MTB Aussie
Member
The primary thing you need is receipts or proof of what you paid for it. When you file a claim they will pay you up to what the bike was worth, not more. My homeowners policy paid full value minus deductible, minus recoverable depreciation. If filing against his auto policy you should get full value (no deductible) but they may still hold back depreciation based on the age of your bike.Now what estimate do I need to get? The estimate of what it would cost to replace that bike if it was new?
If they hold back depreciation but it is recoverable (should be), then you take your money and look to spend what you paid originally (and more if you want to upgrade but they will not pay your upgrades beyond your original spend). Once you send them proof of your new purchase that equals or exceeds the value of the lost bike they will pay the depreciation. If you don't spend as much you will be out of pocket since they will not pay you money that you don't spend on a replacement.
You don't need a lawsuit, just file a claim against his policy. Get his company, policy number, your receipts for your bike and a copy of the police report and you have what you need. The fact he was charged with reckless is a big help for you. You will file two separate claims, one for your property damage and one for your medical expenses.
His insurance will ask you for a statement of what happened. Keep the facts to a minimum. We were riding near the shoulder at 25 mph, he pulled out of a parking lot immediately in front of you without warning. Just tell them it is all there in the police report - you don't need to elaborate since they will try to twist it to show you were at fault in some way regardless of reality (anything you say can and will be used against you...).
BTW - don't want to jack the thread but offer thanks to those who offered me friendly advice on my recent situation involving insurance and legal matters.