My turn, interaction with a car
 

Had an interaction with a complete dumbass in a car today. I was commuting home and someone in a turn lane going left, decided that she was going to turn to the right across the straight lane because of the significant traffic in the area. I was in the straight lane taking the whole lane during her abrupt maneuver and my 2011 Raleigh One-way took the brunt of it, I rolled up and hitting pretty hard on my right side. I'm good besides bumps and bruises. Lots of people tried to help, but I really was and am alright, so I appreciate that.


This idiot decides she can make it all ok with "a drink" which she will buy me at a bar around the corner. She really wants me to ride with her somewhere, which I decline over and over. My wife is less sophisticated and VERY protective (and also a personal trainer) of me so I pick up my damaged bike and walk a half mile down to the bike shop to avoid the confrontation.


Anyway, front wheel will need a rebuild as will a lot of the fenders but could be worse. All I need is Tylenol and beer.

she was probably stunned & didn't know what to do. but dude! you cudda got some "strange" ... just sayin' ... the older we get, the fewer those opps come along. but totally understand being pissed at her. funny tho she went from being in hurry, to having time for drinks

You didn't want her to pay for your expenses?

1. That's what we did. The guy that hit me bought me a pint and we talked it out.

2. Not sure what to make out of the "my wife is less sophisticated" commentary. Why marry her? Arranged marriage (not as uncommon as one would think.)

It wasn't meant as a derogatory term. My wife is from what we affectionately term "the sticks", and has no reservation about kicking someone's butt (which is ironic she is so tiny).

I wasn't thinking clearly at the time, should have, her car was still there this morning where she stopped after hitting me this morning so maybe the police took care of it.

T

Maybe the police took care of it? Calling the police and having them make out an accident report on the scene is always the wisest course of action.

hmmm, you left before police arrived? how do you even know police arrived?

So, you didn't give her a chance to feel responsible for her actions? I think you let her down. Glad you are OK.

At the very least there should have been a police report. Glad you weren't hurt, but if health/medical issues arise later on and you don't have any documentation of the incident good luck with insurance.

Also, from her perspective: I hit someone on a bicycle while making an illegal move in traffic and there was no consequence. No need to change my behaviour.

If hit by car, always call police, always get the insurance info, always go to urgent care or something similar at a minimum. Even if you're not hurting the insurance company will use the fact you didn't go to show that the hit couldn't have been that bad. I will always call a lawyer if there is even the slightest chance of injury after seeing how things have gone with friends that were injured either in their car or on the bike.