Yesterday, after a truly exhausting day at work, I headed home near dusk on a cloudy day. A little over half way home there are a couple tricky spots where cars back up next to some buys businesses (first a swimming school then a grocery store). On my past the grocery store someone made a right turn (roads are opposite from America here) to get into the parking lot quite quickly. I didn't see her until too late and vice versa and proceeded to get hit by can, up onto the hood, and then finally down to the ground.

The fall wasn't too bad, I'm sore today, and have some whiplash, but no broken bones or anything major. I already went to the doctor to get checked out, and they seemed to think everything was okay. My front wheel suffered some minor bending, now it's a little out of true, but the bike shop and insurance adjuster will check for more damage when I bring it in. I'm worried about the axle (the first thing hit) and the fork, but I did ride home after the accident.

The hardest thing has been the language barrier, trying to communicate in a language I'm not strong in an important situation was tough, and I had to have my wife handle a lot of everything, though the police made me try to do it by myself at first before they were like, "yeah, you don't understand enough, call your wife..." My doctor visit has already been paid for, I'll get reimbursed for time missed at work, and I'll see about the bike and helmet later. I'm just glad I didn't get hurt badly, and it seems like my bike is okay (the insurance company can replace that if they want though). I'll definitely be a lot more defensive on that stretch of road from now on.

Wow! Crazy! Glad you're mostly okay. Bikes and bike parts can be replaced. You seem to be taking it well - funny post title.

feel better, thanks for sharing

Glad you're mostly ok

Thanks guys. I had a lot of the parents of my students asking about me this morning. I said I mostly fine, but then changed to "oh, it hurts, I think I need some pizza..." That didn't work though.

Taking my bike to the LBS for the insurance adjustor and store to look at it either tonight or Saturday. Really would like a new helmet, and I am trying not to get my hopes of the insurance company replacing the bike.

Glad you seem okay. Was your attention drawn somewhere else that you did not see her make the turn? I know sometimes it's a matter of seconds that you're distracted and that's the moment a driver gets in your way.

I was super exhausted, but my eyes were on the road. She was hidden behind a row of cars, probably she didn't have her headlights on either. I wasn't flying, but still probably going 16-17 mph.

Glad you are okay- ish. I hope fully recover and you are mentally able to get back out there.

Just an update. The insurance ended up paying out, better than expected. I used the money to get a TCR Advanced 2, new helmet, and a new light.

Lights are useful for those situations. At dusk, dawn, as well as during the night. Get well, keep riding and try using lights (if you weren't already) during daytime as well in those conditions.

I got a more powerful light (Cateye Volt 800), which is much brighter even at the medium setting than what I was using before. I tend not to use light during the day unless it is overcast or foggy. I have very few problems when it is bright out. I think the low speed limits help a lot.

Glad to hear you're ok and yay on the new bike, at least something good came out of it. Pics of the new gear?

Good. Hope your body is OK by now too.

When the sun is rising, or setting, cyclists are less visible (especially with a sun behind you), and driver's eyes are not yet accustomed to the new lighting conditions. Dusk, or dawn - lights are a safer choice.

Sweet bike! and I approve of the matching helmet.

You know, today this thread came to mind because during today's commute I also ended up on a car's hood (and then, the pavement). Nothing serious, I was taken to the ER when I got to work (here accidents occurred during commute to/from work are considered work accidents). I'm sore but OK and my bike came out with just minor scratches.

Sounds very similar to my situation. Hopefully you get taken care of just as well!