Wow...that sucks!

I went through a similar experience less than two months ago, when a guy's trailer hit me while I was riding at 40 mph down a winding canyon road.

Some things to keep in mind:

1) You'll probably have some Post-Traumatic Stress. I was a bit freaky for a few days afterwards, thinking about "what if", and what I could have done differently. Just go with it...hopefully it will pass after a couple of days.

2) Contact your insurance company. Your medical bills may be covered by your automobile insurance (mine were for the first $5000). Also, your homeowner's policy may cover your bike and bike clothing (mine did, less a $500 deductible).

3) Get a copy of the police report (even if it's preliminary). Consider filing your own statement to be included with the report...that way your side of it is in the official report.

4) If you're not already doing so, consider getting a good mirror (e.g. the Take a Look). That situation you describe is all too common, but using the mirror you can usually see it coming in advance. If I see a line of cars approaching from behind on a narrow roadway, I worry more about the following vehicles than the first one. As they approach, I intentionally move my bike further to the left, forcing the lead car to move well to the left - this alerts following drivers that there's something to be avoided up ahead (me!).

5) Don't second guess yourself too much

6) Get used to changing bandages and wound dressings...I'm still applying scar cream nearly 2 months after my accident. Tegaderm bandages are good for getting new skin to grow, as is "Silvedeen(?)" a cream that you put on the road rash.


Heal up, and best of luck with your recovery.