Deliberate Damage to Bike

learn_more

I locked my bike to a flagpole that was about 1.5 meters behind the Kerb of a parking spot. As I was attaching the lock I heard a beeb but didn't look as I didn't dream a vehicle was trying to get my attention as I was well off the road. I turned around to see the back of a very large white van practically in my face. I was taken aback as it was so close and I honestly didn't hear it pulling in.

I came back 5 minutes later to see the van had backed further into my bike. The back derailleur was effected and was pushed at an angle into the wheel and chain was dislodged.

The driver was present waiting for his companion to return and I alerted him to what he had done.

He pulled the damaged part back into position and I cycled around a bit to see how much damage was done. I was able to cycle around for bit but it clearly wasn't in proper working order.


He offered to take me to a bike shop which I declined and took his number instead. We both departed the scene and he saw me cycle off.

Just before I got home 5 mins later the derailer completely snapped off while I was cycling it. I was lucky I wasn't cycling at speed as the bike seized up bringing the bike to an immediate halt.

I text him what happened and he called back very aggressive accusing me making it up and that I had ignored him when he beeped at me. He said I was taking him for a fool and that he did offer to take me to the bike shop and ended with a threat not to bother him again. He said menacingly "I'm warning ya"..and hung up.

On reflection I accept I shouldn't have parked my bike at that spot but It wasn't true I ignored his beep deliberately although I did hear it. Incidentally there was an adjacent parking spot that was vacant.

The point is that he said on the phone ( but not at the time of the incident) that he had seen me in advance which leads me to believe he backed into my bike deliberately which is what I sensed at the time. I didn't accept his offer to take me to the bike shop because he seemed like a dodgy character and I figured from his accent he may be a member of the travelling community.

Should I report him to the guards ( just so to have the incident on record ). I have his phone number and licence plate which I took a pic off. I'm inclined to because of the way he threatened me but perhaps it just not worth the hassle.

[Mod: Please edit thread title to "Deliberate Damage to Bike".]

Pat Mustard

learn_more wrote: »

Should I report him to the guards

Yes.

What is the value of the bike?
What is the approximate cost of repair?

foggy_lad

Report him and see if you can claim off his insurance for any damage done to your bike or at least make sure the incident is reported to his insurance if he has any.

learn_more

Pat Mustard wrote: »

Yes.

What is the value of the bike?
What is the approximate cost of repair?

The bike is 520 new.

I just got a quote , 2 pieces need to be replaced and labour of €37 euro brings it to €97 total. Didn't think would be quite that much but there was one more piece damaged than I thought.

Pat Mustard

learn_more wrote: »

The bike is 520 new.

I just got a quote , 2 pieces need to be replaced and labour of €37 euro brings it to €97 total. Didn't think would be quite that much but there was one more piece damaged than I thought.

If it was me in your position, I would photograph all of the damage, get the bike fixed, give a copy of the bill to the Gardai in relation to the cost of repairing the damage, and take matters from there.

Is the bike new?

Little CuChulainn

Report the collision to the Gardaí and ask them to contact you with his insurance details. He'll probably offer to pay. I'd say it's below his excess anyway.

learn_more

Pat Mustard wrote: »

If it was me in your position, I would photograph all of the damage, get the bike fixed, give a copy of the bill to the Gardai in relation to the cost of repairing the damage, and take matters from there.

Is the bike new?

Pretty much new yeah. About 6 months old, just a slightly worn back tyre , the rest pretty much in as-new condition. No rust just a bit a dirt here and there.

I think I might do what you suggest. Going to have to get it done anyway whether he pays or not. Going nuts without it , it's my only transport !

Fian

There is nothing in your post that suggests the damage was deliberate rather than accidental.

If you have his number ask him for his insurance details, tell him you will ask the Gardai to provide you with his details if he doesn't. Give him the option of paying you directly for the damage if he prefers it not go through his insurance. Otherwise get his details (from him or via Gardai) and call the insurer.

They will almost certainly issue you with a cheque for the €100 to repair it in a few days if that is all you want, they will want to contact him first to hear his side of it. Tell the insurer he straightened the derailleur and you cycled off before it snapped, and tell them what happened generally.

Little CuChulainn

Fian wrote: »

There is nothing in your post that suggests the damage was deliberate rather than accidental.

If you have his number ask him for his insurance details, tell him you will ask the Gardai to provide you with his details if he doesn't. Give him the option of paying you directly for the damage if he prefers it not go through his insurance. Otherwise get his details (from him or via Gardai) and call the insurer.

They will almost certainly issue you with a cheque for the €100 to repair it in a few days if that is all you want, they will want to contact him first to hear his side of it. Tell the insurer he straightened the derailleur and you cycled off before it snapped, and tell them what happened generally.

If the other party threatens you it's best to go through the correct channels.