Cyclist hit by a car. What next?

[Ponk]

Evening,

I'm after a little help please. Whilst cycling home the other night I was hit by a car pulling out of a side road across my path. I was well lit and he failed to stop at a blind junction so I think it's clear cut! The chap was apologetic, stopped and gave me his card so I could get in touch once I'd dusted myself off and checked the bike over.

I appear to have got out of it unscathed but the bike will need some TLC to put right. I was intending to give him a call and suggest we settle this without involving his insurance company if he is agreeable. I expect the repair costs will be £100-£200 or thereabouts. Certainly lower than most excesses.

Is this wise, or should I be leaving this to the insurance company? The chap is a fellow petrol head (lovely 981Cayman) and I'd rather resolve this amicably for both of us if possible. At the same time though I don't want to prejudice my position by approaching this the wrong way.

Any help appreciated!

[Ponk]

I don't really want to get into this, but I was riding defensively, especially after clocking his lights approaching the main road faster than is usual for that junction. Had I been on the left of the road rather than the centre (which is where I moved to) I would have gone clean over the bonnet. The junction is not completely blind but there's a large tree that obscures the view as you drive up. Not a problem if you stop but he attempted to look whilst rolling out of the junction.

As it was I managed to jink right and take the hit from his near side front corner on my left leg/rear wheel and ride through it. The junction is on a diagonal so he was already at 45 degrees to me when he hit me. I've no idea how I managed to stay upright to be honest!

Thanks for the advice so for chaps. I think I'll give him a call tomorrow.

[Ponk]

Thanks for the advice chaps.

I spoke to the chap earlier and he is happy to resolve this the way I proposed, so I have booked the bike in for an insurance style assessment at my local bike shop. Once the outcome is known we'll meet up to shake hands and sort the costs.

Sounds like the Cayman lost the battle with my foot/rear quick release and has gained a few battle scars too. Which is a shame as I never like to see nice cars damaged.

At the end of the day whilst it was his fault, accidents do happen. I'm just thankful that i didn't end up over the bonnet or worse, hitting oncoming traffic.

[Ponk]

Just to follow up on this. I had the bike assessed and passed the quote to the chap. We met up last night so he could write me a cheque and shake hands.

The damage was minor in the end and whilst it's been an inconvenience having to drive in and pay for parking etc, I'm happy with the resolution. Well, provided the cheque doesn't bounce! Lol