john stones 1 - Moderator Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Bit of a whinge sorry, yesterday my Son was knocked off his Cycle, tea time on a good visibility day, now laid in hospital with multiple broken bones. He's 39 years old and no idiot on his bike, story so far is a Transit van took him the width of the road, then drove off, but returned after a time. Police have statements from witnesses. Son has no memory of being hit, but the village grapevines says he wasn't at fault, they say some interesting things and I'll leave it there. So my question, which is the best way to get a lawyer for my Sons case, and can we go after the driver if he's at fault ? If what I've heard is true, I would like to make his life a misery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Check to see if your son's household insurance includes legal assistance. Similarly if he drives and is a member of the AA or RAC he may have legal assistance with them. Other than that it's the "Have you had an accident that wasn't your fault" Better Call Saul type lawyers or retain your own solicitor. Edited By Shaun Walsh on 19/05/2020 17:26:05 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaun Walsh Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 One other possibility, if he is a Union member (Unite, Amicus etc.) legal assistance may be available through the Union. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy48 Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Sadly it will be his insurer not him whose life you make a misery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Colbourne Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 John, I hope your son makes as speedy a recovery without any long term complications. Without wishing to condone the driver's failing to stop, be thankful that the driver returned and faced up to what he had done. People are all different, and panic makes them behave in strange ways. Shaun's suggestions all sound good. If none of those are applicable, you could try speaking to Cycling UK which used to be known as the Cycle Touring Club. At least the companies they use should be experienced in dealing with claims by cyclists. Failing that, have a look on a few cycling forums; there is bound to be a thread about good and bad claims lawyers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyinBrian Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 John, may your son return to full health quickly and all power to him and you in getting the compensation deserved. I trust the white van man was insured! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denis Watkins Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Heart breaking John and a terrible fright too But Do Not contact this man in anyway, other than through your chosen brief You will just hurt yourself and your case Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 Nowt to do with money, just looks the only way to hurt him, really not that concerned about his insurer, they've had years of no claims off me. May be home tomorrow they cannot operate till swelling goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug Campbell Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Unfortunately only the rich can afford to get justice in this country, but good luck and I hope your son makes a speedy and full recovery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 Thank yous, he'll be o.k not life threatening or liable to lead to long term problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Berriman Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Hi John sorry about your news and trust things fall in place to get some satisfaction Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon H Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 The van driver is bang to rights for leaving the scene. Who is to say the person driving it when it came back was the actual driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dwain Dibley. Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Hi john, sorry to hear about your Lads accident.. I cycle to work most days and most days I have what I call a near miss, most are just drivers not concentrating, but some are deliberate shows of aggression. your Lad will be aware of this I know. I second the suggestion from Robin to contact Cycling UK, I am a member. It costs About £45 per annum and well worth it for the cover and legal backup. They should be able to help or at least point you in the right direction. The other thing I do, is wear a camera on my helmet. Whatever happens then, I have evidence. Hope the Boy recovers soon, and is back on his bike. D.D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Flyer Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Very sorry to hear that I’m sure as said above Cycling UK will help... I’m a member too. It’s so sad seeing the awful attitude of some motorists to cyclists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon H Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Posted by Tim Flyer on 19/05/2020 21:17:40: Very sorry to hear that I’m sure as said above Cycling UK will help... I’m a member too. It’s so sad seeing the awful attitude of some motorists to cyclists. i think it goes both ways Tim. Before i could drive i saw the bad motorists as i cycled along. Now i can drive i see the bad cyclists sailing through red lights, the nutcase motorbikes going way too fast, and the bad drivers thinking they are gods gift and everyone else is just in the way. Ultimately everyone on the road should be considerate of everyone else but that is not always the case John, given that the police are already involved can they not offer you some advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Former Member Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 [This posting has been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Flyer Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Jon yes it “goes” both ways in terms of “rule breaking” but certainly not in terms of physical risk or injury. I also drive cars so can appreciate both sides. There is a massive mismatched risk to cyclists from cars and lorries. I see motorists overtake cyclists leaving minimal gap very very often. Cars often overtake cyclists through width restrictions and overtake on blind bends and ahead of oncoming traffic . I have never heard of a cycle collision injuring a driver but even being hit by a wing mirror can kill a cyclist or result in life changing injury. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john stones 1 - Moderator Posted May 19, 2020 Author Share Posted May 19, 2020 Posted by Jon - Laser Engines on 19/05/2020 21:28:14: Posted by Tim Flyer on 19/05/2020 21:17:40: Very sorry to hear that I’m sure as said above Cycling UK will help... I’m a member too. It’s so sad seeing the awful attitude of some motorists to cyclists. i think it goes both ways Tim. Before i could drive i saw the bad motorists as i cycled along. Now i can drive i see the bad cyclists sailing through red lights, the nutcase motorbikes going way too fast, and the bad drivers thinking they are gods gift and everyone else is just in the way. Ultimately everyone on the road should be considerate of everyone else but that is not always the case John, given that the police are already involved can they not offer you some advice? Not spoken to them, apart from when they came to inform us Jon, I stood there with my gob open and brain not working to be honest, they have his bike and property, so a visit looks on the cards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Christy Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 John, may I add my wishes for your son's speedy recovery. In addition to the above suggestions about obtaining legal aid, you may find that if he has car insurance, that may also offer legal aid. These days it seems as if every kind of insurance policy offers some kind of legal assistance, so once he is well enough to talk to you, check out every insurance policy he holds. Personally, I am loath to venture on the highways without being surrounded by substantial quantities of sheet steel! There are far too many idiots out there on the roads! -- Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Insurance is just one of the many reasons I've been a member of the CTC (now Cycling UK) for over 40 years. I hope your son recovers well and the errant motorist gets his just deserts. I was knocked off by an uninsured driver in an untaxed un MoT car some years ago and the police weren't very interested in my injuries but as I was cycling home from work I was able to get help from the union and the Motor Insurer's Bureau coughed up a couple of thousand for a new Mercian frame and my injuries. Oddly enough the most serious injury I've had cycling was caused by a cat and that really was life changing. Geoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigel R Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Hope your boy makes a speedy recovery john. I cycle as the other hobby. Some drivers need removing from the roads. Enough said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Smith 14 Posted May 19, 2020 Share Posted May 19, 2020 Lots of no win no fee solicitors out there, in fact most solicitors that do personal injury offer this. Most take out an insurance policy to cover them if they should loss, but won't take it on unless there's a strong chance of a win. If you win they take there fee and costs from your award up to a max of 25% if they loss providing you haven't made a fraudulent claim and have acted on there advise you pay nothing, you can instruct them out of your own pocket but final cost will be similar but if you loss it's your bill. Just Google no win no fee solicitor Doncaster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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