Yesterday I was on my ride to school, I was on the road and going the right way and going about 20-25 MPH and as I was going down a lady going the opposite direction makes a left turn right in front of me and I slam on my brakes and I tried to avoid the accident by swerving to the right and tried to get in front of the car, but I failed and took off her passenger side mirror and left a decent sized dent in her car. After I got back up someone called 911 and I went to go look at my bike and the front rim is totally bent, the front fork is damaged beyond on repair and I've taken it to a LBS to look at the frame, but back to the story when the cops came he asked her side of the story first and according to her I was riding on the sidewalk, so when he started asking me questions he started to lead the questions towards that I was A. Going the wrong way (still trying to figure out how I could be going the wrong way and hit the left side of her car whilst she's making a left turn) or that I was on the sidewalk, I denied doing either, but now I'm worried that the police report may put me at fault and I won't get my bike fixed and I may have to pay for the damages to her car. Any advice?
burvowski
04-18-08, 12:56 PM
Witnesses? If you were going down the right side of the road, and she was going the opposite direction, and turned left, then you would have hit her right side, not her left side.
......
04-18-08, 01:02 PM
Yeah I got my lefts and rights confused, but maybe the person that called 911 saw the accident that would be something to check up on.
Eli_Damon
04-19-08, 06:28 AM
Bob Mionske says you should ask to see the police report to make sure it is accurate. If not, there is some way to argue to have it amended. See "Bicycling and the Law".
ilmooz
04-19-08, 07:35 AM
Were you advised of a court date? If a traffic citation was issued to the driver of the car you'll have an opportunity to explain what happened to the judge for his determination. Regardless, you can always consult an attorney. It sounds favorable for you so I wouldn't think you'll have a difficult time finding representation.
sc0ch
04-22-08, 12:49 AM
If the situation is as you say, I would have been LIVID. After a crash, if you can it seems best to try and speak to the policeman first.
......
04-30-08, 10:54 AM
Update:
Her insurance called and asked if we had any claims and today they're going to go check out my bike (which the bikeshop recommends totatled) adn I finally get to see the police report I'll have another update later on today.