Advocacy & Safety - I crashed, but I'm a'ight.

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View Full Version : I crashed, but I'm a'ight.


Austinnh
03-27-10, 10:33 PM
Completely my fault. I'll relay the story here for those interested.

I crashed at South and Broad in Philadelphia. It was a pothole just east of the intersection. I hit it and went over the bars. I should have tucked and rolled but instead I just kept looking at the pavement. My helmet protected the upper part of my face (thank goodness) but I have stitches above and below my mouth and will have scars. Aside from some other miscellaneous scrapes and abrasions I'm fine.

The pothole is rectangular in shape, extends some ten feet across the road, and about one foot long in the direction of travel. A few inches deep. It seems to be the remainder of some construction or sewer/water work. I have seen it before and ridden around it. But this time I forgot about at and must have been looking right over it because I didn't even notice/recall it until my front wheel was in it.

I'm upset that I may have permanent cosmetic damage, but consider myself lucky to be in good shape otherwise. I also consider myself to be stupid and at fault in this. Some bystanders were kind enough to call an ambulance, and help me gather my belongings and lock my bike. I am very grateful for their help. Only one gave me his card so fortunately I can think him now, the others will never know my appreciation.


10 Wheels
03-27-10, 10:37 PM
Get some rest.
Then come back tomorrow and tell how you feel.
Sorry you are injured.

desertb
03-27-10, 10:46 PM
Glad you're ok.


GriddleCakes
03-27-10, 11:10 PM
Sorry to hear that you crashed, and that sucks about the scars. Glad you're still walking, though. Any wreck you can walk away from is a good wreck, relatively.

JoeyBike
03-28-10, 08:58 AM
Yeeoww! Faceplants suck. You didn't mention dental work, so that's amazing in itself. Glad you are still standing.

I can't tell you how many times I have looked at the same, or new pothole and told myself "If you forget that one, you are going down." Especially after dark or during rain when water fills them. Your post just made me more cautious for a bit.

hotbike
03-28-10, 09:07 AM
Maybe you can make some phone calls, threaten to sue, and get the pothole filled. That sounds more like a trench than a hole. The Utility companies have got to do a better job filling the holes (trenches) they dig.

Get well soon.

dougmc
03-28-10, 09:20 AM
Chicks dig scars.

lubes17319
03-28-10, 09:49 AM
Major bummer, but good to hear you a'ight.

Go back & take a pic of the hole & send it to PADOT, Philly to let'em know of the great job they're doing.

Austinnh
03-28-10, 11:23 AM
I forgot to mention, this happened yesterday (Saturday 3/27/10) at five or ten till noon.

Thanks all for kind words. I'm doing better today. Got a lot of sleep and had some weird dreams. The bleeding seems to have stopped for the most part. It no longer stings to run water over my face, so I could wash up a bit better.

No dental work, just stitches. I consider myself very lucky. Sometimes I don't wear a helmet so I'm lucky that I was (and you can bet I will from now on, after purchasing a new one).

I've been wondering what I should do as far as legal action/taking photographic evidence of the injuries and the pothole/trench...

Austinnh
03-28-10, 11:24 AM
Chicks dig scars.

I hope you're right. ;)

Six jours
03-28-10, 11:51 AM
http://www.xsportsprotective.com/giro-remedy.html

You can protect your face, too.