Fifty Plus (50+) - Just treturned from the e.r.

There is a dog in my part of town that likes to chase me. This evening I was going for an 8-10 mile ride on my MTB. A quarter mile from home I'm doing about 20-25 mph down a hill and this dog jumps out of a cornfield to chase me. Only he jumped right out in front of me. The dog appeared out of nowhere. All I could do was hold on and crash right into him. My front wheel came to a dead stop and me and the bike flipped over the dog. I landed hard on my right shoulder and hip. After getting over the shock I stood up. I had very bad road rash on my shoulder and shoulder blade. I had a can of Halt in my right side pocket and it burst open from the impact, so my thigh and side began to burn like heck. Handlebar was bent, chain came off, and lights, bottles, etc. were all over the road.
The owner came out after hearing the commotion and asked if I was ok. She wanted to give me first aid but I went home to get cleaned up. They came over to check on me when I was in the shower.
Wife and I went to the E.R. and got x-rays. My collarbone is broken and there is a free piece broken out and floating around in there. They put a brace on me that looks like a pistol shoulder holster. It holds my shoulders back. I am home now and I'll go see my doctor tomorrow.
This sucks and now I hate dogs. I have never done anything to antagonize that mutt. In the past when he chased me I would just ignore him and keep riding. I was carrying the Halt because I got chased by another dog this morning while riding out in the country. I squirted that dog with my water bottle, but that's a tricky thing to do when you're pedaling as hard as you can to get away.
Anyway, I have to wear this thing for 3 weeks. Right now I'm pissed at people who let their dogs run loose, and I'm going to bed.

Sorry to hear about this. I broke my collarbone once it was not something I would like to do again. Did the owner say anything about "I'm so sorry and I will see to it you are taken care of? Hope it heals soon.

That sucks...sorry to hear this.

I hope you send the dog owner your medical bills, so she can get the full effect of her irresponsibility, and you don't have to bear the brunt of all those payments.

Heal well and quickly...and take your pain meds. They work.

The dog owner may have some legal liability.

I don't envy your recovery period, but am glad that you didn't suffer more serious injuries.

Ouch. I hope the doctor has the best possible news. Like, it won't be too long before you can get back in the saddle. Heal quickly.

That sux . It does however sound like you live in a very rural area. I assume people who have cornfields are not walking there dogs on a leash. Sounds like bad luck . Also the owner sounds like a conserned party in this . Some would have told you to F off , not check up on you. This is a tuff one. I live in NY and if a persons dog was off the leash , i'd be whipping them both. Again , this is a tuff one. Hope u feel better ASAP.

Does your insurance cover this ? If not they should pay for your med bills. Is the dog dead ?

The dog owner may have some legal liability.

+1

If you have trouble collecting on the damages you've suffered, it might be worth talking with an attorney.

Very sorry to hear about this; I hope you heal quickly.

If you have insurance don't hesitate to file your claim. Be sure to mention that the claim was caused by the dog and the particulars about the dog's owners. your insurance company will take care of them. Won't do much for the suffering; but it will at least make you whole financially.

Three weeks isn't going to do it. You may come out of the backwards bra but you aren't likely to feel a lot like riding for about 6 weeks. The bone piece will cause a small lump if they left it in place. Don't bother asking how I know. But it will heal and at least you will get some warning about when the weather is going to change.

The worst part is sleeping on your back I believe. Unless you can sleep in your recliner.

Judge Judy ruled for the cyclist in a similar case!:)

I like dogs. I have a dog. Dog owners do not have an entitlement to inflict their dog's actions on others. These folks have a responsibility for your injuries.

sknhgy, so sorry to hear this! Speedy recovery, but I suspect it'll be a while.
As for the dogs- yes it's a rural area, and Illinois has no leash laws. It REALLY sucks riding in some areas.
I agree with the others on the legal fees; it'd be worth a shot. (no pun intended...)
Where did this happen- I ride in your neck of the woods sometimes (or at least I used to, maybe not anymore).

A lawyer up front would be a good idea.

It's still negligence even without leash laws. We got a nice law against dogs "at large" just before a similar thing happened to my wife - really helps!

Start with an attorney before notifying your insurance company. The insurance company may start to list all billings at full freight figuring they'll collect from the defendant eventually. Doesn't help your co-pay bottom line in the meantime.

I hope you heal quickly! Ouch!

You are lucky that you won't have longer in the splint. Sometimes shoulder injurys can take 6 months. I sure hope you heal up soon. I would make the owners life as miserable as she ha made yours

Best of luck with your recovery. Yeah we see an awful lot of this type injury come through out ER as well. Lane Lp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0dzMp61G5w

Dogs are the wildcard of road biking...even during the TdF.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aBD1oLKpQ4&NR=1

And another....

You should have called the police just so that an official report could be filed and documentation produced as to the cause of the accident, the dog involved, the circumstances, and ownership of and responsibility for the dog. It doesn't sound to me like your medical bills will be insignificant (If you've got a disarticulated piece of bone floating around in there, well, sorry, but I'm betting on surgery.), and although I'm not a big fan of getting compensation for "pain and suffering", the dog owner should bear some responsibility for those medical expenses.

I bet that most places in the country these days have some sort of leash law. But now, if the sleazeba.......err......lawyers get involved, then all the dog owner has to say is that "fluffy was laying in the family room dozing in front of the fireplace at the time. Sorry, wasn't my dog - and if it was, prove it!"

In the past when he chased me I would just ignore him and keep riding. I was carrying the Halt because I got chased by another dog this morning while riding out in the country.

Sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident.
I have mentioned this on other threads, so hope it's not a repeat for too many of you.
I bike to work, had one dog who never seemed real vicious, but did chase me every day. Then one day, he ran out to chase, just as a car came from the other direction, and "SMACK"! Killed him instantly. I felt really bad. Now, I use my Halt spray on any dog that runs out. I figure I'm doing the owner (and dog) a favor, perhaps breaking the dog from his bad habit. I've even told a few of my neighbors what I'm doing, in case they see me spraying their dog. All have seemed grateful.
After you spray one a couple times, you can usually just extend your hand and he'll think you are about to get him!
Might, or might not have worked in your situation.

Real Cyclists have broken their collarbones at least once. (I'm not Real)

Heal quickly. Broken collar bones can hurt (like you don't now know this). And remember, the dog was just being a dog. It's the owner who has a responsibility to either control or train the dog to behave differently.

Here's hoping you get well soon. Try not to hate the dogs for having stupid owners.

You have got to see an attorney to protect yourself.

It is amazing how stories can get changed around - somehow it will turn out to be your fault.

That happened to me in my last auto accident. I failed to properly protect myself, and what had been a person totally rear-ending me became a scenario where I hit the car in front of me, causing the car behind me to hit me.

PLEASE!

And file a report with the sheriff - it is not too late. You don't know WHAT complications you might have from this a year from now - or longer.

When it comes to money and blame, principles and ethics and "being a nice dog owner" get thrown out the window.

PROTECT YOURSELF.

re: collarbones

I broke my collar bone on June 1st in a bike race, and wasn't given approval to get back on the bike until July 15th. Even now, two months on, the bones have not fused - and mine was a simpler break than yours. Unfortunately, as we age we heal much more slowly (damnit!).


re: dogs

As for the dog - if it chased you in the past, shame on you for not dealing with it. Dogs that chase cyclists are a hazard, and need to be disciplined and reported to the authorities. If you'd done that before, the dog might have been properly restrained and not allowed to chase you.


re: insurance claims

You may be able to collect substantial damages, since the dog owner is wholly at fault. At the very least, you should be compensated for all of your medical bills, your bike, and lost time at work. If the dog owner has insurance, you may also receive a shockingly large offer for "pain and suffering and contingencies" (expect something in the $10-20,000+ range). That's to cover them, in case there are undiagnosed injuries that show up later - you may have other injuries that have not show up yet (I've been dealing with bicep tendon impingement pain in my shoulder as a result of my clavicle break).

Starting right now, take photos of all your injuries, and your bike. Get your bike to a good shop to have it assessed for damage (or declared "totalled"). Take more photos of your injuries as they heal over time. Save all your med bills. The more documentation you have, the easier it will be to deal with the insurance claims.

And, as others have suggested, contact the police and file a report. Also file a report with local animal control.

Best of luck, and hope you heal well.

Sorry, Hope you heal quickly.
I'm half way through my second week on crutches for the exact same thing. I hit hip first at high speed on my road bike when a dog took out my front wheel.
The last time I broke my collarbone {on the mountain bike** the doc said 6 weeks, but I was riding the road bike in 4 weeks. I could push down, but it felt like my shoulder was comming off when I tried to pull up.
As I get older though, I find the healing process takes longer and the pain lasts longer as well.:(
If this is your dominant arm, you will get very good at using the nondominant arm before getting back to normal.

Your injuries sound unpleasant, inconvenient and downright nasty. I hope things come out fine. Recovering from an injury can be trying. Best luck to you.

Dang, sorry to hear this. I hope you heal well. A couple of years ago, I was right behind a rider who hit a large dog and had to be carted off by ambulance. This dog came out from behind its owners just before we reached it, and the rider didn't see it until it was too late. It's another reminder for all of us that biting is not the only hazard from dogs.

Sorry to hear about your accident. I hope you heal quickly and can get back to doing what your enjoy. On my way home from work tonight on a country road a large black dog ran along beside me barking. I yelled at him and he stopped. After reading what happened to you I think I will stop and ask his owners to keep him from chasing me.

sknhgy, so sorry to hear this! Speedy recovery, but I suspect it'll be a while.
As for the dogs- yes it's a rural area, and Illinois has no leash laws. It REALLY sucks riding in some areas.
I agree with the others on the legal fees; it'd be worth a shot. (no pun intended...)
Where did this happen- I ride in your neck of the woods sometimes (or at least I used to, maybe not anymore).

It actually happened within B'town.
There are lots of people around here who simply let their dogs run free. Like I said, I had my Halt with me because I had been chased that morning.
The doctor said it would heal, but there may be a bump and that's when they would consider surgery.
I talked to the sherriff and he said they don't file police reports on bicycle accidents.
I haven't spoken with the people who own the dog since immediately after the accident. Guess I don't know where to go with it from here.

I like dogs. I have a dog. Dog owners do not have an entitlement to inflict their dog's actions on others. These folks have a responsibility for your injuries.

+1. It's their responsibility as a pet owner.

It actually happened within B'town.
There are lots of people around here who simply let their dogs run free. Like I said, I had my Halt with me because I had been chased that morning.
The doctor said it would heal, but there may be a bump and that's when they would consider surgery.
I talked to the sherriff and he said they don't file police reports on bicycle accidents.
I haven't spoken with the people who own the dog since immediately after the accident. Guess I don't know where to go with it from here.

Are there any Animal Control agencies where you live?
As previously suggested, perhaps a lawyer should be consulted.

I talked to the sherriff and he said they don't file police reports on bicycle accidents.

:eek::eek::eek: What???????

Yikes! I hope your recovery is swift and complete. It might be a good idea to have a talk with the neighbors and mention that some dogs have been killed by chasing bikes. Maybe that will sink in.

It could have been a LOT worse. Someone where I work ran into a deer (or swerved to avoid it), flipped over his bike and took a terrible fall in the street. He died from his injuries.

Like I said, Illinois sucks as far as animal control ic concerned. In my county (one over from sknhgy), if a dog harrasses you, you have no recourse (unless it actually bites you, then it has to happen twice). If it chases a cow or chicken (or any livestock), you can shoot it. Listen closely- can you hear the banjos?

I talked to the sherriff and he said they don't file police reports on bicycle accidents.


Ask him if they file police reports on dog attacks.

It actually happened within B'town.
There are lots of people around here who simply let their dogs run free. Like I said, I had my Halt with me because I had been chased that morning.
The doctor said it would heal, but there may be a bump and that's when they would consider surgery.
I talked to the sherriff and he said they don't file police reports on bicycle accidents.
I haven't spoken with the people who own the dog since immediately after the accident. Guess I don't know where to go with it from here.

Did a little research back when I had my encounter. From the Illinois Animal Control Act- http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusilst510ilcs5_1_72_1.htm

I think I'd talk to the Sherrif- find out who the animal control Admin is. Also, talk to the village board. If you can get the animal declared Dangerous (not due to attack, but due to your injuries), it might wake some people up. Also- make sure the dog had it's shots. You're insurance company might have soem, ideas too... Also- don't know if the League of Illinois Bicyclists still has a link to a bicycling lawyer- they used to.

§ 2.05a. "Dangerous dog" means (i) any individual dog anywhere other than upon the property of the owner or custodian of the dog and unmuzzled, unleashed, or unattended by its owner or custodian that behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to a person or a companion animal or (ii) a dog that, without justification, bites a person and does not cause serious physical injury.

§ 15.1. Dangerous dog determination.

(a) After a thorough investigation including: sending, within 10 business days of the Administrator or Director becoming aware of the alleged infraction, notifications to the owner of the alleged infractions, the fact of the initiation of an investigation, and affording the owner an opportunity to meet with the Administrator or Director prior to the making of a determination; gathering of any medical or veterinary evidence; interviewing witnesses; and making a detailed written report, an animal control warden, deputy administrator, or law enforcement agent may ask the Administrator, or his or her designee, or the Director, to deem a dog to be "dangerous". No dog shall be deemed a "dangerous dog" unless shown to be a dangerous dog by a preponderance of evidence. The owner shall be sent immediate notification of the determination by registered or certified mail that includes a complete description of the appeal process.

Get well soon!

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. You have all been a big help. I'll follow-up where I can. I'll try talking to the Sherriff again. Right now I'm still dealing with getting myself back on my feet. Got another doctor appt. today.

I sympathize with you two years ago a squirrel ran out and got lodged in my fork throwing me over the bars and as a result I have a third degree seperation of my collar bone. Then I developed frozen shoulder syndrome that required physical therapy. Hang in there in about a month you will be feeling OK.

Well, since no one else has asked I guess I have to. What happened to the dog??

Sorry to hear about the accident.

I had a similar one many years ago out in the country in N. Carolina (near Durham) when a little hound dog ran out from some bushes and I hit him square on :bike2:. The lady with the dog made good on all the damage...I couldn't help feeling a little badly for her and the dog but I was a starving (more than her) post-doc and needed the financial assistance to get my only means of transportation back in operation.

I ride in a club that has a lot of serious 50+ riders. I have been surprised that a significant number of the long-term riders have permanent collar bone or shoulder damage from bicycling accidents. Yes. I'm one of them and a lot of people will come up and inquire about the asymmetry in my shoulders and then show me theirs!

I'm just thankful that none of us have broken our fool necks and become paralyzed (as happened to a friend of a friend).

Hope you are back riding again soon.

Man, I can feel your pain from here. I think I see a new bike in your further. Hurry and heal up before the snow fly's, good luck.

damn if thats what happened to you...i cant imagined what happened to the dog if you hit it going 25+...

This Friday I'll be having surgery to have the bones lined up and pinned or plated together. The bone was broke in two places so there is a free piece that needs to be dealt with. The specialist said it should heal faster and better this way.
I'm still trying to re-contact the sherriff. Last time I talked to him he said they don't do anything about bike accidents. I want to discuss that with him. Costs for medicines, copays, etc. are starting to pile up.

I think it is pretty well established in rural areas where live stock is loose on the road and causes an accident that the owners are liable. You may have more sucess pursuing it from that angle.

Do you have med insurance? Contact them, their lawyers would be happy to pursue reimbursement. Or see a local personal injury lawyer ... that would probably be the best as he would pursue your interests for your bike damage, loss of work and pain and suffering.