Head On Collision Between Bicycles

[LLD]

Not sure where to post this.

Had a head on collision today on my bicycle with another cyclist.

We were riding on 10 foot wide bike path during the day under clear and dry conditions on a straight section of path. Both of us were initially keeping to our respective right sides of the path. As I approached oncoming cyclist he suddenly crossed the bike path into my lane (he says that looking over his shoulder caused him to inadvertently cross the path). I had been traveling at about 17 mph and other cyclist at perhaps 3 mph before accident. When he crossed path into my "lane", I yelled to get his attention and simultaneously hit my brakes. My bike left a 12 foot braking skid before impact (skid mark confirms that I was in right "lane"). My bike came to rest off the path (off to right). I struck the other cyclist with my left shoulder and the left side of my face/head.

Other cyclist intended to leave scene of accident despite fact that I had been injured (face scratches and bleeding where eyeglasses had impacted), my eyeglasses were obviously damaged and my heart rate monitor wrist piece had broken off in collision. I convinced him to stay at scene and wait for police who I then called.

Police came, I told my side of story, police noted skid and position of my bike (but did not take any photos). Other guy told the truth that he had inadvertently crossed over into my path.

What do I do about this?

Although other guy told truth to police, he balked when I told him that I expected him to make me whole (for eyeglasses, as an example). I don't think the this guy will willingly do right by me.

I do not think that I've been hurt in any serious or permanent way although I have not been seen by a doctor nor am I a doctor (injuries appear to be limited to swelling and minor cut on face, abrasions on lower leg, minor inflammation of knee, and some other aches and pains).

Regarding property damage, I will need to replace eyeglasses and fix wrist band of heart rate monitor but bike seems to be OK with only a scratch here or there.

This is the fourth time I've been involved in a bike accident (I bike a lot). I no longer ride on the road as I've been hit twice by cars. I am also more careful around dogs, whether apparently docile or not. But in each of the prior incidents in which damage was done to me or my bike, the other party apologized at the scene and then followed through by paying my bills without question. And on my part, I always limited my financial demands to out of pocket costs for functionally-damaged parts (as opposed to cosmetic damage) and for medical care cost not fully covered by my own insurance. In other words, I've always minimized my financial demands and never sought to take advantage of the situation.

But this time, I think it's going to be different. I don't think this guy is going to be nice and fair. So what should I do? I'd like to explore two scenarios. In the first, all I want is to be made whole for the property damage I've sustained (let's assume that there is no medical issues for the time being). But can I pursue more? This guy was at least negligent, right? Perhaps even grossly negligent? This incident will cost me time. And it certainly was distressing and caused at least some physical pain and discomfort. I guess what I'd like to know is could I have a legitimate claim for compensation beyond just property damage (again assume no permanent physical damage)?

Thanks for any help.

[Betty3]

You could probably sue in small claims court for damage to your bicycle & for medical bills (if any). I don't think you would get much for pain & suffering since you seem to have suffered no permanent damage/injuries. However, you can ask for an amt. that you believe is reasonable & see what the judge decides.