injury claim advice

[Spencer Rockman]

Hi - was hoping for a bit of advice please. Sadly I took a knock earlier this summer when a driver sent me over her bonnet and into the windscreen. I am a lot better now (still no club rides but it could have been worse). Fault admitted by the driver and bike paid for by her insurance without needing to go to the solicitors.

Now it is coming to a personal injury  claim and they have made an offer for my injuries. One that I think is too low, but I am nor sure whether to try to negotiate it myself or whether to seek legal advice. I know we are all covered by BC for legal help but the thing that is making me hesitant is that I had a rotten time of it a couple years back. Many months of wrangling, court cases, appeals and was very unhappy with the outcome.

So the question I have is whether others have tried to settle on their own before and have any tips. If I try it myself, then could i prejudice getting legal help later if I am still not happy?

many thanks in advance for your wisdom....

S

[Andy Davidson]

So sorry to hear about your injuries.

It may be worth messaging this guy: he posts a huge amount on cycling issues. Never met a charitable barrister but maybe he can answer your more fundamental questions via twitter DM?

mobile.twitter.com/martinporter6?lang=en

If you did want to go the professional route I had a very good experience with this outfit that seems to have grown far beyond their original Preston roots:

www.cycleaidsolicitors.co.uk/

Best of luck and I hope you get the compensation you deserve.

[Spencer Rockman]

thanks Andy - will try to give them a call tomorrow

[David Joss Buckley]

Sorry to hear about this Spencer.   Your BC membership carries benefits in this area, remember.  

Three+ years ago I hit a pothole in Lewisham and broke my elbow in the resulting crash.  After a long time spent fruitlessly trying to get various bodies to accept liability (TfL, HA, etc...) I contacted BC and was handed on to Leigh Day, who took on the case, found the culprits (roadworks contractors) and eventually got me a very decent payout. It cost me nothing and LD were briliant at advising and keeping me inforned.  

[Gareth Morgan]

I also went with Leigh Day via BC.

LD did all the legwork and only contacted me to arrange appointments with physiotherapist and a doctor, and when updating me on the status and closure of the case.

They took their fee from the court winnings so you should bear that in mind if you go this route.

The one thing they kept reminding me was; whatever settlement you come to, you can’t reopen the case. They were referring to the possibility of delayed concussion or setbacks that could appear later down the line... so that’s another thing to remember I guess.

Good luck with it

[Spencer Rockman]

again - thanks all for the advice and well wishes.

[Sara Barman]

You could ask David Wadsworth - he represented himself in injury case - is lawyer but property.