Accident on bike

[angers]

Hi, I've been advised to come here for help.

Two weeks ago a car pulled out in front of me, on my right of way, came across a junction not looking and not aware I was there.

I slammed on my brakes, and the next thing I know is I am waking up on the road with a lot of people around me. I was unable to move due to the pain in my head (I am thankful for my helmet because I doubt I would be writing this today) and knee. Police, first responder and ambulance were all at the scene eventually. I was collared and taking to ED for CT scan

Eventually sent home with concussion, lots of bruising to my legs and a swollen right knee. A week later the knee was still swollen so had a xray, that was normal. Two weeks on, its still swollen (not as much) and still have bruises to my legs.

Since the accident I have suffered with headaches, lack of concentration and just want to chat, which a gp has said is post concussive syndrome, so another trip back to the hospital yesterday, CT scan(normal) and consultation, confirmed PCS. I've now been signed off work for a week, with a phased return to work.

Police witness statement is in. I'm unsure if I hit the car, police think I did, and I'm also sure, but not definite, that the driver drive off and then came back.

Bike although it appeared to have cosmetic damage, seems to have issues according to the bike shop, they have swopped all components and now giant are sending a new frame for diagnostics. It was only five weeks old at the time of the accident.

Im after advice What do I do and where do I stand.???

Thanks

[Tigerbiten]

Try reading -> viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49627

[karlt]

Injuries --> Solicitors.

[Postboxer]

And hope you get well soon. Some helmet companies exchange broken helmets if you provide them accident details I think, real life research for them.

[eileithyia]

Injuries --> Solicitors.

+1 and start a diary; injuries, level of pain, restriction on mobility, costs ( fuel, car parking hospital etc.), time off work, how much you need others to assist with basic needs etc.
Do not expect a quick pay out.

Best wishes for your recovery.

[Bicycler]

If you are a CTC member they can help you through the process

[angers]

Thank you all for the replies so far and well wishes. I probably wasn't clear, but I was released the same day, obviously had that day off work, followed by the weekend. Returned to work in the Monday and clearly overdid it,and just tried to do what I could for the rear of the week, which was too much still. The hospital (employer) park and ride bus goes from outside my house, I'm not allowed to use it under normal circumstances, but I'm using it without their knowledge because I would have to drive and pay to park daily at considerable expense, I was forced onto the bike by my employer due to not being allowed a parking permit as I live 4miles from work, yet ìt goes from my house ....i digress, but you understand.

So I'm not being supported by anyone, my employer provides sick cover, but this affects my records,I'm still able to do things, I'm just not able to work.

My helmet was dented and fractured in the process.

[eileithyia]

I work in the NHS and so like you get full pay for up to 6 months while off sick, however if there is an accident where compensation is being claimed for, it is expected that monies will also be recovered to cover their expenses. Solicitor will write to finance dept to obtain a figure, this is over and above the compensation paid to you, if you do not include employer costs and they find out later that you received compensation, they could come to you for a slice of the monies paid. And I do hear what you say that you have not taken time off, but it does sound like you could legitimately have some time off with concussion if it is affecting your work.

Car parking costs; this is why I said you need to keep a tally of all costs that you would not normally incur that you now have to pay out as a result of this accident, this can legitimately include car parking costs. Keep tickets / receipts where possible.

[angers]

Apologies...and this is why I've got issues, by not focusing on what I was meant to say..... I am on sick leave now, forced by my GP and ED Dr yesterday, for a week. I'm quite happy to be open and honest with my employer, but I feel rubbish that this will effect my sick record.

I don't even know where to start with compensation nor if I'm even entitled to anything, I alive with nothing broken, except my head......

[Bicycler]

Don't worry about taking sick leave when you are unable to work. That is what it is there for. You are not going to be treated differently because you got injured and had to be off work.

[Tigerbiten]

If you don't have a lawyer then try contacting http://www.slatergordon.co.uk/unions-fe ... ities/ctc/ as they do cycling related accident compensation.
You don't have to be a CTC member to use them.

[eileithyia]

Sick leave is what it is, I have had; almost 6 months - broken collar bone and shoulder blade, 4+ months - broken wrist and elbow, 5 months - x 2 broken elbows. All cycle accidents where compensation did at least neutralise the cost to my employer. None of these conditions would have meant I could do my physical job and equally concussion (as you have) could have seriously affected decisions I might have made... I fought to get back on lighter duties after the first accident.... this is easier to do now.

It is my view that there is sick leave and sick leave. Sick leave when you cannot do your job due to accident, injury, genuine illness and post operative etc., then there is the CBA'd mentality, just back from holiday will have an extra day, it's the weekend..... I need a shopping trip...... these form patterns and are noticed by employers.

No one should be able to hold an accident against you, we can all be involved in an accident whatever transport we use.

No you will not know how to go about claiming for an accident etc., that is why we do have solicitors who specialise in this area of work and why we have forums like this where we can advise where you to go.

Like I said you can also claim for any out of pocket expenses this accident has caused you, the expenses your employer has incurred, and replacement of your bike etc.

[MartinC]

Don't worry about taking sick leave when you are unable to work. That is what it is there for. You are not going to be treated differently because you got injured and had to be off work.

You will if you work for the NHS. There is a multi stage disciplinary process that's triggered by taking sick leave.

[eileithyia]

Last time I was off sick due to an accident and broken bones rendering me unable to work, the start of a multi-disciplinary meeting only triggered after 4 weeks of sick leave, with a manager and rep from HR, you can have a rep of your own with you, ie union rep etc. In fact by the time they got round to inviting me into the meeting I had a proposed return to work plan with me and my manager was surprised, the meeting was only a 'formality' triggered by the 4 week rule, and because of broken bones, was not actually expecting me to return to work as quickly as I was proposing to do so.... (damn missed a trick there lol).

Seriously I do not take sick leave lightly, but if you are in a physical job, it puts different demands on your ability to work if you are physically unable to perform your job (I don't think I could deliver babies with an arm in plaster). When I am accident free I do not normally abuse sick leave, as I am generally far fitter than my colleagues some of whom are frequently off as above.
As a manager I would have more concerns about the habitual few days here and there sick worker than someone who is off for a period time due some uncontrollable outside issue, but who normally has a good track record.

[Psamathe]

I suppose an important consideration is whether or nit you know who the driver was or the vehicle reg. You say driver drove off and came back. Did any of the witnesses get the reg plate. When he/she returned did they provide contact details ?

Even if you don't know the vehicle/driver details, do the Police ? Will they tell you ?

Ian