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Old 08-06-08 | 11:28 PM
  #42  
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CB HI
Cycle Year Round
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 13,644
Likes: 92
From: Honolulu, HI
Sorry you got hit. I have had good success dealing with insurance companies on my own. As you have already found out, the adjuster probably will not know much about bicycles. The adjuster may lie, so be ready to call his BS for what it is.

Claim everything that had even a little bit of damage. Claim your helmet even if there is no visible damage to it. If the adjuster gives you BS on this, just look him straight in the eye and say “You and I both know that every helmet manufacturer tells people that helmets are no longer safe to use once they have been in an accident.”

Since your bike is less than a year old, do not accept any depreciation on the value of the bike. If it had no previous damage, you deserve a NEW bike. Demand to be made hole - full replacement cost at current market price for your bicycle. Even if you plan on assembling the bike yourself, include what the shop would charge to assemble. Include taxes.
If your bike is your primary transportation, rent a bike to use until you have your new bike in hand. Let the adjuster know that the longer it takes for them to pay off, the more it will cost them in rental charges. It gives you a ride and helps push them to settle sooner. You can also contract with a friend for a rental of the friends bike at the same rate a shop would charge.
Include all medical cost and lost work time. Do not accept payment (as in cashing a check or signing a release form for medical) until you have a settlement for property damages.

If all else fails, take the driver to small claims court.

Good luck and enjoy your new bike.
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