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touch107fm
21-07-08, 12:43 AM
Hi All

I am in need of some greatly appreciated advice. I am new to SV650.org, I only really got into this site after i was involved in a accident and my bike and leg where out of action.

First up a little history with SV. After getting 2 scooters nicked in the space of 5 weeks(no word of a lie) of each other i decided its time to upgrade and get proper bike. I got my pride and joy about 4 months ago and was so happy with it. I am not into speed at all and i think this is why i chose a sv or a cbr.
As for most of your you bike is probably one of prized possessions, and mine was no difference. Its been so interesting reading about this site to see the views and options of other riders. I have to say i am addicted to the site.

So here's to the help or advice stage.
I was ridding back from my girlfriends place and was doing my usual route. I am going to cut the story short. A guy driving a brand new SLK pulled straight out in from of me and nearly killed me. I was only doing about 15mph was lucky. The bike slid along the ground, I was rushed to hospital. The after math was lots of road rash and my knee had a torn regiment and some muscle damage,

The other driver was a bit of a **** and at the scene told me he would take care of everything and for me not to worry. Turns out he then tried to make out it was my fault. I thought i was screwed as my bike was damaged and my knee was screwed. After lots of phone calls some of which where very anger calls. he finally admitted it was his fault. ......

So I am now able to make a claim. I have been out of work for 5 week , just went back to work this week, the knee is at 90% .
I have never made a claim before and told his insurance company that i would represent myself as i didn't think i would need one. I am not into talking people to the cleaners.
My pride and joy was classed as a repairable but damaged. Now i paid 2700 for it they offered me 2700 for the bike or i can keep the bike for 2400.
I have decided to keep the bike as most of you would.

Now here's where i need some advice do you think i should have a solicitor represent and deal with his insurance company. My insurance company have offered one to me or i can deal with this myself. Its basically to deal with my loss of earning, medical, added bills such as phone bills etc etc .

Also as most of my clothes where all damage or ripped, do any of you from previous claims know that when you claim for new helmets, clothes and shoes. Do the insurance company ask you for the damage goods that where involved in the accident if the agree to pay you for them.

Also does any know about hire bike costs, I was told that if you do not take a hire car that is offered you are entitled to something like 10 pounds a day until you get your cheque for the bike. mines being over 6 weeks ago and still no cheque....

Ok your views would be great. Also I am still looking for a front sv 650 pointy front subframe...

See ya later

Kneewhere?!
21-07-08, 01:34 AM
Your insurance company should be explaining all this to you. I got knocked off my sv last week, it was entirely the other drivers fault but I'd never had to claim before. I phoned my insurance company and after a few calls to the insurer, broker, hire bike company and solicitor it all started to make sense. I made a point of telling everyone that i was clueless and needed extra help. It was always readily given. I had a hire bike delivered the following day, my insurer have paid out for my bike and their solicitor is claiming on my behalf for my personal injury and uninsured losses, which include all my kit that was damaged.

Hope you and the bike get well soon.

yorkie_chris
21-07-08, 06:35 AM
Get a brief from your insurance company unless you understand the laws at work etc.

They are responsibly for covering all damage to you including clothing, lost earnings etc. AFAIK

darylB
21-07-08, 07:11 AM
Definately get a solicitor, it shouldn't cost you a penny and they know the law and how to get the best for you.

Daryl.

fizzwheel
21-07-08, 07:48 AM
If its not your fault and it sounds like its not, just tell your insurance company you want them to sort it out. Dont represent yourself in court, dont worry about it, dont stress about it, this is what you pay insurance for.

Theres a difference between taking people to the cleaners and getting reasonable compensation for your kit and the time off work you've had.

Let the insurance comapny deal with it and concentrate on geting well again...

mary
21-07-08, 01:05 PM
Rider support helped me out when I had an accident. If they decide to represent you they don't charge anything and are generally bikers themselves so on your side
mary

Nostrils
21-07-08, 04:04 PM
Give White Dalton a call, they are solicitors who ride bikes and specialise in this area.

If you have paid your insurance company for legal cover, then they should be representing you....but I bet you have to ask! I have claimed on car insurance before but not bike and all its implications so better not cloud any views

custard
21-07-08, 04:17 PM
let a solicitor deal. would suggest you act like a numpty and get all the help available but wouldnt hurt to also go prepared with estimates on loss of earnings, value of kit etc.

CoolGirl
21-07-08, 04:48 PM
Your insurers should be pursuing his insurers for repairs, and negotiating compensation for injury, loss of earnings etc. If it gets more complicated than that (ie the other party gets shifty and it ends up in court) you should have legal cover under your insurance policy, and that pays all the legal billls inlcuding advice, pursuance and representation in court if it goes that far (most claims don't). As Fizz says, that's what you paying them for. All the compensation should come to you no-one takes a cut (apart from your insurers claiming their losees - ie what it cost to fix the bike)

The only thing you should need to do yourself is tell your side of the story, provide evidence of your losses (and don't forget to claim for your bike gear) and hassle the insurance company for updates if things are going slowly. Oh, and keep up with the medical appointments or there'll be no records if it goes for the long haul.

Really, ther's nothing for you to worry about. hope you're ok and it all works out.

tanis34
21-07-08, 06:25 PM
always cover yourself m8 use the solicitor they will know the system and any loopholes that the other driver can use , i hope it all works out ok

svpilot
21-07-08, 09:59 PM
Give White Dalton a call, they are solicitors who ride bikes and specialise in this area.

If you have paid your insurance company for legal cover, then they should be representing you....but I bet you have to ask! I have claimed on car insurance before but not bike and all its implications so better not cloud any views

Sorry to hear about you accident, gws mate :-(

+1 for White Dalton. I feel I should be on commission* for the number of times I give 'em the thumbs up, they are good guys.



*mind you I do get Christmas cards from 'em and a neck tube scarf thing last year :rolleyes: