Got Rear Ended This Morning
#1
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Got Rear Ended This Morning
I was on my way to work on the recumbent that I built when it happened. The weather was overcast but there was plenty of visibility. I was wearing my neon green pullover, had my rear light blinking, my front light on strobe and I have high visibility tape on my bicycle trunk. No amount of visibility helped. The driver said she fell asleep.
I just remember being struck, flying through the air, then landing on the sidewalk. It all happened in just a couple seconds. Luckily, none of my bones were broken, but I do have nasty road rash and significant bruising. I know I am going to have a hard time getting out of be tomorrow morning. My rear wheel is tacoed. It will have to be replaced. My handlebar stem is broken, but I think I can re-weld it. My cranks are really jacked up. I'm not sure I can repair them but I'll try. After I contact her insurance, I'll see how much of the repairs I can make.
My boss gave me the rest of the week off and she gave me a ride home from the hospital. At the scene, I didn't think I was too badly hurt, but I wanted to get check out anyway.
When I get the police report, I'll contact her and tell her that I forgive her. I know from the scene that she was genuinely sorry for hurting me.
I just remember being struck, flying through the air, then landing on the sidewalk. It all happened in just a couple seconds. Luckily, none of my bones were broken, but I do have nasty road rash and significant bruising. I know I am going to have a hard time getting out of be tomorrow morning. My rear wheel is tacoed. It will have to be replaced. My handlebar stem is broken, but I think I can re-weld it. My cranks are really jacked up. I'm not sure I can repair them but I'll try. After I contact her insurance, I'll see how much of the repairs I can make.
My boss gave me the rest of the week off and she gave me a ride home from the hospital. At the scene, I didn't think I was too badly hurt, but I wanted to get check out anyway.
When I get the police report, I'll contact her and tell her that I forgive her. I know from the scene that she was genuinely sorry for hurting me.
#3
always rides with luggage
I do not think I could take a ride from the person that hit me... especially if she fell asleep at the wheel.
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2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
#4
Riding like its 1990
That sucks, glad you survived and hope you can move around tomorrow.
The bike is most likely done for. Get it replaced by her insurance. Get a new bike and hospital and loss of work money. My wife was in a small accident but got a spastic back muscle from it that bothered her for a long time so hopefully they cover other expenses as well.
The bike is most likely done for. Get it replaced by her insurance. Get a new bike and hospital and loss of work money. My wife was in a small accident but got a spastic back muscle from it that bothered her for a long time so hopefully they cover other expenses as well.
#6
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It was my boss that gave me the ride. That was the "she" in that sentence. I know, pronouns can give the wrong impression sometimes.
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Glad you're doing well enough to be able to post this. Along with your police report you should get the lady's insurance info, so that they can pay your medical bills and reimburse you for damage to your bike and other items (clothes, bags, etc). Take pictures and itemize all damages, and do not repair anything prior to contacting her insurance company. Unfortunately CA is not a no-fault state so they [the insurance company] will attempt to shift some of the blame on you by asking you dumb questions (were you asleep? were you intoxicated at 8am in the morning while riding to work? Were you attempting to commit suicide but unexpectedly survive?). Simply reiterate that the driver fell asleep and do not answer any sort of leading questions (did you slow down without giving sufficient warning? etc.) You should think about suing for lost wages.
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Good to hear that your repairable and doing well. I feel bad for your bike.
V
V
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I'm glad to hear your injuries were not worse.
You're entitled to full compensation for your loses. Especially do not sign off on anything until you are completely sure you are physically recovered.
Based on your description of the extensive damage to your bike, you should also expect that they replace it entirely.
You're entitled to full compensation for your loses. Especially do not sign off on anything until you are completely sure you are physically recovered.
Based on your description of the extensive damage to your bike, you should also expect that they replace it entirely.
#10
always rides with luggage
Darned pronouns!
__________________
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
--Ben
2006 Trek SU100, 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX, 2011 Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno, and a Bakfiets
Previously: 2000 Trek 4500 (2000-2003), 2003 Novara Randonee (2003-2006), 2003 Giant Rainier (2003-2008), 2005 Xootr Swift (2005-2007), 2007 Nashbar 1x9 (2007-2011), 2011 Windsor Shetland (2011-2014), 2008 Citizen Folder (2015)
Non-Bike hardware: MX Linux / BunsenLabs Linux / Raspbian / Mac OS 10.6 / Android 7
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I'm glad to hear your injuries were not worse.
You're entitled to full compensation for your loses. Especially do not sign off on anything until you are completely sure you are physically recovered.
Based on your description of the extensive damage to your bike, you should also expect that they replace it entirely.
You're entitled to full compensation for your loses. Especially do not sign off on anything until you are completely sure you are physically recovered.
Based on your description of the extensive damage to your bike, you should also expect that they replace it entirely.
if she gets off with only paying your property damages (a new bike) that would be considered lucky.
Just wondering, did she get charged with anything for hitting you?
#12
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I can't imagine that she would get away without any tickets.
#13
Family, Health, Cycling
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I'd be inclined to contact a lawyer for one reason. As nice as the person who hit you was, that will make zero difference to the insurance company that has to pony up the cash. They have agents that are very skilled at getting you to say the right words to weaken your claim and lessen their payout. They will call you. If you have first called a lawyer, you can say "I'm talking to a lawyer". That silences the caller very fast.
I was hit by a car running a light. Serious injuries. I never talked to the driver, at the scene or since. (I got up quickly from my crash, walked to the corner, sat on the curb and asked a bystander to call an ambulance. I knew I was messed up. But I won't lay in the street awaiting the second hit.)
Ben
I was hit by a car running a light. Serious injuries. I never talked to the driver, at the scene or since. (I got up quickly from my crash, walked to the corner, sat on the curb and asked a bystander to call an ambulance. I knew I was messed up. But I won't lay in the street awaiting the second hit.)
Ben
#17
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Glad you're alive and doing fairly well. Agree about being careful with the insurance company and possibly getting an atty.
The probability that the driver will be ticketed is quite low, probably less than 5% given the outcomes of similar situations.
The probability that the driver will be ticketed is quite low, probably less than 5% given the outcomes of similar situations.
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Glad you are ok to report to us. Good luck.
Getting struck from behind is my only fear when commuting.
Getting struck from behind is my only fear when commuting.
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I'd be inclined to contact a lawyer for one reason. As nice as the person who hit you was, that will make zero difference to the insurance company that has to pony up the cash. They have agents that are very skilled at getting you to say the right words to weaken your claim and lessen their payout. They will call you. If you have first called a lawyer, you can say "I'm talking to a lawyer". That silences the caller very fast.
Ben
Ben
EDIT: and no matter what you heard the driver say, you don't know everything she told the cops after they took you away, or what's in the report.
Last edited by AlmostTrick; 02-18-15 at 10:24 PM.
#20
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You have a kind heart. I glad for both of you that your injuries were not more severe.
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#21
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Did the officer take a statement from you?
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^^^Words of wisdom. I have read stories where the driver accepted responsibility at the scene, only to reverse their entire story later on. Don't take any chances here. Protect yourself.
EDIT: and no matter what you heard the driver say, you don't know everything she told the cops after they took you away, or what's in the report.
EDIT: and no matter what you heard the driver say, you don't know everything she told the cops after they took you away, or what's in the report.
Ben
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Holy crap. Glad to hear your mostly okay. Do you mind saying where this happened so I can avoid the road where Ms. Drowsy drives?
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Miracle you were not hurt a lot worse. I agree, a lawyer is mandatory at this time to protect yourself and recover your costs, including any lost wages if you have delayed reactions to injuries. Forgiveness is healing for both you and the person who hit you, but that does not preclude your rights, w/o animosity.
Continue healing and get well soon.
Continue healing and get well soon.
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FB4K - Every October we wrench on donated bikes. Every December, a few thousand kids get bikes for Christmas. For many, it is their first bike, ever. Every bike, new and used, was donated, built, cleaned and repaired. Check us out on FaceBook: FB4K.
Disclaimer: 99% of what I know about cycling I learned on BF. That would make, ummm, 1% experience. And a lot of posts.
#25
Senior Member
No no no....do not talk to her. Do not say all is forgiven. You might not feel it today but you do have whip lash. You'll see.