Nutsinatin Down :(

[Nutsinatin]

Well I had my first proper accident about five last night, a car coming in the opposite direction turned right across my path and hit me. The accident was only about 25 mph so I've only got a badly sprained ankle(from where I caught in going across the curb and folded it under me) and a concussion (from the collision/bouncing across the road/hitting a wall), as well as the various cuts bruises and abrasions; so no more work for me this week! I hit my horn, braked and swerved so it definitely could have been worse. It was dark but it was a straight road with good visibility.

Unfortunately the car hit the right hand side of the bike, then the bike slid on its left hand side before the front end hit the curb spinning the bike so both the tank and the rear end also hit the curb. From the glimpse I saw on the way to hospital it looks pretty smashed, so I'm thinking write off. It's been recovered and will be assessed by both insurers before I know if I can take it to be repaired.

Unfortunately it gets worse as the driver was arrested for driving without insurance (and careless driving as they removed their driving glasses as they were hurting so couldn't actually see) , however the cars owner (who is insured) was in the passenger seat at the time. According to the traffic officer, my insurance company and my underwriter (who luckily is also their underwriter) the fact that the owner gave permission for the car to be used will make him and his insurance liable (I hope so). I also have a few good witnesses that the Police spoke to at the scene, and the driver admitted the above, as well as the fact that they didn't see me until they hit me, both at the scene and in their statement at the Police station.

My helmet, heated gloves (that I just bought at the NEC), trousers and boots are all finished, as well as my phone and tank bag, however my jacket appears to be relatively unscathed.

The police were really good and arrived within 8 minutes and dealt with everything quickly and professionally. However the ambulance service were appalling. Despite being unconscious they could not provide an ambulance within an hour and fifteen minutes, despite the police chasing them, and although I regained consciousness at scene I started to lose consciousness again as hypothermia set in so the Police contacted the ambulance service again and were told that there were no ambulances available that night so I would have to wait . Obviously the Police did not want to leave me on the roadside until today so made the decision to move me without the spinal board ( as I hadn't felt any pain when conscious) and brought me to hospital themselves, after being seen by a doctor and warming back up and coming back to the real world, it was decided that I wasn't a priority so was discharged from A&E to the waiting room then readmitted though the walk in route, assessed by Triage who gave me some painkillers assessed my ankle and suspected it broken and were concerned I had a head injury. I then got x-rayed where it turned out my ankle is just badly sprained and massively swollen and I was allowed home as long as I am supervised for 48 hours. They also gave me a crutch, however it is too small as they had run out of my size. I'm not supposed to put any weight on it until Saturday, then slowly bring it back to full use, but it may take a few weeks before I can walk normally again. I first entered the hospital and 6:30 PM and left at 1:30am, 6 hours of that spent in the waiting room. The Police advised me to complain about the ambulance service which I will do in due course.

On the plus side it is only my right ankles so as soon as I get my bike/a loan bike/ any other bike I won't need to use it.

My insurance is through Wicked Quotes.com and underwritten by Equity Red Star, both who have been great so far (28 mins on the phone this morning to get everything rolling) so I'll update you with their performance as this progresses

[PyroUK]

Glad to hear you didn't come off too badly! As crap as the whole thing is, you are essentially OK which is the main thing!

GWS mate!

[Littlepeahead]

Sorry to hear this. At least it sounds like you will be able to claim for everything.

If your gear was new see if you can find the receipts or bank statements showing the purchase, this will help ensure you get the full value of them when you claim.

A sprained ankle can be as sore and troublesome as a break - so take it easy and lots of RICE, anti-inflammatories and rubbish Christmas TV is in order.

If you are struggling to get about the Red Cross will lend you crutches or a wheelchair - they just ask for a donation. I found this massively helpful after my achilles op as I was non-weight bearing for 2 weeks and this meant I could get mates to push me about.

And definitely go to the supermarket and use the ride on buggy - just for a laugh. I tried to do as much of my shop in reverse gear as possible, in December, just to annoy other shoppers. :-)

[SvNewbie]

Glad you are ok. Good luck getting everything sorted out.

Being unable to send an ambulance to a motorcycle accident is ridiculous. I'd be very interested in what you find out about that. Head and spinal injuries are well beyond the medical expertise of police officers and they should have been left to deal with that on their own.

I'd be interested in what you learn about the reasons they couldn't provide an ambulance.

[Jayneflakes]

That is awful, glad that you were not really hurt, which given the state of your local NHS was probably for the best. Good luck getting it all sorted and with any luck you will be back on the road very soon.


As for the NHS letting you down, there have been several campaigns of late to try and tell the Government that we want it sorting out, not privatising. My local MP here in the Weston told me that as a rule the populace are very happy with NHS service provision and there is nothing wrong with it! A lying old twunt one thinks!

[Littlepeahead]

The last 2 accidents near my workplace, one of which was a really serious motorcycle accident, they've had the air ambulance land on our outfield within 10 minutes of getting the call at their Clerkenwell HQ. The copter always gets a warm welcome here, they are about the only people who can just invade the hallowed turf without the Head Groundsman having a hissy fit. It's always reassuring to know they exist but of course we have to help fund them from donations.

I think as you will have a bit of time on your hands a call to the local paper and TV station and an email to your MP to tell them both of your experience would not go amiss. An unconscious casualty should always get priority.

[jambo]

Bugger,
Glad you are relatively OK, a bust ankle can be a real git.

Yes, the insurance for the car should be able to pay out here, there were some stories recently that if you didn't cancel insurance on a car/bike when you sold it and it was involved in an accident your insurance could end up paying out as they had to claim off any insurance covering the vehicle to cover a 3rd party. Compared to that as the driver was in the passenger seat this seems straightforward & fair.

The Ambulance response seems very poor given your circumstances, it's worth complaining, as it helps evidence when the service is under-staffed.

Heal quick, get the paperwork moving, claim for everything, and fingers crossed it gets resolved quickly.

Jambo

[chris8886]

sorry to hear this, I hope it doesn't ruin your Christmas etc! good luck with getting it all sorted.

[atassiedevil]

Ouch!
Glad you are in one piece, and it should be relatively straighforward in any case.
Correct on the car owners policy will be the one that will probably pay out on this. Make sure you factor any time off, injury or equipment loss into the chain as well.
Get well soon, and enjoy the extra time off over christmas.

[andrewsmith]

Ouch!
Get well soon

[Ch00]

I'd be interested in what you learn about the reasons they couldn't provide an ambulance.

Budget cuts and a lack of ambos followed by closure of A&Es which means ambos are stacked up at the open A&Es because they cant off load their last patient quick enough as the A&E is busy.

Its been going downhill for a while now.



Get well soon :D

[Trev B]

Get well soon mate!!!

[_Stretchie_]

aw dude, glad you're ok though

[Bibio]

ouch, get well soon dude. if worst comes to worst you can claim off the uninsured drivers fund but dont hold your breath for the payout.

[maviczap]

That's a big poo pie, and at least you're relatively ok.

GWS

[Nutsinatin]

Ta for all the good wishes, so far my bike is being collected by the insurance tomorrow so I should have my insurers valuation/decision by Tuesday. However I do have a 600/650 hire bike turning up tomorrow (it's a surprise what it will be) which is being charged to the other party, and even if they don't pay up as long as everything I have told my insurance is truthful I won't be charged, not that I can actually ride a bike yet, hopefully it's something comfy and upright! I've got the receipts for my gloves (1 week old) and helmet (5 months old), but the boots are three years old and the trousers are two years old so I'll see what I get when that comes round.

Thanks for the advice about the Red Cross and crutches, I might see if I can give them my current one in exchange for a longer one with a donation in their direction.

As far as claiming for time off work, I'm not too worried as I'm off sick on full pay (that is a good deal!) so it's just some bonus christmas holiday! But I'll take what I can get as I'm sure I won't get what I want for all my expenses so will take any victories I can. If I claim for everything I should get money for something.

Equipment is my biggest worry as the bike had quite a few additions, although they are all declared I doubt I would get their value back, plus some of the bits like Bibio's special swingarm brackets and relay are harder to replace! But that's to come as if I'm lucky I'll get the bike back.

Thanks again for all your well wishes and advice, it does make me feel better.

[Fruity-ya-ya]

Glad your typing fingers still work.
GWS

[SIII]

:hackedoff: B*gger !

GWS, bikes/insurance/gear can be sorted, glad your no so bad.

[littleoldman2]

Bloody hell. GWS

[Red Herring]

Tough luck mate, sounds like one of the those situations where there was nothing you could do to avoid it.

I'm sure you'll be OK with the insurance side of things. Interestingly under the Road Traffic Act if the owner is in the car and it's being used for his purpose (ie: his mate is giving him a lift somewhere or he's letting the guy test drive it with a view to a sale) then he is also "using" the vehicle rather than permitting it's use without insurance so he's got no way out by claiming he thought the other driver had insurance.

Bit ironic that he'll be done for no insurance and his company will have to pay out!

[ClunkintheUK]

Glad you are relatively ok. GWS

[garynortheast]

Blimey! That sounds nasty, also sounds like it could so easily have been a lot worse. Hope the pain goes away quickly.


"The NHS - safe in our hands." Yeah, right.....

[BanannaMan]

Sorry to hear. GWS !!!

[PyroUK]

Ohhhh yeah, if you have shiny stuff on the bike, if it gets written off, you can go to the yard where it's stored and take anything off/back that hasn't been used to bump up the value.

Eg Bib's bracket is unlikely to increase value so if you come to haggle on value don't use that and you can take it back.

I had my bike written off a few years back, I used my scotoiler and a couple other bits to increase the value of payout so had to leave it on the bike, but was able to get my rear seat cowl and infils back so I was happy haha

[scotty217]

Hey mate, just read about your mishap. GWS. Would like to hear the explanation from the ambulance service. Best Wishes.

Scotty

[SV_archie99]

Sorry to to hear of the off.
Heal fast & GWS.

[NTECUK]

Speedy recovery sunshine

[Matt-EUC]

Sucks about the off mate. Still, it could have been a lot worse!!!

[Geodude]

Just caught up on this, hope you doing okay and it all gets sorted in your favour quickly.

[Nutsinatin]

Well I've just heard the state of the bike, I haven't got the engineers report yet so this isn't official but it's got to be a write off. The good bit: my relay from Bibio and his swingarm brackets and comfy seat are okay, as well as my braided lines, calipers (with new pads), tyres (with new PR4s) rear shock (ZX10) and left front fork. The bad bit: right fork leg is bent, all indicators and mirrors (including extenders) are missing, frame is snapped, subframe is snapped, rear rack is snapped, nose cone, fairing lowers and tail plastics are smashed, swingarm is snapped, clip ons are snapped, yolk is twisted, tank is split, engine casings are cracked/split/worn through and there is no oil left in the engine due to multiple leaks, rad is bent/twisted/leaking and left footpeg/gearshift is missing along with the mount and the exhaust is dented/scraped/bent/split (new Scorpion exhaust) .

So although the bruising has started to come out and I now hurt everywhere, I'm starting to feel like a very lucky boy who is going to have to buy himself a new bike and all new gear for late christmas presents to myself, 99% sure it'll be another SV as most of the trick bits survived and there isn't anything else I particularly like the look of as a do it all bike at the minute. just need to wait and see what my budget will be. Obviously my major 30,000 mile service was only three months ago though!

[Littlepeahead]

You were jolly lucky. Buy a lottery ticket tonight.

My K8 is sort of up for sale. I say sort of because I've been too lazy to get it sorted out. I've been paying tax and fully comp insurance on it as well! So it'll still be there come spring no doubt. If you want more info have a look here, it's in excellent condition, low miles, and I'm open to negotiation on all the extras.

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=214093

[Red Herring]

I wonder what the insurance would want for the salvage on your bike? It's pretty much scrap from their point of view but you would not believe how the value of all the small parts can add up if you are going to get another SV. Just the shock, the tyres and the calipers are worth something to you but when you start looking at what you can flog various electrical components for it might make even more sense.

[Nutsinatin]

I'm hoping that they don't want much for it as there are about £1500 of parts/upgrades that add nothing to the value of the bike but will cost me a lot of time and money to repeat on another bike. I want the tyres and shock for my next SV as well as most of the surviving parts, I didn't know that the electrical components had a good resale value so I'll keep that in mind.

I'll keep an eye on your bike LPH as I don't know what my budget will be yet. I'm more annoyed about the massive hike in my insurance for next year due to this. Up from £250 TPF&T to £600!

[NTECUK]

That is out of order!!

[kaivalagi]

Only just seen this, get well soon mate.

By the sounds of the bike damage you were very lucky indeed with your injuries...not the best Christmas pressie though aye!

Hope it's all behind you soon enough...takes the biscuit that your premium is going up but that's the insurance industry way...not sure if there is any way to dispute it or not

[Nutsinatin]

Only way is to dispute the premium with my current insurers as they have all of the info to hand or to add it to the claim as I have solicitors/insurance/etc. all baying for more things to claim for. As far as the ambulance response, by amazing luck my friends mother works for a legal firm who only deal with NHS cases, so not only knows the laws inside out but also knows the head of legal both at the hospital and with the ambulance trust, so now I know where my emails are going to! Apparently I should have been reached within 19 mins, so not being able to provide an ambulance the same day is a bit outside of their target.

[Matt-EUC]

Looks like you're in for a massive payout mate.

[Littlepeahead]

Well I can't see me putting it up for sale until March as it's insured until then anyway.

[NTECUK]

Bike sales this time of year are painfully slow.
You could give Sniff a knock see
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=211523
Mind you if you get a decent pay out a shinny new SV is on the cards

[andrewsmith]

Bike sales this time of year are painfully slow.
Mind you if you get a decent pay out a shinny new SV is on the cards
A new out the box SV can be had for 4200

[Red Herring]

Looks like you're in for a massive payout mate.

I sincerely hope not. There is a reason the ambulance service is on it's knees, and it's not because they are all on holiday spending all their spare cash.

It's because the demand on their service has gone through the roof and they don't have the resources to meet it.

Complain by all means and expect someone somewhere to not only acknowledge that they got it wrong but they are doing something about it, even if that means dealing appropriately with the staff member responsible, but ripping them off for cash is only going to make the situation worse.

It's no different to what is happening in the Police service, or pretty much any public service for that matter.

[NTECUK]

I think he ment tuther party insurance.

[Littlepeahead]

There was a report in the Evening Standard last night about the Booze Buses, one of the measures London Ambulance Service has had to implement to deal with the number of fuc*tard related injuries from people getting smashed at the Christmas party and then injuring themselves or being too drunk to stand up and risking chocking on their own vomit.

The idea is that they scoop them up onto the Booze Bus and sober them up or deal with minor injuries. Trouble is there are now so many idiots getting themselves into this state throughout December that the ambulance service just cannot cope.

I'm all for creating a fines system for alcohol related injuries. If you need LAS to treat you for alcohol poisoning or related injuries then you pay a hefty fine. Sprained ankle from falling off your stupid high heels when drunk - that'll be £350, after all if you could afford to buy the shoes and splurge on the drink you can pay for the medics afterwards.

That way the ambulances might be freed up for the real emergencies.

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/health/on-board-the-booze-bus-broken-bones-cuts-and-teen-vodka-binge-in-night-of-festive-cheer-9925254.html

[Nutsinatin]

I'm complaining to the ambulance service not asking for compo as I agree they need the cash, and clearly something is awry when there are no ambulances available. However should I gain any such compensation I promise that it will be donated back to the ambulance trust.

SV's are going from Dealers at £3899 pre reg or £3999 brand new near me so it is an option I've look at, just need to see how much I get and there are a few good low milage SV's with few or no mods going between £2500 and £3000 as well.

[Heorot]

Don't forget that, in addition to your claim for the bike, clothing etc. , you can also claim for injury compensation and reimbursement for lost income.

[NTECUK]

Oh and the mental scarring.
"I can nolonger put my gloves on because of the post traumatic stress ".
Bleed them for all you deserve.

[Littlepeahead]

Oh and the mental scarring.
"I can nolonger put my gloves on because of the post traumatic stress ".
Bleed them for all you deserve.

It's that culture of blame and claim that puts all our insurance premiums up to ridiculous levels - ultimately we all pay for it.

[Sir Trev]

It's that culture of blame and claim that puts all our insurance premiums up to ridiculous levels - ultimately we all pay for it.

This.


Although you should pursue genuine losses (and I hope you are of course successful) please don't milk it. An old friend did this with a dubious claims company by inventing injuries in an attempt to replace his old bike and kit with brand new - the insurance companies are getting wise and their independent doctor found him out.

[NTECUK]

It's that culture of blame and claim that puts all our insurance premiums up to ridiculous levels - ultimately we all pay for it.
Taking of your glasses you need to drive
They should never be able to drive again.
Was willful neglect because it hert there nose.
Shame you should be entitled to cut it off so it won't happen again.
Next time it could be a load of pedestrians

[Nutsinatin]

Well to avoid confusion I will list what I am claiming for:

Bike: as I have stated the damage previously the bike is 99% to be written off so I will be claiming for its value. I will also be claiming for all of the damaged accessories (regardless of whether I buy the bike back as they will still be damaged) or accessories that I cannot get back (if the cost of buying the bike back is prohibitive)

Gear: Helmet was a Shoei XR1100 that I bought in June/July 2014 so I will be asking for a new one, as it was damaged and I was knocked out in the accident it must be replaced. Jacket and trousers were Hein Gericke Master Evo bought at the end of 2013 went they went into administration the second time. The gear was well looked after and I was expecting another four years out of it. The trousers are melted where I was sliding along so are pretty damaged and will need replacing. Jacket has multiple abrasions, the back protector will need replacing as it's had the one impact it was designed for and I will need to replace the connecting zip to go with whatever new trousers I get so I've put in for it's value as it's useable but pretty damaged so is not in the same state as it was. Gloves were Gerbing XR12 heated gloves that I bought at the NEC on November 28th this year. The power adaptor is still attached to the bike, the controller was smashed in the accident and I tore the right glove up pretty bad. I can't test if they still heat as the adaptor is still attached to the bike. I am claiming for their value as they were brand new and had only been used 9 times. Boots were Alpinestars Web GTX boots that I bought from Hein Gericke in July 2012. The leather has been burnt through in a few spots on the right boot and the left boot is not much better. I was expecting another year and a half out of them so I have put in for the value of a replacement pair, but I'm expecting to knocked down on them.

I'm also claiming for the replacement of my phone (Samsung Galaxy S4) as I bought it in August this year and it was smashed in the accident - the cost of repair is higher than a new replacement. I am also claiming for my tank bag (bought for AR14) as that detached from the bike as has multiple holes now.

Personal Injury: Not claiming as a concussion and a sprained ankle is pretty minor. However I am claiming for the cost of taxis to and from the doctors as I cannot drive - however I have taken lifts where possible to reduce this. It might seem petty but at £15 each way it's half a days wages and I'm pretty broke due to this.

Ambulance/hospital: Complaining and asking for the reason for the lack of ambulance as well as an apology, not seeking any compensation but any received will be donated back as it will move to a different pot and might even help improve services as I might be able to ask where it be spent. This is being done by myself with free guidance from my friends mum who is an expert in this area so will not cost the NHS any legal fees either.

The only mistake I made was getting a hire bike through my insurance which is being charged at silly money to the other party each day. I thought I would be fine by monday (yesterday) and would need it to get to work, however I misjudged that and still can't ride (I have my old helmet spare as well as my leathers (and waterproof oversuit) and summer boots gloves). However I will likely have use of it soon so will put at least 50 miles into it each day once I'm back at work.

I am also going to try to claim for the massive hike in my insurance bill for next year as this was not my fault but will impact me for the next five years, as well as making me uninsurable with the majority of insurers.

This isn't having a go at anyone, I just want to clarify this before it gets out of hand and anyone upsets anyone else.

[Nutsinatin]

Taking of your glasses you need to drive
They should never be able to drive again.
Was willful neglect because it hert there nose.
Shame you should be entitled to cut it off so it won't happen again.
Next time it could be a load of pedestrians

I do agree but she was a learner driving under supervision and with the cost of my insurance hike with three years no claims (protected no claims for free so at least that's safe!) I think that cost alone will keep her off the roads for several years, especially if she gets the conviction for careless driving and driving without insurance. It should at least remind her there is a reason that she needs to wear her glasses. Hopefully this is the wake up call she needs and a few more years more maturity before she gets behind the wheel again.

[keith_d]

I do agree but she was a learner driving under supervision and with the cost of my insurance hike with three years no claims (protected no claims for free so at least that's safe!) I think that cost alone will keep her off the roads for several years, especially if she gets the conviction for careless driving and driving without insurance. It should at least remind her there is a reason that she needs to wear her glasses. Hopefully this is the wake up call she needs and a few more years more maturity before she gets behind the wheel again.

If she's getting a conviction for driving without insurance, the qualified driver in the passenger seat may be getting a visit to the magistrates for allowing her to drive uninsured.

[NTECUK]

Your not going to impact any amount on mine or anyone else premiums for claiming for your injury

It's less than the bonus the insurance company will pay the top bras.
You are entitled to it.

[Nutsinatin]

If she's getting a conviction for driving without insurance, the qualified driver in the passenger seat may be getting a visit to the magistrates for allowing her to drive uninsured.

He was arrested and reported for supervising without insurance.

[Matt-EUC]

I think he ment tuther party insurance.


Yes, I did.

[Red Herring]

Yes, I did.

Yeah, sorry, I did rather jump in a bit quick there. I'm getting as bit tetchy around the NHS at the moment given the way it is being ripped apart and abused but that's no excuse for not following my own advice. I'll take a chill out pill!

[Biker Biggles]

I would also claim for your injuries,even minor ones as the compo from those will offset the inadequate offer you will get for the bike and other losses.You will struggle to make back the future insurance hikes for just being involved in a crash,even a no fault one,and the time you spend dealing with the whole incident.The bike will be valued lower than its worth to you.A few hundred quid for your injuries will help to repay you for those other losses.
Where did the crash happen?Im interested in why the ambulance was not sent and which trust was it?Im not convinced by your mates mum and that 19 minute thing either.I think that target went a good few years ago and has been replaced by something different.