Hi folks - about 10 days ago I was unfortunately involved in one of those 'bike / car' interfaces that never end well! I won't go into details of the accident here, as that is a matter for the police.
However, as I have significant injuries, with potential longer term consequences, I have been advised to seek legal advice (not something i particularly feel up to at the moment!).
I am a member of CTC, who offer a 'Cycling Incident Line' from Gordon and Slater - has anyone used this after an accident? What were the costs and how was the service / outcome? I've had a look at their T&C, and they don't seem to be offering anything different to CTC members then the usual 'no win no fee' proposition - or am I missing something?
Alternatively, does anyone have any other recommendations for solicitors that specialise in cycling accidents?
Any experiences (positive or negative) much appreciated 🙂
Thanks
Sorry, nothing useful to add other than condolences and best wishes. But interested to hear responses and considering joining Cycling UK (CTC) or rejoining British Cycling mainly for the legal advice. If it turns to be no better than an introduction to a no win no fee solicitor it's not really worth having.
If it was me I'd go straight to the CTC. I'm my past experience they have been excellent in helping to sort out accident issues, both from a victim and blame side of things.
Cycling UK (what CTC is actually called these days) are very helpful in this area and this is a major part of being a member, support for this sort of thing.
Use CTC's solicitors. I'm with British Cycling and their solicitor Leigh Day are representing me. Long Term permanent injuries here, and luck to be walking.
There are no costs to you as this is underwritten by the CTC membership. You'll still sign a no-win-no-fee agreement, but they are on a 'retainer' with CTC.
It's no risk to you, even if things went wrong and the driver sues you for car damage.
I’ve had a look at their T&C, and they don’t seem to be offering anything different to CTC members then the usual ‘no win no fee’ proposition – or am I missing something?
No, I'm pretty sure they're not. However, as a "trusted partner" they've got a reputation to maintain so you'd hope service would be good (though no-win no-fee you kind of want them to be bastards on your side).
Last incident i had they gave me good advice for free (but said it was something i could sort out myself).
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It’s no risk to you, even if things went wrong and the driver sues you for car damage.
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If they do and win, who pays?
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Sorry, nothing useful to add other than condolences and best wishes. But interested to hear responses and considering joining Cycling UK (CTC) or rejoining British Cycling mainly for the legal advice. If it turns to be no better than an introduction to a no win no fee solicitor it’s not really worth having.
I've said the same thing before, and someone told me I was wrong about the BC scheme anyway. It's what it amounts to anyway, there's not a fixed amount of legal cover it just says they'll assess the case and see if there's a realistic chance of a win, and support can be withdrawn if anything changes.
If they do and win, who pays?
Depends who you're inured with. I've got 3rd party both via BC and my home insurance so they'd probably have to split it 50/50 or to whatever their limits are.
Go with the CTC option. What you are getting is risk-free member underwritten legal care by a company that have specialised in such injuries.
I’m with BC and use Leigh Day. My case is not clear cut, but they have been excellent in dealing with a possible claim. My club mates case# is much more serious and they’ve again been excellent.
#see past posts for those unaware. The worst outcome.
Oh, what a nightmare. The worst time to be dealing with paperwork when you need to be focusing on getting better.
I have BC membership and the silver includes insurance - luckily not . A friend had a police-involved collision where once it went to court the driver pleaded guilty and the civil case was sorted straight after supported by BC insurance / legal involvement. It was stressful but ultimately resolved and he said the BC helpline / team was really good. Hopefully Cycling UK will be the same.
I can't comment on CTC, but I was less than impressed with the BC legal insurance (I am a Gold member of BC). In my case the driver didn't stop so BC told me if I couldn't trace the driver then there was nothing I could do.
Fortunately a friend of mine is a solicitor, and she has since taken on my case, anyone hit by an uninsured or untraceable driver can claim for injuries from the Motorists Insurance Bureau, it has taken two years so far and the claim is still ongoing. The MiB rejected the initial claim, we appealed and won the case at appeal, still going through assessment now, with multiple Consultant/Scans planned. Last consultant I met said to expect the process to last 4 years.......
If you want the name of the solicitor I am using, then PM me and I'll let you know her details, I know she has done a few Cycle personal injury claims (and she and her husband or both cyclists)
Depends who you’re inured with. I’ve got 3rd party both via BC and my home insurance so they’d probably have to split it 50/50 or to whatever their limits are.
So there is no risk only when you are insured.
My experience of Slater & Gordon via Cycling UK membership last year was good. I'd recommend them.
There were no downsides to it as far as I was concerned, and I'm a litigation lawyer. Much better to hand it over to someone else rather than try to do that kind of thing yourself, the costs are all covered under the scheme, and they got a good result for me. Obviously the margins for them are tiny so I would not expect a barrage of minor updates and communication, "client care" pushes prices up. They did what they need to do well, and they answered my questions clearly and promptly.
It is the best justification for Cycling UK membership now as far as I am concerned. It was the first time I'd needed lawyers in that scenario, and they did a great job. As a result I'll be staying a member for as long as I am cycling.
So there is no risk only when you are insured.
Well, you're liable if it's your fault and you damage someone's car/property whether you attempt to claim from them or not so I'm either not understanding your point, or you're not making a valid one. There's no risk specifically in making a claim against someone as that's just to cover your own costs in the event it wasn't your fault. If it was your fault then you wouldn't be able to make the claim in the fist place.
And CTC membership includes 3rd party cover just like BC. So if you'r a CTC member then your covered anyway.
Hi all - thanks for your feedback. Apologies for being a bit confused (I have concussion as well as other injuries), but just wanted to clarify:
(a) does my membership of Cycling UK offer any advantage over non-members when it comes to a personal injury claim using their solicitors Slater & Gordon?
(b) who picks up the cost of Slater & Gordon solicitor fees? If the case is 'won' by me, does the driver's insurance company pay these costs? or does it have to come out of any award for damages that is made to me? What if the costs for solicitors end up being greater than any award?
(c) would I get exactly the same terms and conditions from any other 'no win no fee' solicitor (I have a recommended company for this)
Sorry for all the questions, I've never been in this situation before. I also can't phone Cycling UK for advice at the moment as I have a broken jaw and other facial injuries so cannot talk, hence asking on here in case anyone else has had this experience and can help.
Thanks all
Hi Sue_W
my recent experience of SG was ok, i got hit from behind on a 40 mph road with lots of traffic calming measures/traffic islands/ zigzag lines etc whilst pedalling at 38mph, bloke tried to overtake my at a traffic island, not wide enough for a bike and car, smashed me from behind, roadrash and shoulder injury, as i had no witnesses and their driver claimed i didnt look or signal,
after nearly 15 months, SG went for the easy option and went 50/50, so i got offered half of the claim value and had the option to settle (recommended) or go to court with the potential to have to pay the other parties legal bill as well as my own barrister.
looking back SG wanted the quick payout as they contract a barrister for the court appearance and so their own bills are pretty much done by the time it goes to court.
the claim was split into part36 liability and quantum (injury claim), hence, having being recommended to agree liability as 50/50 the other party came back with an offer for quantum which was 50% of the value, so i had to accept..
(a) does my membership of Cycling UK offer any advantage over non-members when it comes to a personal injury claim using their solicitors Slater & Gordon?
Don't entirely know, depends on the other solicitor.
(b) who picks up the cost of Slater & Gordon solicitor fees? If the case is ‘won’ by me, does the driver’s insurance company pay these costs? or does it have to come out of any award for damages that is made to me? What if the costs for solicitors end up being greater than any award?
Check the T&C's, the BC ones I think the other party (if they're at fault) pay the costs in addition to whatever you are awarded.
(c) would I get exactly the same terms and conditions from any other ‘no win no fee’ solicitor (I have a recommended company for this)
See A. My understanding when I looked at CUK Vs BC membership was that if you went to a no-win-no-fee solicitor you would be expected to pay upfront for an indemnity policy that would pay their fee if unsuccessful whereas with BC or CUK you wouldn't. So there is an upfront cost saving.