Possibly The First 1200 Scrambler Write Off

Sorry to hear about your off Pete, glad you are ok. Well done for taking pictures of the scene, hang on to em in case the insurance want to make an argument on behalf of their client. Your position towards the centre of the road is perfect, moving away from the danger is what is taught in advanced riding/driving so you are on solid ground there mate. From the pic I see the sun was behind her, was this the case at the time of the collision, don’t give her any wriggle room to blame the low sun in her eyes, not that it’s a defence to her obvious careless driving. Good luck chap.

 

Hey Pete. A couple of words of advice - you may not need them (and I hope you don't) but they might give you something to think about as this all unfolds. It is quite possible that it will get messy - it often does when insurance companies have their way - so consider :-

1. Sound out some motorcycle specific claims lawyers - White Dalton; Bikelawyers .... there will be more so a google search will give you an idea. You don't have to do anything yet but you could make initial enquiries about their fees and terms and conditions.

2. Make written notes - if you haven't already - of EVERYTHING you can remember. Time of day; road conditions; the route you'd taken and, of course, absolutely everything you can recall about the incident, including, perhaps, the drivers' reactions; her passengers reactions; anything that was said at the time. Guess that all sounds ridiculous but, if this gets dragged out over any length of time, your memory will not really serve you anything like as well as contemperaneous notes.

3. Do NOT entertain a conversation of any kind with the 'other party' or her insurer - do everything through your insurance. If you haven't already done so make sure, that your insurer is aware that you will expect them to pursue a claim on your behalf against the other party since you consider her "at fault"; that the claim will include 'uninsured losses' (clothing; additional travel expenses; inconvenience, etc.) and that you will probably seek the services of a motorcycle accident specialist law firm. Your insurers may want you to use 'their' company, especially if you have legal assistance cover included, but I don't think you're obliged to do so.

4. Consider going back to the scene to take photographs of the road layout and, perhaps, make some measurements if you can. Don't rely on Streetview images but get a "driver's eye" view from the give way markings; photograph the signage at the junction and get a view from your approach and at the point of impact. In view of the image you've posted it is highly unlikely but, if you do go back, walk down the road from which she emerged and have a look to see if any nearby properties have cctv cameras. If there is one with a view of the juction you might be home and dry!

5. When/if it comes to it, do NOT accept the first offer made - even if it does sound good! At least challenge it and seek better.

With luck NONE of this will be needed, but it's better to have it and not need it than vice versa. Good luck.

 

Hi Pete, sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident. Im totally with you on the detailed inspection being too much to bare for the moment . Glad you’re okay though mate.

I had to take the bike to work last Friday due to being without the car for the day and I can only say loads of respect to the daily commuters between the cagers. Every 2nd/3rd cager I passed were busy on their mobile and not paying attention to the road or considering for a moment what the consequences of their actions could be. It felt like a fight for my life getting to the office, only a 38km commute, I did NOT enjoy it.

 

Hi Pete, sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident. Im totally with you on the detailed inspection being too much to bare for the moment . Glad you’re okay though mate.

I had to take the bike to work last Friday due to being without the car for the day and I can only say loads of respect to the daily commuters between the cagers. Every 2nd/3rd cager I passed were busy on their mobile and not paying attention to the road or considering for a moment what the consequences of their actions could be. It felt like a fight for my life getting to the office, only a 38km commute, I did NOT enjoy it.

 

Take it easy mate....

 

The main thing is your not injured too much. From your writing, it sounds that it could have been a lot worse. Also may sound not nice but a lump of metal can always be replaced and life can't.

May years ago i bought a brand new van from Renault London on the A40. This was at 9.15 am. Drove to the back of Victoria train station to deliver a box. Got back in my nice new shiny van only to see a Range Rover heading towards me on the wrong side of the road. Flashing and totting had no effect. I hadn't even started my engine yet. Next thing i remember was the Range Rover sitting on my bonnet and glass all over me. Hire car driven by a Yank who had never driven in England before let alone used a gear shift. He only picked this car up from the renters 10 minutes before. Hence one and a half hours and 20 miles on the clock, my nice new van was written off.

 

Just read your thread Pete and sorry to hear about your accident.

The bike may be a right off and luckily your not.

Let’s hope your insurance company fight your corner as they should.

 

I'm glad you are ok, just another idiot out there loose with the rest of us!

 

Pete, I can't help with your query I'm afraid. But have you considered contacting one of the bike accident specialist solicitors? I'm pretty sure they will give you some basic advice. I think you can engage them to take on your case too, if you want.

Some one like Lampkins. They advertise in the MCN. I've never used them myself but kept their details just in case.

[email protected]

 

Glad you are at least not too bad yourself. Bikes can always be replaced, you can't be. ,
From what you've said, surely with any decent solicitor (never mind a bike specific one) shell have no chance as she pulled out of a junction?

 

it certainly spoils your day and gives you a metaphoric headache (and maybe actual headache too) with the paperwork and stress of sorting it out. But as others have said, it is great that you walked away from it, and that is the main thing.

 

Good to hear your not injured and I'm sure you'll get it sorted.

Playing devils advocate the only defence I could see her suggesting for her actions were if she said you were indicating.
Are your indicators set up for self cancelling?
Could the side road take you to your destination or somewhere miles off?

Otherwise looks a straight forward case.

 

C'mon guys, my good lady drives a red corsa, bad enough in itself but how am I to break this news to her

 

Great news that you're not too badly the worse for wear and here's wishing you luck in getting the bike sorted ASAP one way or the other.

 

Glad to hear you are okay. All the best with the claim. Hopefully back on the road soon.