Bikers Legal Defence

[mastiffmat]

Bikers Legal Defence - anyone used them? I got shunted off by a u-turning numptie and these guys scrambled to get me a bike saying all costs would be covered by the third party. Trouble is I'm slightly worried that the third party won't admit complete liability so what happens in that case? Could I get landed with part of the bill?

At least I've got a hire SV to replace my own but it's an unfaired one (mine's an S) - I don't know how you guys without fairings manage! I've got neck-ache after 2 days.... #-o

[SVeeedy Gonzales]

I used BLD a few years back and they were good - though I did get the third party to admit full liability. Insurers tend to only let you go down that route if they're pretty certain it's 100% not your fault. Technically if you're later found 50% (or whatever) responsible for the accident then you may be liable for that much of the hire charge (and it's something like £60 or more per day!). Some insurance policies may cover that in case you lose though...check the small print...

[DanAbnormal]

Happened with me. Guy pulled out and then tried to say I was doing 90mph in a 40. BLD were ace and I got all my costs recovered including injury within 2 months.

Dan

[kjames]

i used them briefly when i was knocked off... some numpty pulled out on me, i went down but never actually hit him.

he was denying and responsibilty..

BLD gave me a hire bike, but i found out i was emigrating before the insurance was sorted and had to sell my bike.. so i gave them their bike back after a couple of weeks and didnt get a bill.

I must admit i didnt like the idea of the whole thing.. £80 a day hire charges when the repairs to my bike wouldnt have even totaled £500... imagine if it drags out over 3 months... this is why our insurance premiums are so high.

k

[bumble]

I advise my clients to step back a bit before being so keen to get a hire bike as you may not be as able to ride properly after an accident as you think and believe me , insurance companies are always looking for ways to cut their costs and not pay out.
You can find yourself with a big bill if liability is disputed and you dont get 100% Bikes are expensive on a daily rate compared to cars - you might be better off if you have a car licence getting a car for a bit as any injury is less likely to impact on your driving ability and they are much cheaper.
If you already have a car then the insurance company may try to say you already have transport and they dont need to pay out for it.
You are supposed to make your losses less ( mitigate).
Although I make the point that my company and my panel solicitors are bike friendly, in reality it is no more than a marketing tool as all cases are covered by objective law.
That said, I have found that some panel solicitors are a bit prejudiced against the biker so i don't use them, despite their supposed impartiality.
However any legal company is going to take business if they think that they will get their fees - ie an injury over £1000. and that may influence their advice if you are being pressed to settle 50 -50 when you know you are not at fault.
After all , they like to clear their files and get their dosh.