I was riding my brother's mountain bike just east of Nyon with my dad. We were heading home when I got right hooked by a driver attempting to pass me on a very narrow road with an elevated median between the two lanes. I braked hard and went over the handlebars, busting up my knee (but not breaking any bones).
We got the driver's information, and I am well-insured by my dad's insurance provider (he's being employed for a year at CERN labs in Geneve). I spent the afternoon in the ER and was discharged with a soft cast.
All in all, not a huge deal.
Now I've got to make sure that I'm not going to get stuck with the ER bill, since the accident was definitely the driver's fault. Since I speak little French, I haven't been able to get a grasp of how this sort of situation is handled in Switzerland. Can anyone help me here? What are the laws concerning bicycle/car accidents here? Is it pretty likely that there will be any complications for getting my medication and ER stay paid for?
Any insight into biking in Switzerland would be appreciated, thanks.
DogBoy
01-02-08, 03:33 PM
Glad you are okay. Sorry to hear of the accident. Unfortunately I can be of no help. Can you find a lawyer there?
njkayaker
01-02-08, 03:50 PM
We got the driver's information, and I am well-insured by my dad's insurance provider (he's being employed for a year at CERN labs in Geneve).
Are we talking about medical insurance or car insurance?
Now I've got to make sure that I'm not going to get stuck with the ER bill, since the accident was definitely the driver's fault.
Isn't the bill covered by your medical insurance?
One approach is to talk to your insurance company. (Cheaper to start there before paying a lawer.)
randya
01-02-08, 04:09 PM
You'll want good coverage if it turns out you have cartilage, ACL or other soft tissue damage in your knee. What's the prognosis?
Rahzel
01-03-08, 02:47 AM
Are we talking about medical insurance or car insurance?
Medical insurance. Since I didn't hit his car or do any damage to his car all of the costs in this incident are associated with my medical bills.
Isn't the bill covered by your medical insurance?
It should be. My dad seemed to think that his/my insurance is very comprehensive, but the whole language barrier thing is making me a bit uneasy :)
Rahzel
01-03-08, 02:50 AM
You'll want good coverage if it turns out you have cartilage, ACL or other soft tissue damage in your knee. What's the prognosis?
To be honest, I'm not completely sure what the prognosis is. I have no broken bones or tears in my right knee. I can stand and walk relatively normally, but I can't lift any weight with my right leg, including the weight of the leg itself. I also cannot flex from the knee. I am going to see a doctor in the US when I return this weekend to get a second opinion (I was not completely satisfied with the treatment I received in Switzerland).
The Swiss doctor did seem to think that I'd be able to walk normally again in about two weeks, so hopefully I'll be back on the bike shortly after that!
Bekologist
01-03-08, 09:10 AM
dude. Talk to the US Consulate if you need assistance sorting out that type of technicality. They'll have the 411 but won't do any of the legwork for you.
Rahzel
01-04-08, 11:11 AM
I went to a French orthapedist today, they confirmed that there is no fracture and that it's just a contusion of the knee. It should heal in a few weeks and I'll almost definitely be ready to ride when the warm weather returns to the Midwest :)
Question--would it be too nerdy to ride with hard knee pads for at least the beginning of the season? The last thing I want to do is re-aggravate this injury before an event.
noisebeam
01-04-08, 11:24 AM
Question--would it be too nerdy to ride with hard knee pads for at least the beginning of the season? The last thing I want to do is re-aggravate this injury before an event.
Not at all too nerdy, but would it be comfortable? Do you think you will crash again and hit the knee.
Also even though the damage came from external blow, continuing to use the knee may aggravate it - or it could help it heal.
Just as an aside, my brother who has lived in Switzerland (Zürich) for many years was right hooked by a motorist several years ago - with minor injury, but messed up bike. The driver jumped out of car checked on him, then she called to police to report she had hit him. She offered to take him to the hospital and cover all expenses. My bother assessed the damage to bike and later told her the actual repair cost. She paid immediately and later followed up to check if he was fully healed and if there were any additional expenses that had not been covered. My brother explained it to me that that when a cyclist is hit it is the motorist fault (not legally) and motorists will generally response accordingly.