Taken off my bike by swinging car door, advice sought!

malarkus

Hi all, first time posting (long time admirer )
Was cycling home from work yesterday along Bride St in Dublin, traffic was at standstill but cycle lane clear. I made my way along at about 10-15kmph when a car door swung open right in front of me and I ploughed straight into it headfirst. I didnt have time to brake so I bounced off the door with my helmet and ended up half lying inside the car on passengers lap in shock.
Nice passing lady and girlfriend cycling behind me helped me up and passenger, who was blind drunk/off his head (at 6pm) stumbled out, mumbled something about not seeing me and then fecked off down the street.

Driver was his (now ex) girlfriend, she was upset and asked me to go Gardai with her and we both gave statements. I felt physically ok but my lovely year old bike is wrecked and my phone screen smashed. For what its worth I also crumpled her car door. Woke up today with some painful bruising on my arm which is annoying because I also row and climb weekly.

Ive never dealt with insurance claims before but I need my bike fixed soon as I use it for everything. Should I wait until I hear back with inurance details from the Gards or proceed getting my bike into workshop asap? Im also wondering should I see a GP in case the bruising gets worse? It took place directly outside Iveagh Baths, should I ask for CCTV of the incident?
Might frame my helmet, without a doubt its the only reason I dont have concussion
Any advice appreciated!

ED E

Definitely get yourself checked. Probably ok but if its not and you've a longer term issue you need that medically documented.

Her insurance shouldn't contest it as she's responsible for her passengers.

mickdw

10 to 15 km per hour. Ya right.

punisher5112

Hi op it can take a few days to really see or feel some issues.

Hopefully you will be fine in a few days.

Make sure to contact her insurance and if any problems with them you may have to consider a Solicitor if you are looking for one I can pm you a good one.

You should be sorted out for the damage to your bike and phone no hassle.

Good there were people around to help also.

Alanstrainor

Go to your GP asap. Just to get a check of everything, and even a report of injuries. Don't be afraid to contact a solicitor about this too, as you may need to be careful when dealing directly with their insurance.

I wouldn't be afraid to go and get the bike fixed out of your own pocket for now, it could take a while to get any money from them. Just keep all receipts, including for the GP.

sonyvision

Hi,

Been knocked down last year by a van driver, filtering through traffic moving at the same speed, just passed the junction he decides to drive up onto a path. I hit the front left driver door, my bike was damaged and I had minor injuries.

I had medical bills, bike repair bills and time off work. I would advise you to contact the injuries board. it costs 40euro to lodge a complaint, then if the driver insurance companies agrees the claim is assessed. You are charged 250 for a medical which is provided by a third party doctor to verify any long term injuries which you may say you have or not have. (I didn't have any but a third party view is still required, this was 12 months later) I had a solicitor take care of my claim as I felt the driver & Insurance my company might not want to play ball.

I am not saying take this person to the cleaners, I am saying you have been injured by a driver who opened a door into a cycling lane without looking, your bike should be repaired at least.

Need more into feel free to drop a PM.

S

The Bishop Basher

You could ask her if she wants to sort it outside of insurance..

As it's only a pushbike, phone etc she may be in a position to pay with cash.

Saves her a hit on her insurance premium and you get your bike and phone repaired.

Not sure why you'd involve a solicitor unless you plan to seek compo.

Same with doc. You know yourself if you have a serious injury...

endacl

mickdw wrote: »

10 to 15 km per hour. Ya right.

Sounds reasonable.

jive

mickdw wrote: »

10 to 15 km per hour. Ya right.

Great post. Speed limit is 30 anyway so not like it matters.

BrokenArrows

mickdw wrote: »

10 to 15 km per hour. Ya right.

Nothing wrong with that speed. People walking around 4kph.

Smokeyskelton

I was passing a bit before 6pm and saw the aftermath of an incident where a passenger in a car had obviously knocked someone off their bike.

I wasn't too sure whether to stop as the injured party was already being helped by 2 or 3 people (I didn't stop in the end).

If that was you, I'm not sure if I can be of any assistance as I didn't witness the actual incident, but if I can be of help please PM me.

In reply to mickdw, I know the place, and it is a cycle lane where traffic encroaches on the lane all the time, and an estimate of 10 to 15 km would be about right, I nearly always freewheel down that stretch, and have to put my left foot down a few times, as traffic encroaches on the lane so much.

I hope you are OK OP (and you too mickdw, hell I hope we are all OK).

smacl

Swanner wrote: »

Same with doc. You know yourself if you have a serious injury...

You really don't, terrible advice. Any concerns with your health after an accident, get it checked out sooner rather than later.

Sleeper12

A doctor might be a good idea just in case. My wife feel down a small Hill in the park 2 years ago. Hurt her leg. Put off going to the hospital cause it might clear up itself. Turns out shed been walking on a broken /damaged ankle
There was a post 2 days ago where this "nearly happened" and lucky it didn't.
Cctv footage can only be shared with the Garda AFAIK. Something to do with the data protection though I may have picked that up wrong.
If you both gave statements and things happened as you say (I don't doubt you) I don't think you will have much to worry about.
As mentioned by poster above repair /replace your bike now. Take photos of the bike and of your bruising just in case.
I like to think I'm careful with opening the door but between this and the post a few days ago I'll be even more vigilant.
Hope you feel better soon

The Bishop Basher

Weepsie wrote: »

My bike is worth more than some cars, other people have bikes worth much much more

Yes and my phone is worth more then some cars and most bikes but my point was that repairing a pushbike or a phone is likely to cost a lot less then repairing a car and on that basis she should be given the option to pay in cash and avoid an expensive hike in her premium next year.

smacl wrote: »

You really don't, terrible advice. Any concerns with your health after an accident, get it checked out sooner rather than later.

I completely agree that if you have a concern you should see a doctor however if you bang your arm it will bruise. That's perfectly normal.

We each know our own bodies better then any doc. If you have a reason to go, ie. unexplained pain, chronic pain, limited movement etc then by all means go but a doctor will only work off what you tell them.

So by all means go show him your bruise and tell him you banged your arm. I've no doubt he'll be delighted to take your €60 and tell you to go rest it.

That said if you do have symptoms that are worrying you, of course you should see one.

But a doc won't find anything you don't already know about. You'll need xrays and MRI's for that.

D0NNELLY

In the same way cars have to allow space for unexpected swerving from cyclists, you should allow space for drivers opening their doors..

Chalk it down to experience, and move on. Not everything is a claim.

Chips Lovell

mickdw wrote: »

10 to 15 km per hour. Ya right.

D0NNELLY wrote: »

In the same way cars have to allow space for unexpected swerving from cyclists, you should allow space for drivers opening their doors..

Chalk it down to experience, and move on. Not everything is a claim.

Weepsie wrote: »

Think we have a winner for the most idiotic post

Could we not have one thread without people acting the maggot and taking swipes at each other. Just one?

Be nice.

Thanks.

noel100

My brother was in a similar situation he opened the drivers door and a cyclist ploughed into the door. No damage to the car cyclist came off the bicycle. Guards were called and recorded the incident and cyclist claimed of his insurance. He found out 18months later the the cyclist received 35k for personal injuries.

malarkus

Jep Gambardella wrote: »

Could we not have one thread without people acting the maggot and taking swipes at each other. Just one?

Be nice.

Thanks.

Thanks Mod!

If ye know the road you really cant be going too fast down it, its choked with traffic everyday and cars always encroach on cycle lane. Incidentally I have always been paranoid about being clocked by a car door as Ive had near misses before so I naturally go slow when passing close to stationary cars (parked or in traffic). Yesterday just wasnt my lucky day.
Ive booked an appointment with GP today, I work in a medical enviorment so I know they cant tell me much I wont know myself without something like an MRI or X-ray but I want it on record that I was seen and if anything develops a doctor could sustantiate any claim that it was in relation to that accident. Im not looking for compo as may have been suggested, I just want my bike back

magicbastarder

noel100 wrote: »

My brother was in a similar situation he opened the drivers door and a cyclist ploughed into the door. No damage to the car cyclist came off the bicycle. Guards were called and recorded the incident and cyclist claimed of his insurance. He found out 18months later the the cyclist received 35k for personal injuries.

i was talking to someone recently who was taken off their bike a few years ago by a motorist and ended up being carted to hospital in an ambulance. turns out no permanent damage, so he tried to engage privately with the motorist to keep the insurance company out of it - €500 for repair to the bike and medical bills.
the motorist ended up telling his insurance company; and they rang the chap i know and told him they had a flat compensatory figure of €4000 for such instances, with a caveat that he signed away any right to take it further than that. he was given a strong impression (though not confirmed) that this may be a standard across the board, given the circumstances involved.

i know someone else who was in a similar situation, albeit knocked out for what he thinks was about 20 or 30s, and got €13k. he'd mentioned it to his solicitor, who managed the case for him.

The Bishop Basher

malarkus wrote: »

Ive booked an appointment with GP today, I work in a medical enviorment so I know they cant tell me much I wont know myself without something like an MRI or X-ray but I want it on record that I was seen and if anything develops a doctor could sustantiate any claim that it was in relation to that accident.

Fair enough. I can understand you might do it to cross the "t"'s and dot the "i"'s on the paperwork.

It was just the generic call to go to a GP to get "checked out" that i didn't understand.

malarkus wrote: »

Im not looking for compo as may have been suggested, I just want my bike back

Fair play to you. Good to see decency is alive and well. I hope it all gets sorted quickly for you..

malarkus

Smokeyskelton wrote: »

I was passing a bit before 6pm and saw the aftermath of an incident where a passenger in a car had obviously knocked someone off their bike.

I wasn't too sure whether to stop as the injured party was already being helped by 2 or 3 people (I didn't stop in the end).

If that was you, I'm not sure if I can be of any assistance as I didn't witness the actual incident, but if I can be of help please PM me.

In reply to mickdw, I know the place, and it is a cycle lane where traffic encroaches on the lane all the time, and an estimate of 10 to 15 km would be about right, I nearly always freewheel down that stretch, and have to put my left foot down a few times, as traffic encroaches on the lane so much.

I hope you are OK OP (and you too mickdw, hell I hope we are all OK).

Yep that was me! Thanks for your well wishes, there were plenty of kind people who stopped to help and the guy who runs Iveagh Baths came out and promised me the CCTV would catch everything if needed. Cheers!

mickdw

<SNIP>

magicbastarder

you're new to the cycling forum, yeah?

Sleeper12

mickdw wrote:

So let me get this straight. Motorist opens door in front of cyclist..... motorist at fault

Yes. Rules of the road states that the driver of the car is responsible for passages not taking due care while opening doors. In this particular case cyclist was in cycle Lane & the car wasn't parked

mickdw

<SNIP>

mr spuckler

<SNIP>

listermint

<SNIP>

mrcheez

malarkus wrote: »

...so I bounced off the door with my helmet ...

Sorry to go off topic but glad you mentioned this part, I've also been doored in the past and flipped over landing on my helmet.

What's the argument against compulsory helmets again?

Chips Lovell

mickdw: Do not post on this thread anymore. This isn't the forum for generalised complaints about cyclists.

Everyone else, back on topic, thanks.

malarkus

mrcheez wrote: »

Sorry to go off topic but glad you mentioned this part, I've also been doored in the past and flipped over landing on my helmet.

What's the argument against compulsory helmets again?

Statistically the benefits of wearing a helmet are matched by negatives and overall they dont reduce deaths on the road. At an individual level helmets will protect against head injury but also increase head circumference and chance for contact. At a population level helmets add stigma that cycling is dangerous and reduce uptake, whereas more cyclists mean safer roads as drivers are more aware. Further, studies have shown that drivers perceive less danger in being closer to cyclists with helmets but give those without more room.
It sounds counter-intuitive but science has been going against the grain of thought from year dot!

Pkiernan

malarkus wrote: »

Statistically the benefits of wearing a helmet are matched by negatives and overall they dont reduce deaths on the road. At an individual level helmets will protect against head injury but also increase head circumference and chance for contact. At a population level helmets add stigma that cycling is dangerous and reduce uptake, whereas more cyclists mean safer roads as drivers are more aware. Further, studies have shown that drivers perceive less danger in being closer to cyclists with helmets but give those without more room.
It sounds counter-intuitive but science has been going against the grain of thought from year dot!

Lot of horse**** in that post

malarkus

Pkiernan wrote: »

Lot of horse**** in that post

Im not saying I agree with those points but the question was whats the arguement against compulsory helmets? Well, thats the argument.

I for one welcome our helmet-wearing overlords.

pelevin

Helmets argument seekers, it's down the corridor and the second door on the left.

mr spuckler

Pkiernan wrote: »

Lot of horse**** in that post

there's plenty of reading out there to further inform oneself on the topic.

two examples here and here

Fian

malarkus wrote: »

Im not looking for compo as may have been suggested, I just want my bike back

I was doored similarly a few months ago, traffic at a standstill, passenger decided to get out and walk and opened door into the cycle lane. I was able to cycle home afterwards but there was damage done to my bike. Similarly i just wanted that covered, my only injuries were bruising and stiffness, nothing broken. I was probably in a bit of shock at the time so i took insurance details off the driver but did not ask for address or phone number or anything. I contacted her insurance company who agreed to pass on my contact details to her, I explained that she might prefer to deal with it without involving an insurance claim (repair cost came to about 150 for new front wheel, and a new gear shifter that had smashed). They did pass on my details but i didn't hear from her, so i contacted the insurance company over the phone. They told me they would speak to their insured, few days later they called me back. I told them i was only looking for the repair cost, they agreed there and then to send a cheque which i subsequently received.

Reason I am setting that out is to make it clear that you will have no problem whatsoever with a claim, liability will not be an issue, the insurance company will be delighted if your claim is limited to repair costs etc. They are well aware that you could successfully claim for personal injuries so if you are limiting your claim to property damage it more or less establishes off the bat that you are being honest and reasonable in the claim you are making.

Dermot Illogical

mrcheez wrote: »

What's the argument against compulsory helmets again?

Mine is that I'm a big boy and don't need you or anyone else legislating what I do or don't wear. Thanks.

After coming off my bike earlier in the year it wasn't until 2 days after the event the pain of the soft tissue damage and swelling kicked in.

You might feel ok straight after the accident but it can take longer for some injuries to show themselves. Bear this in mind before dusting yourself off and continuing on your journey without taking taking the particulars of the other party..

imurdaddy

:rolleyes: And there's the elements of society who try injury cyclist i mentioned in another thread

Op...go get checked fully by doctor it's usually the days or even weeks after accident issues can arise, you flesh and bone hit a stationary metal object at 20kph if it destroyed your bike I'd be surprised if you are lucky enough to be only bruised, it's no good in six month wandering why you have pain in places you never had, but for peace of mind get checked and be honest with doctor if you feel pain say,

Off topic but a friend of mine had a fairly simple accident at home years ago felt ok just little tender at back under ribs, I can't remember exactly but a few days/weeks later he was rushed to hospital where yhey found a torn spleen i think like i say was a few years back but whatever part it was was bleeding into his abdomen slowly.........not to frighten you :eek: but get looked at

average_runner

OP, I would go to the doctors just to be sure. Bruising can hide some injuries.
Also go to your local chemist and get some arnica tablets, it will alot with the bruising.

mrcheez

Dermot Illogical wrote: »

Mine is that I'm a big boy and don't need you or anyone else legislating what I do or don't wear. Thanks.

Well sure cycling legislation is hardly-ever enforced by Gardai anyway, but curious, are motorcyclists allowed to ride without a helmet and the above argument count for them too?

eeeee

Mod note: On Topic posts from now on please, there's a whole helmet megathtead to discuss the helmet issue, anymore posts of that nature will be deleted off this one.
Any questions pm me do not respond in thread

mrcheez

<snip>

Off topic

percy212

I was doored by a car many years ago. Landed on my back and twisted my ankle a bit. At the time I thought, just an accident, I am slightly sore, no need to cause a fuss, just let it go. Much to my chagrin. My ankle blew up like a balloon that night, still hurts regularly, and sprains easily to this day. There is also an unsightly lump on the side of it which I have to admit bothers me! In retrospect I should have been fully checked out after the spill, and made some kind of a claim for physical therapy etc. Being a young fool at the time I didn't even take the drivers details. My advice, go to your doc, file a claim. Insurance exists for these unfortunate occasions.

DirkVoodoo

I wonder if all the posts on the motoring forum about accidents and claims are met with cries of "you shouldn't have been driving!". Really helpful.

My 2c: I was in a car crash back in 2003, I was told I could have claimed for damages and received a small sum of money. I opted not to.

13 years later and I still get incredibly bad back pain for which I've spent a lot of money on physios to treat. That sum of money would have come in handy.

In short: don't assume you're not injured, get a full check up. You're entitled to it, don't let internet cowboys tell you otherwise when it comes to YOUR health.

Mercian Pro

There are a good few examples of cyclists' experiences following collisions in this thread http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057378197
My experience of two "accidents" is in there somewhere. The lessons I learnt were: if it's any way serious, involve the Gardai and witnesses; soft tissue injuries can take months to show up (3 months for a snapped ligament in my case); it's virtually impossible to know if a carbon frame has been damaged or not; insurance companies deal with property (bike, clothing etc) separately from personal injury issues and you don't need a solicitor when dealing with the Injuries Board. PM me if you want any more details.

Mods - is it worth having a sticky of post-accident experience as a lot of these issues come up regularly?

CramCycle

mrcheez wrote: »

Well I'm glad that I was wearing a helmet when I landed on my head as I was doored suddenly (just like the OP is glad I'm sure they were similarly equipped when they hit the door head-on).

Just seems daft to me to not be taking every possible safety measure, regardless of whether required by law or not, simply for such incidents that cannot be predicted.
The argument for not using a helmet because we're big enough to handle it is like saying we don't need lights since we can clearly see in the dark.

Regarding the argument that drivers give more room when cycling without helmet, I disagree with this based on my own experiences where I didn't happen to have a helmet with me (a rarity of course). Incidents related to drivers getting too close can easily be prevented by taking cycling defensively.

MOD VOICE: There is a mod warning right before your post, the next person to bring up helmet wearing and their own viewpoints here rather than the megathread on the subject will be banned from the discussion and carded

PM me for furtner discussion, do not do so in thread.

malarkus

Thanks all for your advice in this thread, Ive been to the GP and she confirmed soft tissue damage which doesnt look too severe but warned me it may get worse over coming weeks and months. My shoulder has certainly started to get tighter today and it had a burning sensation earlier which wasnt nice.

Once I have her insurance details from the Gardai (she was given ten days to present the disk) Ill contact regarding remuneration of costs for bike/phone repair and GP. If injury persists or new symptoms do emerge then I will look to Injuries Board as suggested and I may PM a few boardsies if it comes to this.

:pac: cheers!

Eamonnator

Here's a thread from couple of years ago.
It may be of some relevance to you.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=93240912

mrcheez

CramCycle wrote: »

MOD VOICE: There is a mod warning right before your post

whoops, the mod warning appeared before my post was completed!

Unknown Soldier

malarkus wrote: »

Once I have her insurance details from the Gardai (she was given ten days to present the disk) Ill contact regarding remuneration of costs for bike/phone repair and GP. If injury persists or new symptoms do emerge then I will look to Injuries Board as suggested and I may PM a few boardsies if it comes to this.

:pac: cheers!

Save yourself a lot of hassle and just deal with the insurance company.

Forget all the crap about no claims bonus etc. It's a weird Oirish thing to have insurance and never use it. I would put my hand up and say I was one of those people until a few years ago, until when via work I had to deal with a few insurance companies.

As someone who has driven for 20 years with no accidents, it would probably cost me about 1100 odd Euro over three years were you to claim off me, and after that it would drop back to normal as I would be free money to the insurance companies, due to my driving record. Push the boat out and let's say it cost me an extra 500 a year, as the insurance companies would milk me for having an accident and claiming. That's how they roll.

It's feck all in the grand scheme of things, shure you could be taking that off the person anyways!

In my experience people are generally pr1cks when it comes to accidents/insurance, and you would save yourself a lot of hassle by just dealing with the insurance company.

That's why they got insurance, right?

Think about it, you say the bike cost 250 to repair, they say OK, then you have to meet them, then they turn up with 200 and promise the rest in a week and yadda yadda yadda.

Save yourself a lot of hassle, even if like me your compulsion is to be "nice" to a fellow person.

Short story for you...

I actually got hit by a car on the walkinstown roundabout when it was empty, and the guy just drove onto it and didn't see me in front of him. I had lights and high vis galore. There was no issue about who was responsible. Apologies all round etc.

Two days later denied all responsibility. I ran into the side of his van, don't yah know!

magicbastarder

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

I actually got hit by a car on the walkinstown roundabout when it was empty,

a colleague was recently hit by a car on his own road when it was empty.
and i mean the car was empty. he said that was a fun one to explain to the owner. 'your car just hit me'; 'nonsense, i was watching telly' etc.