Car reversed into my bicycle and driver wants me to pay for scratches to window and rear bumper

ArneL

unforeseen wrote: »

so you manoeuvred around a vehicle based on an erroneous assumption? An unsafe manoeuvre by the sound of it as you had no idea what he was going to do at a junction.

Overtaking at a junction? Very risky.

Yes all true which is why I wasn't sure that he would actually be completely at fault, and why I gave him my details. I guess my question is whether him reversing and clearly going against Highway Code 202 is the bigger transgression here?

shaun_from_Africa

ArneL wrote: »

I know I shouldn't have given him my details, I was acting in panic. What is the concern other than the possibility of him harassing me now?

If/when he contacts you, ask him for details of his insurance as well as his personal details, telling him that you wish to claim from his policy as he was at fault for the accident.
Once he realises that you aren't going to simply pay up for his mistake, he will hopefully just drop the matter.

unforeseen

Nothing to with bigger transgression deciding blame if you do go down the suing route then that will probably involve insurers. Do you have an insurer to fight your corner if it does?

shaun_from_Africa

unforeseen wrote: »

so you manoeuvred around a vehicle based on an erroneous assumption? An unsafe manoeuvre by the sound of it as you had no idea what he was going to do at a junction.

Overtaking at a junction? Very risky.

As was reversing a car at a junction without making sure that it was safe to do so.

pinkshoes

ArneL wrote: »

I had my (very bright) lights on, front and back. It's also worth pointing out that the driver was wearing bluetooth earphones when coming out of his car.

As you had lights on then you are not at fault.

He reversed without checking it was safe to do so.

Was there any damage to your bike?

ArneL

unforeseen wrote: »

Nothing to with bigger transgression deciding blame if you do go down the suing route then that will probably involve insurers. Do you have an insurer to fight your corner if it does?

I do not have any form of insurance (cycling, home contents or other). This is why I am considering settling with him as his insurance making a claim against me would literally bankrupt me.

He has now messaged saying he's getting a quote tomorrow and hopes to have it settled between us. He also, weirdly, sent me a proof of purchase for his car that has his personal address on it as he wanted to prove to me that he only bought the car last week which explains why he was so upset last night.

All seems rather strange to me. I will most likely post an update tomorrow. Thanks for all the replies so far, this has been very helpful and has put me at ease a bit.

Johno100

50Twuncle wrote: »

You need to inform him (if you swapped details ... why ?) that you intend to sue HIM for damage to your person and bike - that will shut him up..

I take it you either missed this part of the opening post

ArneL wrote: »

I wasn't injured and there was no damage to my bicycle

Or you are encouraging the OP to make or threaten to make a fraudulent claim.

parking_question_chap

If the events are as you described the triver sounds like an utter tool. In future instances if you have not been hurt or bike damaged then cycle off, its just not worth the hassle trying to reason with some people. Just cease all contact after politely but firmly denying any blame. Say he is welcome to try his luck at small claims court. Sounds like if you gave in you paid up they might be the type of person to try and extort even more money out of you.

Nebulous2

ArneL wrote: »

I do not have any form of insurance (cycling, home contents or other). This is why I am considering settling with him as his insurance making a claim against me would literally bankrupt me.

His insurance are unlikely to make a claim, as he probably wont tell them. The only difference between settling and going to court is likely to be the small claim court fee. If the claim is likely to bankrupt you then so will the repair, as there wont be a great deal of difference between them. You'll also have a good chance of winning in court.


As I said earlier I'd speak to British Cycling tomorrow. One of the cycling solicitors may also give you a steer in the right direction.

ZaSa1418

Although the police didnt come out did they give you any references or log it? If not i suggest you call the non emergency police line and speak to them again. Explain a car reversed into you and give them his details. Say you wasnt injured and there isnt damage to the bike but he has still reversed into you. You were clearly visible.
Also if he contacts you tell him you have spoken to the police and if he harasses you you will report him.