You just never know what will happen when you crash on a bicycle.
A long time ago, I was riding in a more casual group at the back of the pack and decided to sprint up to the front to chat with some other friends, passing the pack on the left as one does. Somebody didn't look and swerved directly in front of me. My front tire clipped his rear, my bike began to skid sideways as the back end kicked out and I got chucked off the side at about 20mph. Somehow, I wound up with only one quarter sized road rash on one elbow, the bike needed the stem realigned, front wheel slightly out of true and that's it. I was able to finish the ride. Guy who swerved in front of me? He didn't even go down but I turned his rear wheel into a potato chip so he had to call for a ride home.

Hope your friend heals well and new shifters for you aren't too expensive.