Bicycle collision - claim?

thenap80

Hi
The other week I was on my bicycle going across a roundabout when a car edged close to me so that he could turn left. He came so close that the front of his car nudged my rear wheel, bending it and rendering my bike non ridable with his front bumper.

He an I pulled to the side of the road and I got his details. I have asked Halfords whether the wheel can be fixed (ie. banged back straight) but they said it is too bent and a new one would cost about £40.

How is the best way of getting this man to pay for his rubbish driving and causing me this trauma. Do I phone HIS insurance company or should I go through a no win no fee company to let the experts deal with it on my behalf. What can I reasonably be expected to get. I know some people who read this will think I am just a taker now who wants to milk the insurance system but I don;t believe I should lose out because of someone's disregard for cyclists on the road.

Many Thanks
B

peachyprice

Have you actually asked him to pay the £40 himself?

It might be worth pointing out to him that his excess is going to be more than that if he chooses to go through his insurance.

I doubt any no win no fee companies will take on a £40 claim.

HappyMJ

If it's just £40 (which to me sounds cheap-are you sure there is no damage to the frame) then send him a copy of the bill requesting payment. If not paid then take further action. You don't need to involve the insurance company that's up to him to claim on his insurance.

McKneff

What did the man say to you at the scene.
Did he admit liability, do you have anything in writing.

What has happened since.

McKneff

HappyMJ wrote: »

If it's just £40 (which to me sounds cheap-are you sure there is no damage to the frame) then send him a copy of the bill requesting payment. If not paid then take further action. You don't need to involve the insurance company that's up to him to claim on his insurance.

If he wont pay you personally, then you do have to contact his insurance company. and claim directly from them if you have their details.
I really dont think it will come to that though. He will lose out big time if this happens.

if he is daft enough to claim on his insurance maybe he is too daft to drive.

Send him the bill/quote asking for payment.

sarahg1969

peachyprice wrote: »

Have you actually asked him to pay the £40 himself?

It might be worth pointing out to him that his excess is going to be more than that if he chooses to go through his insurance.

I doubt any no win no fee companies will take on a £40 claim.

There won't be an excess to pay on a third party claims. It will, however, affect his premiums.

4743hudsonj

What bike is it (race, hybrid etc)? £40 sounds VERY steep for just a wheel. He may be more obliging if the quote is more realistic and not from halfrauds.

McKneff

sarahg1969 wrote: »

There won't be an excess to pay on a third party claims. It will, however, affect his premiums.

Sorry, blonde moment, youre right of course.

gordikin

4743hudsonj wrote: »

...£40 sounds VERY steep for just a wheel...

How can you say that without knowing the type of wheel it is? Unless your getting your usual 'dig' in about Halfords any time anyone mentions them.

topbadger

4743hudsonj wrote: »

What bike is it (race, hybrid etc)? £40 sounds VERY steep for just a wheel. He may be more obliging if the quote is more realistic and not from halfrauds.

Actually £40 sounds cheap for a wheel – last pair of wheels DH bought for his bike set him back £600 :eek:

OP - good luck getting the cash out of him. If he has any sense he won't want his insurance involved and will cough up the cash!

custardy

4743hudsonj wrote: »

What bike is it (race, hybrid etc)? £40 sounds VERY steep for just a wheel. He may be more obliging if the quote is more realistic and not from halfrauds.

lol,I think you are out of touch on prices
if the OP went to halfords then i guess its been bought from there and is a direct replacement