2012-02-01 - Rider Down (me), Caledonian Road

Travelling along Caledonian road, car turned left without any warning (indicators, serious slowing, change in road position) right across me having overtaken me just a minute ago. No serious damage but wheel buckled and a few bruises (unbelievably lucky considering). And he didn't stop after I screamed (like the girl I am) and slammed into the side of his car before hitting the deck.
I've only started this thread because I haven't heard from the police yet about my report so thought it might be worth just mentioning the licence plate (which a kind American lady ran up to me shouting right after) in case it's spotted around London and just another to add to the long list of careless drivers.
YK10 PLJ (black and potentially a BMW).

A trip to the doctor with your bad whiplash is in order. And a quote for all necessary repair work.
Then a good solicitors firm. Hit them in the wallet where it hurts, the f*)%@£$

Hahaha, thanks, very much appreciated! Considering I have a few bike mechanic friends they're more than happy to fund my new bike build by quoting prices for wheel rebuilds and fork straightening etc. should the culprits be caught.

Don't forget the emotional distress. Feeling unsafe on the roads subsequently, flashbacks, nightmares etc equally as important as bike damage and physical injury.

On the TFL site you can type in a license number and get the vehicle details on the page you use for paying the CC. According to that...

Vehicle: YK10PLJ
Details: BLUE VAUXHALL CORSA ACTIVE

https://congestioncharging.tfl.gov.uk/b/pb/provideVRM.faces?referrer=cc

I think you have the reg wrong. It comes up as a

Manufacturer: Vauxhall
Model: Corsa Active
Year: 2010
Colour: Blue
Fuel Type: Petrol
Engine Size (CC): 1229

Which is nothing like a black BMW

**YK10 LPJ **on the other hand is
Manufacturer: Bmw
Model: 116 D Se
Year: 2010
Colour: Black
Fuel Type: Heavy Oil
Engine Size (CC): 1995

Which is exactly like a black BMW

Nice work, Columbo.

Oh balls, at least I wrote down my crime reference properly. I didn't see the plates or manufacturer myself.
The problem is from looking up google images of those two cars it looked more like a Corsa's rear end, but a witness thought it was a BMW and I thought it was black, but then the blue Corsa is a pretty dark blue.
Oh dear, I don't know any more.

Ouch. only just seen this. Heal up.

Give the police both numbers, you'd just been in an accident and are bound to be a bit shaken.

You speak so much sense it's incredible, I shall do that.
Thanks Xander, did I not get my bruises out at Norths? There are all of two in a variety of shades, but nothing else to heal up because I am crazy lucky.

Ah, that really sucks Becky! It's good that you're okay though and lucky enough to get away with just the bruises. I hope they heal up soon and that something good comes of that police report.

Are you back on the bike again as normal?

glad you're ok, got another mini left hook myself this morning

You never let on about this at norths, glad you're ok, you didn't look damaged at any rate.

The 1 series BMW is a hatchback like the Corsa so might look the same at a glance, especially as your main preoccupation at the time was trying not to go down too hard. If you give them both number plates the police should be able to rule one or other of them out quite easily. As there was contact it is a hit and run so they should take it seriously.

Speak to the police immediately about the potential for either plate number. Transposition by a shocked witness shouldn't diminish the investigation of the case. However as time has moved on there's a chance that the driver will have had a swift clean and repair done to cover up any indication of the crash. It would be worth checking for any CCTV which wouldn't have to be of exceptionally high quality to distinguish between a BMW and Corsa, regardless of the similarities. Also, if you have the details of the witness that might be useful, particularly if they can come up with any distinguishing features of the driver.

On a side note, am I alone in thinking that Vauxhall drivers are wannabe BMW drivers for shit driving.

BMW

Corsa

This might help you decide

It will be the BMW
There are some shocking drivers of those things out there.
Glad you are not too hurt

Thank you everyone! Dom, I was back on my bike and riding to a lecture straight after (shoulda checked the 'Accident' thread earlier, oops).
Hum, I really don't know, most of the time cars are cars to me so I didn't get a look before or after that'd help really. I'm toddling down to find a police station today and tell them things until they write stuff down.
I get the feeling that it was the Vauxhall, they weren't driving badly until they were driving REALLY badly or else I would have noticed.

Sorry to hear that, Becky. Hope you manage to sort out all the consequences and most of all that they find the driver. It's great that you had a witness.

Ouch. only just seen this. Heal up.

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