My story:
Cause Portion
1986, Summer. Coming home from SJCU on a nice early PM. Made a right from San Carlos onto S. 10th Street - a one way three lane street. I turned right into the far lane and all the way into it - not the near lane.
Right as I finish the turn a truck pickup just in front slams on the brake as a black sedan squirts out of Robert's Bookstore driveway...
I realize that I'm gonna crash - no way out - no time - but my brain said, "Force your left brake lever and left side of bars into rear of truck first..."
I did, just as the pickup driver seeing me coming made a best effort to move up and turn left...
I bounce sideways with the bike skitting just past the rear right of the pickup...
Next thing I know I'm still on the bike doing about 5 MPH with my lower left leg inserted in both bends of the bars - from left to right - knee to foot...my brain says in a flash, "Get that leg out or you are DEAD!!!" My right leg was across the saddle - I was literally flat and sideways on the bike with my back on the toptube.
Somehow I do and immediately I hit the ground as my bike continues to roll all by itself down the street for another 20-30 feet.
My backpack rolls me up the curb protecting my head.
Leg is bent, shoulder is chipped, god I was in total agony....
Lots of people immediately came to my assistance including the very very nice and concerned pickup driver. The driver of the black sedan apparently stopped - took one look - and sped off...
Effect Portion
For six weeks I did not ride the bike. I wasn't scared really...I don't let fear run my life. I was really spending all that time thinking about the cause - what was my fault - and what changes if any I needed to make.
My Faults
1. Turning right AND changing 2 lanes to the far side at once. I gave myself no time to survey the surroundings of my new direction when turning in that fashion. I had no time to get the timely glimpse need to determine 911 exits....
Correction - turn right into near lane. Do the lane changes later having looked around and planned it out.
2. Driving to close to parked cars when in a lane.
Correction - establish a three foot zone out from where cars normally park - follow an invisible line whether cars are parked inside or not - which also makes one more visible and puts you within only a feet few of the next lane - the "new" escape lane when an obstacle presents itself ahead.
3. No helmet. My backpack saved my life - without it the back of my head would have hit the sharp edge of the curb at 9.XX meters/sec.
Correction: Wear a helmet.
4. I'm more anti-social than most people. I'm more paranoid than most and tend to work alone.
Correction: Give the finger to the *******s...that doesn't change. But the other 99% are actually nice caring people who came to your assistance. An uptick in everyday common courtesy and simple "I'm fine, thank you..." wouldn't hurt. Don't wait for an accident for practice it - just do it. Life is a tad more pleasant that way for everyone.
I've hopped back on the bike - which was in better shape than I was - six weeks later and have driven defensively ever since - more visible - plan ahead...take lanes, use left turn lanes - etc. I've had a lot up close calls since - but no accidents.
I think what I just provided above is what you really need for your essay...
=8-)