50+ Cyclist and Good Friend Hit by a Truck
#1
Let's do a Century
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
50+ Cyclist and Good Friend Hit by a Truck
Darn, darn, darn............
One of fellows I ride with the most and "train" with was hit by a truck Friday while out riding solo. He is in the hospital with serious injuries to his left hip, knee, lower leg and hand.
The truck was coming in the oncoming direction on a two lane road and turned left right into him while attempting to turn onto a side street. The truck driver said he was worried about a vehicle that was tailgating him and was trying to get off the road quickly and didn't see my riding buddy. My buddy didn't see the truck until it was on top of him. My buddy indicated that if someone had been on his wheel they probably would not have survived. On the other hand had there been two riders maybe the driver would have seen the two of them???
This happened on a rural road, a long straight stretch with very light traffic and in literally as good a cycling area as you could find.
My buddy called me from the hospital and was really out of it as you might expect from the pain medication and lack of sleep -but we were able to talk briefly. His wife is disabled plus he has his own business where he has several projects that are at a very critcal point that need action. I reassured him we'd do what we could to help him and his wife out.
I've picked up his bike and will take it to the LBS for "processing". There might be a few parts salvageable but not a lot......
Darn, darn, darn............this one is really is way, way too close to home.
One of fellows I ride with the most and "train" with was hit by a truck Friday while out riding solo. He is in the hospital with serious injuries to his left hip, knee, lower leg and hand.
The truck was coming in the oncoming direction on a two lane road and turned left right into him while attempting to turn onto a side street. The truck driver said he was worried about a vehicle that was tailgating him and was trying to get off the road quickly and didn't see my riding buddy. My buddy didn't see the truck until it was on top of him. My buddy indicated that if someone had been on his wheel they probably would not have survived. On the other hand had there been two riders maybe the driver would have seen the two of them???
This happened on a rural road, a long straight stretch with very light traffic and in literally as good a cycling area as you could find.
My buddy called me from the hospital and was really out of it as you might expect from the pain medication and lack of sleep -but we were able to talk briefly. His wife is disabled plus he has his own business where he has several projects that are at a very critcal point that need action. I reassured him we'd do what we could to help him and his wife out.
I've picked up his bike and will take it to the LBS for "processing". There might be a few parts salvageable but not a lot......
Darn, darn, darn............this one is really is way, way too close to home.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Rochester, MN
Posts: 362
Bikes: 91 Specialized Sirrus, 96 Gary Fischer, 08 Specialized Roubaix Elite, 2010 Specialized Tricross Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sad to hear this. I hope he recovers quickly and fully.
#3
Senior Member
I hope your friend has a speedy recovery. Way too much of this going around..
#5
Boomer
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 7,214
Bikes: Diamondback Clarity II frame homebuilt.
Mentioned: 106 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 16098 Post(s)
Liked 1,457 Times
in
1,064 Posts
Darn, darn, darn............
One of fellows I ride with the most and "train" with was hit by a truck Friday while out riding solo. He is in the hospital with serious injuries to his left hip, knee, lower leg and hand.
The truck was coming in the oncoming direction on a two lane road and turned left right into him while attempting to turn onto a side street. The truck driver said he was worried about a vehicle that was tailgating him and was trying to get off the road quickly and didn't see my riding buddy. My buddy didn't see the truck until it was on top of him. My buddy indicated that if someone had been on his wheel they probably would not have survived. On the other hand had there been two riders maybe the driver would have seen the two of them???
This happened on a rural road, a long straight stretch with very light traffic and in literally as good a cycling area as you could find.
My buddy called me from the hospital and was really out of it as you might expect from the pain medication and lack of sleep -but we were able to talk briefly. His wife is disabled plus he has his own business where he has several projects that are at a very critcal point that need action. I reassured him we'd do what we could to help him and his wife out.
I've picked up his bike and will take it to the LBS for "processing". There might be a few parts salvageable but not a lot......
Darn, darn, darn............this one is really is way, way too close to home.
One of fellows I ride with the most and "train" with was hit by a truck Friday while out riding solo. He is in the hospital with serious injuries to his left hip, knee, lower leg and hand.
The truck was coming in the oncoming direction on a two lane road and turned left right into him while attempting to turn onto a side street. The truck driver said he was worried about a vehicle that was tailgating him and was trying to get off the road quickly and didn't see my riding buddy. My buddy didn't see the truck until it was on top of him. My buddy indicated that if someone had been on his wheel they probably would not have survived. On the other hand had there been two riders maybe the driver would have seen the two of them???
This happened on a rural road, a long straight stretch with very light traffic and in literally as good a cycling area as you could find.
My buddy called me from the hospital and was really out of it as you might expect from the pain medication and lack of sleep -but we were able to talk briefly. His wife is disabled plus he has his own business where he has several projects that are at a very critcal point that need action. I reassured him we'd do what we could to help him and his wife out.
I've picked up his bike and will take it to the LBS for "processing". There might be a few parts salvageable but not a lot......
Darn, darn, darn............this one is really is way, way too close to home.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Citrus county Fl.
Posts: 787
Bikes: Litespeed Tuscany , Lemond Poprad, 1970's Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I am sorry to hear about your friend. It sounds like he is lucky to be alive. Now is the time to get over the luck and get a good lawyer. It is sad to me that a lawyer is necessary, but I would not trust the drivers insurance one bit.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Posts: 6,489
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
2 Posts
They're all too close to home to someone. Sorry to hear of his misfortune. Hope he heals quickly without too much damage to his quality of life (give work and home demands).
__________________
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking. - S. Wright
Favorite rides in the stable: Indy Fab CJ Ti - Colnago MXL - S-Works Roubaix - Habanero Team Issue - Jamis Eclipse carbon/831
#8
Senior Member
JPPE...what was he wearing?
Something like this seems to be a point for hi-viz clothing and daylight flashers on the front of the bike. I use a flasher in addition to twin Dinotte's for early AM and night rides, but I don't always use a front light in town during the day.
I think a left turn in front of you by the unseeing car or truck is every cyclist's nightmare. I wish your friend a full recovery.
Something like this seems to be a point for hi-viz clothing and daylight flashers on the front of the bike. I use a flasher in addition to twin Dinotte's for early AM and night rides, but I don't always use a front light in town during the day.
I think a left turn in front of you by the unseeing car or truck is every cyclist's nightmare. I wish your friend a full recovery.
__________________
Last edited by Monoborracho; 12-01-08 at 11:57 AM.
#9
Lincoln, CA
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 2,229
Bikes: 94 Giant ATX 760, 2001 Biachi Eros, 2005 Giant OCR2 Composite +
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Keep us posted. Any friend of yours is . . . . . .
This is very similar to the only time I was hit by a car. I was in college, heading down a hill. A Triumph sports car turned in front of me and I hit it, or he hit me. I did a couple of summersaults over the car and landed on the road, mostly unhurt. He put what was left of the bike in his trunk and closed it. Drove me back to school. I got $140 from the insurance compnay.
This is very similar to the only time I was hit by a car. I was in college, heading down a hill. A Triumph sports car turned in front of me and I hit it, or he hit me. I did a couple of summersaults over the car and landed on the road, mostly unhurt. He put what was left of the bike in his trunk and closed it. Drove me back to school. I got $140 from the insurance compnay.
__________________
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
Truth is stranger than reality.
'96 Giant ATX 760 MTB
'01 Bianchi Eros
'05 Giant OCR Llimited Carbon Fiber + upgrades
#10
Senior Member
I hurt just thinking about it. I hope everything turns out well, good luck on a fast recovery.
__________________
George
George
#11
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
It hurts when it is this close and to a dear friend. Doesn't matter how much we try to protect ourselves- we cannot cater for the idiots out there.
Even yesterday on my ride- I had to avoid a car---again.
Even yesterday on my ride- I had to avoid a car---again.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#12
Senior Member
Arrggh! Very sorry to hear, I'll keep you all in my prayers.
Steve
Steve
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Foothills, NC
Posts: 415
Bikes: 2009 Specialized Crosstrail Elite, 2008 Cannondale Six13 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Sorry to hear about your buddy. Hope him a speedy recovery. What hospital, I work at a hospital and if it is the same I will see if I can visit him tomorrow.
#14
You gonna eat that?
I hope your friend recovers quickly. I started riding again this February after not riding for many moons. When I first got on the streets, I rode under the assumption that no one could/would see me. I'm a little less timid now, but still there are a lot of situations where I know that as a cyclist, I'm not as visible in traffic as I am vulnerable. I think it's important to keep that in mind when navigating in traffic.
#15
Let's do a Century
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
Thanks for everyone's concerns. My fellow cyclist is a very experienced, cautious and very strong rider-this type of accident just doesn't seem to make sense......I picked up his bike today and after seeing the damage to the left side of his bike I can only imagine the impact to his left leg.
Good advice. My brother has been involved in cycling/vehicle accidents and used an attorney and we have passed the suggestion on to my buddy. I bet the driver is way underinsured for this situation. We're looking at an extended hospital stay, transportation between hospitals, multiple surgeries, possibly multiple joint replacements, physical therapy, a high end road bike not to mention the potential impact on a business
[QUOTE=Monoborracho;7939854]JPPE...what was he wearing? QUOTE]
I'm not sure what jersey he had on Friday but I know what he wears 90% of the time. It was a pretty well lit day and would think that anyone would be able to see a cyclist.........at least if they were looking in that direction.
He's been transferred to CMC in Charlotte.
Don't "process" anything untill the insurance company and your buddies laywers weigh in. Very often, the offending drivers insurance is not going to be enough for his medical let alone a reasonable return on the bike. This size accident is not scratch and dent......its laywer time.
[QUOTE=Monoborracho;7939854]JPPE...what was he wearing? QUOTE]
I'm not sure what jersey he had on Friday but I know what he wears 90% of the time. It was a pretty well lit day and would think that anyone would be able to see a cyclist.........at least if they were looking in that direction.
He's been transferred to CMC in Charlotte.
#16
Ride Daddy Ride
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Villa Incognito
Posts: 2,648
Bikes: 1983 Trek 720; 1983 Trek 620; 1989 Gi Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra; LeMond Victoire; Bike Friday Pocket Rocket Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Very sorry to hear the bad news--and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Stay safe and visible out there, everyone.
Stay safe and visible out there, everyone.
__________________
"Light it up, Popo." --Levi Leipheimer
"Light it up, Popo." --Levi Leipheimer
#17
Senior Member
Sorry to hear about your friend and I wish him a rapid and total recovery.
#20
Surly Girly
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SoCal
Posts: 4,116
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. I hope your friend makes a complete recovery and is back on his feet (and his bike) very soon.
While out riding I never assume a driver sees me... I have my hands poised near the brake levers while riding in traffic, ready to stop.... always looking around, checking, re-checking. Accidents can happen at the least expected times, in the least expected ways.
While out riding I never assume a driver sees me... I have my hands poised near the brake levers while riding in traffic, ready to stop.... always looking around, checking, re-checking. Accidents can happen at the least expected times, in the least expected ways.
__________________
Specialized Roubaix Expert
Surly Long Haul Trucker
Specialized Roubaix Expert
Surly Long Haul Trucker
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Here in NE Ohio
Posts: 760
Bikes: Serotta Fierte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
God bless you for being the kind of friend who offers practical help in a situation like this. It hits very close to home and I wish your friend the best. It sounds like his head is fine, which would be my main concern, though orthopedic injuries can be very serious too.
#23
Slow Moving Vehicle
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Norwood, MA
Posts: 1,068
Bikes: Felt F-70, Terry Madeleine, Novara Safari fully customized by me
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here's wishing your friend a speedy recovery. And one for you too, these accidents always hurt more than the victim. Keep on being a good friend, but don't forget to take care of yourself.
__________________
Help grow the future of cycling in the world. Volunteer at your local "earn-a-bike" program. In the Boston area https://www.bikesnotbombs.org/about
Help grow the future of cycling in the world. Volunteer at your local "earn-a-bike" program. In the Boston area https://www.bikesnotbombs.org/about
#24
His Brain is Gone!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Posts: 9,979
Bikes: RANS Stratus, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 7600, Sun EZ-Rider AX, Fuji Absolute 1.0, Cayne Rambler 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
He is lucky that he is not one of these stories, from the past few days:
https://news.google.com/news?hl=en&fk...nG=Search+News
https://news.google.com/news?hl=en&fk...nG=Search+News
__________________
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
"Too often I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen." Louis L'Amour
There are two types of road bikers: bikers who are faster than me, and me. Bruce Cameron - Denver Post
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,260
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Sad news indeed, I hope for a complete and speedy recovery.
Having just driven 700+ miles in the last 36 hours I can readily attest to the potential for making terrible mistakes when concerned about tailgaters. I missed two turns to avoid being rear-ended. In my opinion the tailgater shares as much blame in this as the truck driver does. None of this will help your buddy heal any faster.
Having just driven 700+ miles in the last 36 hours I can readily attest to the potential for making terrible mistakes when concerned about tailgaters. I missed two turns to avoid being rear-ended. In my opinion the tailgater shares as much blame in this as the truck driver does. None of this will help your buddy heal any faster.