Originally Posted by
RigHty
i was returning home from work today and a car pulled out in front of me at a stop sign. i saw him stopped at a stop sign then he jerked foward a little and saw me coming but it was too late. i hit his fender and was leaned over the hood. i damaged his car and was not hurt in anyway. i was afraid he try and make me pay for the damage, but he didnt. i was just wondering if a similar situation ever occur (hopefully never) what should i do? like if i got hurt or my bike got trashed. do i call there insurance for the damages and hospital bills??
No, you shouldn't worry about paying damages for his car. He failed to yield right of way and is thus at fault. He should, in fact, have to pay any damages to you or your bike.
JMRobertson is a little over the top
but you should ride as if you are invisible. That's not to say you should be invisible but you should assume that every driver on the road can't see you and plan accordingly.
In any collision with a car, you should contact the authorities so that you have a record of the accident at the very least. Even if you don't think you are injured, you should probably have a doctor check you out as soon as possible...from the scene if you can. Injuries may manifest themselves later and, since most states have minimum claim levels before 'pain and suffering' can be claimed, it's best to have a record (and get close to that level).