Observation skills needed?

[Pascal]

I had my first wee slap around today. I was driving up New North Road, heading towards Mt Albert in the left hand lane. A painter in a van sideswiped me. I'm guessing the car in front of him started to indicate for Lyn Mall and he simply moved to get around it without breaking speed. Needless to say, he did not look, etc.

So, I'm okay. His front hit me on the right leg, then somehow something managed to snag on the right pannier and pulled that bag apart. I have no idea how I managed to keep everything upright, but I did not brake and simply let the bike glide to a stop, managing to avoid the kerb and the parked cars and so forth. And yes, I've gone out and picked up a Lotto ticket. Well. One to win that $200,000 Hot Rod parked in Lynn Mall at least :)

My questions are thus:

1. Is there anything I can do to avoid this type of accident? I don't think so as I should have been clearly visible if he'd even bothered to look in the general direction of his mirror. (He'd have seen me next to his window)

2. What does this do to ACC? I've been to the doctor to check my leg out, as I'm having difficulty standing, etc. but nothing is broken, etc.

3. Is there anything else I should do after the accident? Report it to the police / insurance / etc.?

[mattian]

I always try my best to ride where I can be seen in the mirrors of the car on my right. Even if it means slowing down..... or speeding up to get well ahead I try not to ride level, especially with a big car or van. They just have too many blind spots.
Thats not a criticism of your riding.... sometimes you just find yourself there and its not your fault. In future I would recomend either getting in front or..... wait slightly behind. Very lucky you didn't come off :woohoo:

[JimO]

report to police, and make a claim on your insurance against his insurance, at the verry least he will be convicted of a unsafe lane change........a woman in a bmw did the same thing to my son he managed to avoid her but did kick her door which resulted in her going beserk at him, he gave her the fingers and rode off

[discotex]

You were injured so it must be reported to police by law. Make sure you tell them you were hurt.

As jimjim said you should be claiming any damage against his insurance. You insurance company will help you with that.

[JMemonic]

Report it, as to the ACC it better you went to the doctor in case there is anything untoward later this way there is a record of the initial claim.