California Crow

Even with all the forum posts that pop up seemingly daily, I never thought it'd happen to me. We had a brief break in what's been many days of continuous rain here in Nor Cal, so I popped the bike off the trainer and went out for an early morning ride. Just as I was finishing it up, less than a mile from home, a guy blew right through a stop sign and broadsided me. I had enough time to slow down, but not to avoid him completely. Luckily for me, he was making a turn, so he'd also slowed down considerably. Luck is the key word here, as I was knocked completely off the bike, went up on his hood, and slid slowly down to the pavement. By some miracle, I'm pretty much unscratched, although I think I may end up with a bruise or two.

It was dark, but the streets were well lit, I had a bright CygoLite in the front, a bright LED blinky in the rear, light clothing, reflective helmet, and reflective patches. The guy says he just didn't see me. (No mention of the stop sign he ignored).

The bike took a bit of damage, but I'll not know the full extent until I have a chance to look it over once I'm home from work this afternoon.

I'm thinking that today I should play the lottery, and see if my lucky streak continues.

Dave P

tagaproject6

Any police reports?

California Crow

No report. I was so relieved that I was unhurt, and so close to home, that all I wanted to do was get there ASAP. I did get the guys contact info, license number, etc. I'd told him he'd be hearing from me after I checked out the bike more fully. He couldn't have been more apologetic and concerned. Had his response been anything else, I'd have probably pressed the issue further. On reflection, I probably at least should have notified the police, just to cover all the bases.

rumrunn6

glad it wasn't worse. thanks for sharing! call an ambulance chaser and see what they say

aRoudy1

No use playing the lottery--you've already used your luck for the day; glad you're ok.

tagaproject6

Glad you're okay. I just hope the guy that hit you does not turn out to be a d-bag when it comes to repairing your bike.

AdamDZ

If there was no police report, this accident didn't happen. If he's dishonest he can just walk away from this. People are act nice and honest exactly for that reason: they know they're guilty, to avoid a police report, that relieves them from any responsibility. If you are ever in an accident, call the police and get a report written, always. You may have internal injuries that won't be apparent until your adrenaline wears off hours later, or next day.

Wake

I don't think you need a police report, but a credible witness is necessary if the offender denies it.

California Crow

No witnesses, at least as far as I know. This was at 4:30am. I think the guy and I were the only two people out on the streets within a half mile of the place.

I'm still showing no health issues at all... not even a bruise. The bike spent the afternoon in the shop, but I have it home now. Total repair bill approx $90, some of which was non-related to the accident.

CC