Motorcycle accident - should I search for solicitor?

Session

Hey, last Friday I've had a motorcycle accident.

On the long straight (dotted single line) I was overtaking 3 cars, while I've already overtook the first car the middle one (The Silver Mercedes AMG) started to overtake the first car (he changed the lane very quick and without the indicator).
I've had just 3-4 metres to brake, but it was not enough I've hit him in rear right bumper, maybe side a little.
I've lost conscious and woke up in the ambulance. I was only told by the paramedic that I will have Police in the hospital soon (I was happy, so I could explain anything), unfortunately there was no police at the hospital.

Today is the first working day so I've gave a ring to my insurance company, but they did not want to help, because I've got the 3rd party and theft only.
They advised I should contact Police to get the registration number of the other driver involved and they would give me the details of his insurance company, so I can give them a ring.
I've called Police, but I was told that officer that is dealing with that case it's not on duty and will be back on Thursday. I've left my phone number and he will give me a ring.

It looks that things are getting more complicated and time is passing by. It's not easy to win that case being foreigner with lack of knowledge into road, accident law and missing lots of lawyer specific words.

I would like to make a claim for my loss:
- motorcycle,
- motorcycle clothes/gear,
- body injuries recompense, I've minor injuries, but my arm needs orthopaedic and it may take few weeks to recover,
- recompense for loss of Easter time and already 1 work day,

a) You reckon I should search for the local or non-local solicitor or speak to the car driver insurance company on my own?

b) Are they any great solicitors/lawyers companies on the market?

Thanks,
Tom from Wiltshire

burlington6

How much do you want for your lost Easter weekend?

fivetide

1st off glad you are ok.

Do you have legal cover with your insurance? That might help although it sounds like you are not at fault )if you were clearly visible to anyone who should have checked their mirror before pulling out!) so yes, you claim on their insurance, not yours.

As for legal representation/advice. I'd be tempted to ask on here http://www.wiltshirebikers.co.uk/ to see if anyone can recommend someone. Not all legal people 'get' bikes and understand how the road skills needed are different.

Good luck.

Session

burlington6 wrote: »

How much do you want for your lost Easter weekend?

No idea. At least "sorry mate".
You know I could spend it with my family, not in the hospital. It's hard to convert it to money (same with personal injuries and pain).

Nodding_Donkey

I can personally recommend http://www.ridersupport.co.uk/.

Inch_High_2

Session wrote: »

No idea. At least "sorry mate".
You know I could spend it with my family, not in the hospital. It's hard to convert it to money (same with personal injuries and pain).

You can only claim for your actual loss.

Burlington was being sarcastic about Easter, you won't get anything for that. Minor injuries may not be much either.

I'd wait until you speak to the officer before you incur any costs, they may have you at fault for the collision.

You maybe unlucky and have this resolved 50/50 at best.

Session

Thanks, It looks like I should wait till the officer is on duty.

You are all brilliant, thanks for even sarcastic answers, don't get me wrong I ask, because I've no idea about it, maybe that's why it sounds silly.

I will drop me details to few companies, but need to sort Police and accident report first.

burlington6

I only asked because some people expect the world when it comes to actual losses

Session

burlington6 wrote: »

I only asked because some people expect the world when it comes to actual losses

I am not sort of person that claims for everything, however I don't think it's easy to determine the actual losses. It could be potenially everything, not only material things like bike, motorcycle jacket etc.
... from the other point even if I get few grands for the personal injuries I can not buy new left arm and it won't start work faster... it needs time and rehabilitation. I think it's not a easy topic and border is very thin, between: "expecting the world" and "actual losses".

InsideInsurance

Were you in another lane (ie there were 2 or more lanes in each direction) or were you making your own lane/ on the other side of the road?

fivetide wrote: »

Do you have legal cover with your insurance? That might help although it sounds like you are not at fault )if you were clearly visible to anyone who should have checked their mirror before pulling out!) so yes, you claim on their insurance, not yours.

If there wasnt another lane then the claim will be settled on a split liability situation, particularly if there are no witnesses to confirm the TP didnt indicate.

Back to the OP - as others have said, you are only entitled to indemnity (subject to liability) and so if you had to cancel a hotel booking for Easter and lost your money then you can claim for that. Assuming you didnt have anything specific booked up that caused you financial loss then it would simply be lumped into your "Pain, Suffering & Loss of Amenities".

Your solicitor or doctor would just add into the copy that whilst the injury only lasted a couple of weeks it did impact you more than average because it effected your easter, meant you couldnt do your normal soccer and dance practice etc in a hope to push the settlement up a little bit. My colleague claimed for a biking accident recently and her Dr asked her specifically if she ever danced, she said yes but only rarely at weddings etc but the Dr report and corresponding Sols letter said she'd been prevented from dancing as a result of her injury - she pointed out this was overplaying it but the Sols said that it was all ok to leave it there.

Nodding_Donkey

InsideInsurance wrote: »

If there wasnt another lane then the claim will be settled on a split liability situation, particularly if there are no witnesses to confirm the TP didnt indicate.

Rubbish, overtaking is a perfectly legal manoeuvre, pulling out without making sure the way is clear isn't.