Car smashed me on Mowbray Rd Friday night

[Catzx2r]

Hi guys,

Well, after nearly eight years riding, I suppose it was bound to happen - I had a car hit me on Mowbray rd on Friday night... fortunately I was not going very fast, and I was in the right but I've never had to file a claim against someone's insurance before. Anyone know the ropes? PS I have two eyewitnesses, fellow riders who are willing to stand up and say I was in the right. I also got the quote from Alto Kawasaki for full repair - $2600!!!!!! And yes, i will be heading down to the cop shop tomorrow to file a report (I didn't think it would be so much!!) Erm, anyone know someone cheaper? she's roadworthy again, although with the service I got done at the same time it cost me $700, so any general advice about a good mechanic in the Dundas area would be awesome - my old mechanic, Brian Connor, in Brookvale, is a legend but it's a long way to go... And I can't help but think Chatswood prices are bound to be a little extravagant...

Oh, and I am okay, just a few bruises that will pass in time...

Cheers,

Cat

[6maniac]

Hi Cat, good that you are OK. Do you have comprehensive insurance on your bike ?

[Catzx2r]

Yargh, no - it lapsed about two weeks ago...

[dave#3]

Glad to hear you're OK, that's the main thing. To report the accident call the police assistance line on 131444 and complete a self reporting accident form with them. In terms of claiming on somebody else's insurance it depends upon whether they've admitted fault - if they have they will lodge a claim, get a claim number and you can speak to the insurer to arrange an assessment and subsequent payment. If they've not admitted fault and/or not lodged a claim it'll get messy and potentially take a long time. Are you insured yourself? even just TPP? If so, your insurer may offer not-at-fault protection where they'll chase the at-fault driver for the damages and pay for your repairs up to a certain value.

Good luck, and yell out if you need specific advice along the way - I've been through this a few times (as have many others) and can probably help.

[Catzx2r]

thanks Dave, that's worth checking out - I've still got TPP, I renewed that in time... I'll check it out. How does having witnesses help with getting a dispute resolved? Does it significantly weight the outcome? Guess just want to know my odds..

[6maniac]

+1 Dave#3
Ring your insurance co. ( even though your cover has expired ..... they may want to keep you as a customer ) and ask their advice. If the other person appears to be at fault, and you have witnesses, you have a good chance of recovering expenses.

[dave#3]

thanks Dave, that's worth checking out - I've still got TPP, I renewed that in time... I'll check it out. How does having witnesses help with getting a dispute resolved? Does it significantly weight the outcome? Guess just want to know my odds..

You've still got TPP or CTP? CTP is required for registration, TPP is entirely optional (and usually taken instead of comprehensive insurance, not as well as). Having details of witnesses can be handy but will depend upon the circumstances. Presumably the at fault driver hasn't admitted blame? If you do infact have TPP insurance contact them for assistance / advice tomorrow? If you don't have TPP I'd consider calling the at fault driver's insurance company and advising that you want to make a claim against their insured's policy (you'll need details of their insured, the at fault driver). They may have a process in place to allow you to start a claim, or at worst they might advise you that you need to write to them with a letter of demand.

Be prepared to fight, and keep details about who you speak to - names, dates, times, etc. Ask if the calls are recorded too. I once had an insurance company caught out by their own recordings . You'll probably find you need to do a lot of things in writing - make sure your letters are as polished, professional and as free of emotion as possible (again, let me know if you need a hand, I've had practice). You could involve a lawyer, but that will cost you lots up-front and there's a reasonable chance you'll never recover the costs so think carefully before you do.

Good luck, and keep us informed!