Was crossing an intersection as the light turned red and a moped driver on his phone gunned it early without looking up. Didn’t have time to stop or avoid the crash. My bike is toast, and I’m sore but essentially uninjured.
Cops saw it happen and arrested the driver for driving without a license/registration/insurance. Didn’t mention anything about fault, but said I would have to sue if I wanted any reparations.
I have no desire to sue. From what I gathered from my mediocre Spanish, the driver was hustling to take care of his family and now he’s going to jail because of this. No way he’s going to be able to cover damages, and I am not trying to ruin his life any further.
Is there anything I can do to cover damages? I have renters insurance and auto insurance, but I don’t think my policies cover this kind of incident. Any help or advice would be helpful.
by happyfacesadvibes
36 Comments
They told you your options. Sue, or move on with your life.
Unless you have some kind of insurance, you’re fucked
https://lucarelliandcastaldi.com/
Talk to a lawyer before you decide what to do, you need to have someone explain what you’re entitled to and how insurance can be involved. You can get some no fault coverage for medical care.
Kick his ass, Seabass!!!
OP posts looking for advice and then proceeds to mock and condescend to everyone who offers advice.
No matter what you do for compensation, the driver will be sued. If you have underinsured/uninsured coverage on your auto policy, start there. Renter’s insurance will likely also offer some degree of coverage. It’s unlikely you’d hit your deductible for just the bike damage, so you won’t get anything, and anything paid to you will be recovered via lawyers from the perpetrator.
Auto insurance can cover bicycle wrecks. If you have collision insurance, and/or underinsured/uninsured coverage this is grouped under that. My child riding their bike was hit by a driver, and both my auto insurance and the at fault drivers auto insurance was involved. Contact your auto insurance company.
When I got hit by a car, they ruled me at fault and my renter’s insurance still paid out. Worth asking them at least.
You don’t have many options.
Sue – will probably cost you more than the bike and good luck collecting
Personal insurance – will possibly jack your rates up, again costing you more than paying out of pocket in the long run
> My bike is toast
Look for a new/used bike to replace it. Count your blessings that you’re not toast.
> I’m sore but essentially uninjured.
Luck shines upon you. Bikes can be replaced, bodies not so much.
> I have no desire to sue. From what I gathered from my mediocre Spanish, the driver was hustling to take care of his family and now he’s going to jail because of this.
Then cover your damages, and continue your life. You may want to inquire if there is a sentencing hearing, and try to be there to explain how the event has set you back. Had the other driver been paying full attention to driving, this is likely to not have happened. Drive defensively, as tho every other driver is out to get you (because a few are).
If you have homeowners or renters insurance it may be covered, but the deductible may cost as much as the damages. I hope you both are not injured and gave to go through all this. Maybe the driver will help you out if you contact them, but likely not.
He might be “hustling for his family” but how is that an excuse to be driving without a licence, insurance or registration. F that guy, sue him.
There are no options other than to move one with your life. The guy is likely judgement proof, so suing is a waste of time IMO.
Your options, and how you have to do things, are very much dependent on your state. If you’re not injured it will probably be hard to get a lawyer to take your case. If you need to pay a lawyer it’s likely not worth it. Maybe small claims court for the cost of bike, etc… but you may never see anything. At least you’re not hurt. Get a police report at least.
Post in r/legaladvice
Not a lot, looks like you just need a new wheel and get the frame and forks inspected
Your renters should cover it . I got hit by a car. Filed against homeowners they replaced my bike. Your bike is personal property should be covered. Letting someone off the hook for not following societal rules is a bad idea . It promotes continued bad behavior. He may also have homeowners insurance so you sue you get money for damages. Never assume anything.
Pay to fix your bike or not. Sorry that happened mopeds suck.
First things first . I’m would send the driver a bill to replace or repair the bike . No matter what his circumstances are , there should be accountability for what happened.
So there’s an obvious issue with a wheel. Is there something else I’m missing? Shifters look to be in good shape, rear wheel is probably fine. Is the down tube dented?
You may be able to replace a wheel (and the fork if you feel iffy about it.) and ride on.
Did he have any id? If not and he is an illegal immigrant you can sue and I believe the federal government will pay for his damages.
Lawyer up and sue. Dude I get you don’t want to cause someone else pain… but it’s called responsibility. You can still love the guy and hold him responsible.
Small claims court was made for this.
bent front rim, I’ve straightened those (and cold set bent frame, no cost for either) But all I see is $50 used wheel needed, what else? Any cracks in fork?
Sue him.
What other options are you hoping for besides litigation? I have 50+ clients who are all lawyers and I can guarantee you the only way you’ll receive any kind of compensation is by filing a lawsuit. If you have UM/UIM coverage through your insurance, they may be able to help.
He’s in Philly but worth the convo, gets a lot of wins especially with odd situations like this:
https://stuartleon.com/
Uninsured Motorists coverage under your auto insurance will respond.
Well, that sort of depends where in the world you are located. That would be vital info needed to answer your question. I could tell you how to solve it here in Sweden but I’m not sure you’re from around here.
“Was crossing an intersection as the light turned red” please elbaorate on this.
Looks like just your front wheel is messed up? If you can afford it and dont want to makr this guys life harder, i would just buy a new wheel and move on.
I got in a right hook crash earlier this year, my fork and wheel were toast but I decided it wasnt even worth bothering.
The driver didn’t crash into you because they’re hustling for their family. They crashed into you because they were driving recklessly. Either hold them accountable (simply ask them to cover your repair costs willfully, sue if they refuse) or cover the cost yourself and feel good about giving the guy who could’ve killed you with his recklessness a financial break.
Believe it or not, jail.
That’s a scooter not a moped. Mopeds have pedals. It’s in the name.
Use your automobile insurance, uninsured motorist. Oh & absolutely get a lawyer who has experience & enthusiasm for bicyclists.
Call the police or let him pay cash