Car meets Carbon-Fibre, what next...........
Discussion
Bike's only 5weeks old and loving it.
But now the honeymoon is well and truly over. I've just been hit on the way to work (or if I was a militant leftie - "her wanton attempt to murder me"), this morning by some s**t c**t clown driver whom decided that it would be a good idea to pull a U turn in the middle of Plumstead High Street without checking on-coming traffic. I couldn't stop in time, doing 20 but managed to cushion the impact to my bike, collapsing onto her bonnet as she hit me from the side on (I was already on the brakes but 2inch brake pads on a road bike aren't going to stop me with the 20 yards notice she gave me before she crossed into my lane and harpooned me.
She said sorry but she had to be at work, and sped off without checking that I and more importantly my carbon baby was OK Vs her sh*tty 8yr old banger/cum battering ram to be fair it was a Fiat so largely made of tin foil that nicely cushioned the impact (I suspect my crank did more damage to the car than her idiotic driving it to me & bike combination). I asked her to stay there whilst I checked myself and more importantly carbon baby, trying to explain a potentially cracked Carbon frame would be a major insurance claim; but she was having none of it and nearly hit me again speeding off (I suspect lack of full UK/European driving licence and insurance).
Fortunately (for me) I'm largely OK (some nice bruises coming up) and reporting the accident was little bother as only 20 yards from the Police station; plus I have some jolly decent witnesses whom offered to help, give details of the accident and make sure I was OK.
However, I'm curious what happens next? I have a list of Questions, that would benefit from th PH advice:
1. How / where is the best place to get frame / bike inspected, I do not want to be riding at 25mph and have a catastrophic failure. This is my most immediate need…..
2. Although immediately reported at the Police station (disinterested desk clerk, no advice whatsoever I realise it's Plumstead and nicking drug dealers, pimps, prossies and such is much more interesting), but now I have very large bruises / grazes appearing at points down the right-hand side of my body (one the size of a grapefruit), should I advise the police / take pictures of this? I'm only interested if it would help get the dangerous driver off the road (compo culture is soo passe).
3. As she was such a callous c**t, I'd love to think she could get done and banned, but it's unlikely isn't it?(actually I really hope she gets some Ebola / leprosy hybrid, her face falls off and her t*ts spontaneously combust; but don't want to sound overly malicious).
4. If she could be traced and "if" she has insurance and my bike were too be knackered, could I have a claim?
5. Should I change my commute and tackle a proper climb at "Shooters Hill" (for those whom know) or continue to take the easier, less scenic and more likely to get hit route through Plumstead, Woolwich and Charlton?
Please don't advise Helmet Cam, I generally ride courteously and aside from the odd bus driving tool, don't seem to have too many issues on my rides.
But now the honeymoon is well and truly over. I've just been hit on the way to work (or if I was a militant leftie - "her wanton attempt to murder me"), this morning by some s**t c**t clown driver whom decided that it would be a good idea to pull a U turn in the middle of Plumstead High Street without checking on-coming traffic. I couldn't stop in time, doing 20 but managed to cushion the impact to my bike, collapsing onto her bonnet as she hit me from the side on (I was already on the brakes but 2inch brake pads on a road bike aren't going to stop me with the 20 yards notice she gave me before she crossed into my lane and harpooned me.
She said sorry but she had to be at work, and sped off without checking that I and more importantly my carbon baby was OK Vs her sh*tty 8yr old banger/cum battering ram to be fair it was a Fiat so largely made of tin foil that nicely cushioned the impact (I suspect my crank did more damage to the car than her idiotic driving it to me & bike combination). I asked her to stay there whilst I checked myself and more importantly carbon baby, trying to explain a potentially cracked Carbon frame would be a major insurance claim; but she was having none of it and nearly hit me again speeding off (I suspect lack of full UK/European driving licence and insurance).
Fortunately (for me) I'm largely OK (some nice bruises coming up) and reporting the accident was little bother as only 20 yards from the Police station; plus I have some jolly decent witnesses whom offered to help, give details of the accident and make sure I was OK.
However, I'm curious what happens next? I have a list of Questions, that would benefit from th PH advice:
1. How / where is the best place to get frame / bike inspected, I do not want to be riding at 25mph and have a catastrophic failure. This is my most immediate need…..
2. Although immediately reported at the Police station (disinterested desk clerk, no advice whatsoever I realise it's Plumstead and nicking drug dealers, pimps, prossies and such is much more interesting), but now I have very large bruises / grazes appearing at points down the right-hand side of my body (one the size of a grapefruit), should I advise the police / take pictures of this? I'm only interested if it would help get the dangerous driver off the road (compo culture is soo passe).
3. As she was such a callous c**t, I'd love to think she could get done and banned, but it's unlikely isn't it?(actually I really hope she gets some Ebola / leprosy hybrid, her face falls off and her t*ts spontaneously combust; but don't want to sound overly malicious).
4. If she could be traced and "if" she has insurance and my bike were too be knackered, could I have a claim?
5. Should I change my commute and tackle a proper climb at "Shooters Hill" (for those whom know) or continue to take the easier, less scenic and more likely to get hit route through Plumstead, Woolwich and Charlton?
Please don't advise Helmet Cam, I generally ride courteously and aside from the odd bus driving tool, don't seem to have too many issues on my rides.
Edited by stongle on Tuesday 29th May 09:49
Edited by stongle on Tuesday 29th May 09:50
Edited by stongle on Tuesday 29th May 09:50
stongle said:
1. How / where is the best place to get frame / bike inspected, I do not want to be riding at 25mph and have a catastrophic failure. This is my most immediate need…..
2. Although immediately reported at the Police station (disinterested desk clerk, no advice whatsoever I realise it's Plumstead and nicking drug dealers, pimps, prossies and such is much more interesting), but now I have very large bruises / grazes appearing at points down the right-hand side of my body (one the size of a grapefruit), should I advise the police / take pictures of this? I'm only interested if it would help get the dangerous driver off the road (compo culture is soo passe).
3. As she was such a callous c**t, I'd love to think she could get done and banned, but it's unlikely isn't (actually I really hope she gets some Ebola / leprosy hybrid, her face falls off and her t*ts spontaneously combust; but don't want to sound overly malicious)?
4. If she could be traced and "if" she has insurance and my bike were too be knackered, could I have a claim?
5. Should I change my commute and tackle a proper climb at "Shooters Hill" (for those whom know) or continue to take the easier, less scenic and more likely to get hit route through Plumstead, Woolwich and Charlton?
I really hope you are OK, physically. Personally I would pop to the GP if not A&E for a quick once over just to make sure the post crash adrenaline isn't hiding anything serious. That report can be used in any insurance claim where you might need to take time off work say (not compo just lost earnings).2. Although immediately reported at the Police station (disinterested desk clerk, no advice whatsoever I realise it's Plumstead and nicking drug dealers, pimps, prossies and such is much more interesting), but now I have very large bruises / grazes appearing at points down the right-hand side of my body (one the size of a grapefruit), should I advise the police / take pictures of this? I'm only interested if it would help get the dangerous driver off the road (compo culture is soo passe).
3. As she was such a callous c**t, I'd love to think she could get done and banned, but it's unlikely isn't (actually I really hope she gets some Ebola / leprosy hybrid, her face falls off and her t*ts spontaneously combust; but don't want to sound overly malicious)?
4. If she could be traced and "if" she has insurance and my bike were too be knackered, could I have a claim?
5. Should I change my commute and tackle a proper climb at "Shooters Hill" (for those whom know) or continue to take the easier, less scenic and more likely to get hit route through Plumstead, Woolwich and Charlton?
Also, just my opinion but I would be seriously tempted to bin the bike and buy a new one.
You 100% have a claim against her for her driving AS LONG AS YOU CAN GET THE WITNESSES TO BACK YOU UP.
Otherwise it will go 50:50 and she will be replacing her s
tbox at your expense, after spending 6 months in a £100 a day hire car.Do you have insurance for riding? House insurance might cover a replacement bike too.
Did she exchange details?
Did she give you her insurance company?
AFAIK since you weren't blocking the road, and since you were walking around and no street furniture had been damaged this isn't really a case for the police.
You just need to get on to her insurance company ASAP and give them the independent witness details.
Explain you need a new bike asap and that you are feeling pretty terrible.
Have a good long read and follow the advice given here under "IF YOU ARE HIT BY A CAR":
http://www.lfgss.com/thread4213.html
stongle said:
Walm, She didn't stop and give details and did-one at the scene. There would have been no police involvement if she hadn't of disappeared......
50:50? seriously she did a U turn into on-coming traffic? Is that what teh world id coming too.....
Oh - in that case it's a hit-and-run. Surprised the cops not more interested. She has 24 hours to report IIRC otherwise it is real trouble for her.50:50? seriously she did a U turn into on-coming traffic? Is that what teh world id coming too.....
Did you get her plate?
I can't claim any expertise on the insurance side but from SP&L forum lurking it seems that any instance of a crash without independent witnesses the insurance cos will try to force you to 50:50 just to avoid a drawn out/expensive process for them.
She could simply claim you wobbled into her and caused the crash.
Without independent witnesses it's just he said, she said.
Did I mention the independent witnesses?
stongle said:
Walm, She didn't stop and give details and did-one at the scene. There would have been no police involvement if she hadn't of disappeared......
50:50? seriously she did a U turn into on-coming traffic? Is that what teh world id coming too.....
I'd most definitely say that's a police incident as I'd say that's classed as a road incident: Failing to Stop, possible Failing to Report (if they don't report it within 24hrs), and possible Careless Driving. 50:50? seriously she did a U turn into on-coming traffic? Is that what teh world id coming too.....
Did you/the witnesses get a note of the registration plate? Have the witnesses given statements? Continue to speak to the police and ensure they follow up with the witnesses if they didn't get statements from them at the time.
I speak from experience. I was recently knocked off my bike by a driver who brake-tested me then deliberately swerved into my side, then buggered off leaving me in the middle of the road. Several witnesses provided details and police followed up on it. Driver charged with Failing to Stop, Failing to Report and Dangerous Driving, with the police report currently with the Procurator Fiscal (Scotland's version of the CPS). Yet to hear the outcome from it all but luckily I wasn't injured other than bruising. Damage to my bike/clothing/helmet exceeds £300 though which is the aspect I'm pursuing.
Glad to hear you're not seriously hurt though. And high marks for the rant.
Damage to person and / or property does make it reportable to the Police. Damage to the person would make it of interest to them. If she did not give you her / cars details before leaving the scene then that's leaving the scene of an accident which is a criminal offence which usually carries a prison term.
If you don't have her details then you have to do things through the Police.
Go to you GP and get your injuries noted and photograph them yourself.
Assuming you go through her insurance then it will be down to them to assess the damage of the bike. I would press for replacement due to it being c/f.
Relax and let your body heal. Won't take long.
If you don't have her details then you have to do things through the Police.
Go to you GP and get your injuries noted and photograph them yourself.
Assuming you go through her insurance then it will be down to them to assess the damage of the bike. I would press for replacement due to it being c/f.
Relax and let your body heal. Won't take long.
Its hit and run, there is loads of good info on LGFSS forum regarding what to do. All sounds fishier than a trawler in the North sea if you ask me, If she is a commuter and had to get to work, why was she performing a U-Turn? surely she would know the way to work?
Obviously You need to inform the police ASAP. Did you get a registration? can you remember the make and model of the car? Might be worth waiting for her for the next few days on that stretch of road to see if she comes past again? get the police to put those "did you see an accident?" signs up, might even be worth standing there with a sign you have made up for an hour tomorrow morning?
WRT the bike call www.carboncyclerepairs.co.uk and see what they think if you dont trust a local lbs with carbon damage assessment. its quite hard unless you can actually see tears in the fibres as that would indicate damage and a compromise in strength
Obviously You need to inform the police ASAP. Did you get a registration? can you remember the make and model of the car? Might be worth waiting for her for the next few days on that stretch of road to see if she comes past again? get the police to put those "did you see an accident?" signs up, might even be worth standing there with a sign you have made up for an hour tomorrow morning?
WRT the bike call www.carboncyclerepairs.co.uk and see what they think if you dont trust a local lbs with carbon damage assessment. its quite hard unless you can actually see tears in the fibres as that would indicate damage and a compromise in strength
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 29th May 10:51
Sorry to hear of your mishap.
That area is a nightmare and I avoid it at all costs if I'm on the bike. Many of the cars are uninsured and the drivers don't have licences. A couple of months ago the police had an ANPR stop set up on the lower road between Woolwich and Charlton. The rush hour traffic decreased by 50% - cars were being taken off the road or were avoiding the police!
If it were me, I'd MTFU and go over shooters hill.
That area is a nightmare and I avoid it at all costs if I'm on the bike. Many of the cars are uninsured and the drivers don't have licences. A couple of months ago the police had an ANPR stop set up on the lower road between Woolwich and Charlton. The rush hour traffic decreased by 50% - cars were being taken off the road or were avoiding the police!
If it were me, I'd MTFU and go over shooters hill.
Thanks for the advice thus far. Bikes now at LBS for a full strip down.
I strongly suspect that she actually lives near the scene of the accident, and had parked up the wrong way last night and decided to do a U'ie in the road to get the "right way for work" (if you get what I mean), but did so without checking. If she'd (actually she's a c**t in forum speak, but here in South London speak a "cant") bothered to stop and see if everything is all right (she didn't even check if 12st rider hitting bonnet "might" make a dent), I would have taken her details and left it and only contacted if a serious issue with the bike was found. I strongly suspect getting to work a lie, she'd only be qualified for picking peanuts from Monkey Poo not rushing in for the market open on the London Stock Exchange.
I've been kicking myself though. I only take this route to avoid the 3mile climb up and down Shooters Hill twice every day (who puts a mountain in South East London?), down good, up bad. I guess, I'll have to MTFU in the future and do the hills.
After the bike, the next problem will be telling the wife and yet another stream of objections about me riding to work.
I strongly suspect that she actually lives near the scene of the accident, and had parked up the wrong way last night and decided to do a U'ie in the road to get the "right way for work" (if you get what I mean), but did so without checking. If she'd (actually she's a c**t in forum speak, but here in South London speak a "cant") bothered to stop and see if everything is all right (she didn't even check if 12st rider hitting bonnet "might" make a dent), I would have taken her details and left it and only contacted if a serious issue with the bike was found. I strongly suspect getting to work a lie, she'd only be qualified for picking peanuts from Monkey Poo not rushing in for the market open on the London Stock Exchange.
I've been kicking myself though. I only take this route to avoid the 3mile climb up and down Shooters Hill twice every day (who puts a mountain in South East London?), down good, up bad. I guess, I'll have to MTFU in the future and do the hills.
After the bike, the next problem will be telling the wife and yet another stream of objections about me riding to work.
stongle said:
No I have the registration also....
That's good; for a second I thought you were left high and dry altogether.In a 'situation' I'm the type of person who likes to make everything OK asap. However, stories like yours and others has me thinking that should I ever get hit while cycling, an option might be to lie on the ground and refuse to move until at least the police arrive. Too many drivers make little of the situation and promply p
s off as soon as you aer on your feet.JuniorD said:
stongle said:
No I have the registration also....
That's good; for a second I thought you were left high and dry altogether.In a 'situation' I'm the type of person who likes to make everything OK asap. However, stories like yours and others has me thinking that should I ever get hit while cycling, an option might be to lie on the ground and refuse to move until at least the police arrive. Too many drivers make little of the situation and promply p
s off as soon as you aer on your feet.k he's seriously injured or dead, i'm out of here...."Strongle, glad you have the reg, should be a simple case of hit and run for the BiB now and a s
tty letter to the Chief Constable regarding their lack oof interest when you first reported it...Likely, there is also a garage right by the impact spot. I'm not looking for a starring role on YouTube though. Embarrassingly I was actually wearing a "King of the mountains" jersey, whilst actively avoiding a hill climb (to be fair, I just like the natty spots). Massive fail on my behalf.
What bike is it? You may be able to get a subsidized bike if you have teh right brand. Also you need to get the whole frame checked, you can sometimes hear damaged carbon when tapping it but its likely your local bike shop will have to send it off to the manufacturer to have a camera inserted through the frame, you'll need to be very careful of carbon steerer and also stem and bars if carbon.
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