17yo son bike collision - right thing to do?

[Number42]

ds has come home to say he had a minor collision on his bike with a car: he was going along a bike lane/pavement, crossed a side road, bumped into side of car which was driving up the road. Apparently car now has a dent. Morally, probably mostly his fault but we weren't there, who knows. Phone numbers were exchanged. Trying to work out what stance to take with the driver. Don't mind paying a few quid and certainly would rather do that than unpleasant exchanges of lawyers' letters etc - but am thinking, won't their insurance just cover it?

Ok, not parked as in engine off, but idling at the junction to pull out into the main road. 🙄

I disagree completely with the previous poster who automatically assumed that your son was at fault and he had to pay.

That wouldn't be my default for starters and you're op doesn't give enough information to me to make a reasoned decision.

however if a car is approaching from behind. a cyclist in front of them. they can see the cyclist in front of them and they should've made way. and my gut reaction before I know any more information is that actually the driver is at fault here and your son should do nothing and pay nothing.

I await further information before I make a proper decision but I'm just saying that's my Gut first reaction.

Don't do anything rash OP.
Comfort your son and deal with him tonight. He's probably in shock.

tomorrow, gain more information before you decide to do anything.

Your son is not liable as he had right of way at the junction. The car should have allowed him to cross and not carried on. Driver should have been aware of a cyclist on a cycle route about to cross or on the road. Pedestrians and cyclists have right of way. End of.

The driver will have to pay from his insurance. If you have car insurance I am sure your insurer will give advice on this free of charge. Mine does!

PS a diagram is always useful.

If your son had hit a stationery car thats a different matter.

wow there are some serious aresholes on this thread.

This is not a court of law and in English we interchange many words with similar meaning - lane/path etc. Honestly talk about pedants going nuts.

anotheropinion
wind your neck in. Seriously.

Depends on the junction. Some cycle paths/tracks/lanes have "gave way" markings (i.e. the white triangle and dashed double dotted line) at junctions.