RumberO

i was hit by a car. i have a fuji w/ a complete rx100 gruppo and custom paint job. bought it from the a team fuji mechanic who was given the bike for being part of the team in the early 90's. so the story goes when i bought it. i have not spoken to the insurance co. yet. the driver has already claimed the incident. i just have bruised knee, luckily. i already know she is going to have to replace my helmet, jersey, bib shorts, shoes. the bike's wheel's were damaged. steel frame is straight still, but there are scratches and scrapes all over my rear deraileur, chain stay(drive side), pedals, big chainring. i know i don't have the best bike in the world, but it was in pristine condition. mechanic didn't use it much and completely overhauled it before handing it to me. i am an amateur mechanic, so it stayed in pristine condition. i also added to it some upgrades (ie: cyclocomp, tires, clipless pedals, super barphat, fizik wrap, saddle). my question is how can i guarantee i get the most out of this bike. i won't be able to buy one like it ever again without spending big bucks.

like i mentioned the rx-100 weren't by all means top of the line but they rode as smooth as a whistle. oh and those downtube shifters left an imprint on that major bruise of my left knee. i wanna compare it to getting hit w/ a triple butted ishiwata tubed baseball bat w/ a flathead screw on it. that's the imprint i have: a circle w/ a dash through the middle of it.

so how do i approach the insurance co?

apacherider

Document all your injuries with digital photos. Bruises, scrapes etc. See your doctor, today.

Contacting the insurance company can be sticky. I have experienced very good accident claims and very bad regarding bike accidents. They record the conversation and can use it against you. Be very firm in your statement. Very firm. Write down everything that happened in the accident before you call and refer back to the notes.

Insurance companies have no idea what your bike is worth. Take your bike to a local shop who will give you a good estimate on what it will cost to replace the bike. You can never ride a crashed bike like that again. It is totalled. The insurance company has the obligation to make you whole again. Make sure the bike shop you take it to gives you a written estimate and MAKE SURE that they are well versed in insurance claims. That way they can handle any adjuster questions.

If you hire an attorney they will keep 30% of the pain and suffering money.

Ajenkins

Insurance companies are all the mendacious spawn of Satan. They will cheat you out of your shorts the first time you talk to them, then steal your shoes after they've kicked you down the steps. See your doctor and DO NOT speak to the insurance company until you've hired competent legal counsel.

John E

1) Document your injuries and damage to the bike.
2) Listen to the adjuster, but do not sign or admit anything until you are satisfied with what they offer. They will try to settle fast, hitting you fast and low. There is always more money available than they indicate on first contact.
3) You are entitled to coverage of all of your out-of-pocket expenses, plus about a 3X multiplier on your medical expenses for pain and suffering. Time lost from work, time taken to visit the doctor or the bike shop, etc. is all fair game for reimbursement.
4) You do not need a lawyer unless you are grossly dissatisfied with what the insurance company will offer. If you do decide to hire a lawyer on a 33% contingency basis, you will need to get at least 50% more from the insurance company just to break even. If the lawyer wants 40%, you will need a 60+% higher settlement than if you settle by yourself.

I was in your position almost 32 years ago. I suffered a double fracture of the left clavicle, permanent facial scarring over my left cheekbone, a mild-to-moderate concussion, and a totalled 15-year-old Reynolds 531 frame. I settled out of court without an attorney for $2700, and I would have done better with a lawyer only if he could have gotten me more than $4500.

CB HI

Your old bike had a custom paint job. In your claim include the cost of a custom paint job for the new bike.