insurance details.
You don't need someone local, I pass Russell, Jones & Walker's office twice a day but I've never needed to go in over the course of my case.
Yes, Just phone CTC. They cover all costs so it costs you absolutely nothing. The other ambulance chasers *might* cost you if you lose as I understand it. The CTC use Russell Jones and Walker who seem slow but methodical and they get their man.
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Slightly OT, but is there _anybody_ here who hasn't ever been knocked off their bike or struck by a vehicle? I don't think I've ever met a cyclist who hasn't been hit by a vehicle at least once. Speaking for myself I've been taken out twice.
Put in perspective, I think that most people will have been bumped at some point, just as most cars end up with a supermarket trolley/bollard scrape. Minor scrapes etc. The big impacts with seriou sinjury are much less likely to happen and I don't think many people can claim them.
I've been hit several times, but have a high mileage which is mostly on the busy commuting roads in rush hour (20 to 30mph traffic, not the gridlock that Londoners can enjoy). Usual injury is grazing to me & bike. Worst injury (the Nov 2006 one) was whiplash. Mind you it was a similar impact to .calm's and I too caused severe damage to the car. Fortunately I wasn't wearing a helmet as the backward roll over the car bonnet would have resulted in a much worse neck injury to me.
Ironically the worst injury I ever received when cycling was a snapped shoulder ligament, caused by the bike hitting a rut and going out from under me.
And for real perspective, maintaining the bikes is more hazardous to me than riding them. And DIY and real life seems to result in even more injuries than maintaining the bikes. Actually going out and cycling is the safest thing I can do.