abc

Well that was fun... After riding my brand new bike for a total of 320km it's been basically destroyed by a car pulling out infront of me. I was riding down a street at about 40-45km/h when a car came out of a side street and went over the stop line, blocking my path. I hit the brakes hard, but something happened... The front brake might've locked, can't really remember, and I went over the handlebars. After lying on the ground for about 5 seconds I heard the car accelerating and thought they were coming over to help, but after looking up I realised they were driving in the opposite direction. Thanks Luckily it happened right at the corner of my street so I was able to get home again.

From what I can see, the only things I can salvage from the bike is the frame, forks and possibly rear wheel. Everything else is either bent (front wheel, deraillers), or smashed (computer, lights, etc). I'm covered in grazes too, I don't think I'll be able to ride for at least a few weeks.

I'll probably be going to the police station in the morning to report them... I got their number plate as they were driving away. They probably won't be able to do anything about it though...

Not really much point to this thread, I just wanted to vent somewhere.

georgesnatcher

That sucks! Any witnesses? It would be nice to have that A hole at least pay for a new bike.

abc

Nope, nobody else was around Although now that I think about it, I think I've seen their car around this area before. I guess I can't make them pay if I do see them again, there's no way I can prove it, but I still have a few things that I want to say to them...

If they just had've stopped and checked if I was alright, I might've let it go. It's not like they actually made contact with me. I just think it's sad that there's people around who don't even care when something like that happens, regardless of if they caused it or not. Oh well.

late

Hi,
over here leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. You would also be able to file a claim against their insurance.

slvoid

Please tell me you hit the car, because then if there are no witnesses there's still
a) the rubber you left on the ground from braking (hopefully) showing your line and
b) signs of damage from the car proving the accident did happen.
And yeah, also post some signs and see if anyone caught the accident.

bac

ABSOLUTELY! If you have the plate number - go to the cops. If not for yourself, or your bike - do it for the next guy that might not be so lucky. Bring your busted up bike to the station - your testimony and exhibit #1 (your trashed bike) should be enough to convince the police as to what happened.

Harry

I really feel for you! These b*st*rds caused your accident, however if you don't have witnesses or indeed you did not actually hit the car then you can just lick your wounds. This may sound very negative to you but that's life, unfortunately.

I hope you get back in business quickly and perhaps a trip to the bike shop may prove to be worthwhile.

At least you can come and let off steam.

TriDevil

Is there any paint from the car left on your bike? You could tell them about the car, they could look for scratches/dents and that could be enough evidence. Definetly report them though, dont let them get away with it.

rgarza28

Hey, I agree with everyone else. Go to the police and file a report with them. If ya have a description of the person driving that would help as well.

I would like to know how it turns out.

abc

Thanks for the replies. I really don't think there's anything I can do about it since I didn't actually hit the car, I just went on the brakes hard and slid to a stop before I reached them. I wish I had've crashed into the side of them now instead of trying to stop, then it would've been a different story.

I think what Harry said is right. Even if they did get charged (which I doubt), it would probably only be for a minor traffic offence since they weren't actually involved in an accident. I guess that makes it partly my fault too, I'm the one that fell off after all. Just the wrong place at the wrong time.

nuovorecord

Sorry to hear about your mishap. Inattentive drivers are the bane of a roadies' existance. But remember, it's a relatively simple thing to replace a bicycle. Replacing your life is not so easy. I'm glad you were not hurt severely and will live to ride another day! As the Latins said, "Illegitimus non carborundumus" (don't let the bastards grind you down!)

supcom

File an accident report and report the other car as having left the scene. I doubt that you have to make actual contact with the other car for them to have liability. The fact that they entered the intersection without the right of way caused you to crash while taking evasive action. That's should be good enough.

Ask the cops to help you get the name of the car's owner and their insurance company. If you can get this information then call the driver's insurance company and file a claim.

bitemail

Dont feel too bad yesterday I was no handing and the bike began to swerve...I didnt think much of it until it got nasty and I hit the ground hard...damage was broken new 3T More Carbon $250 handlebar, Bent front Mavic Krysium SL wheel...hell I even see (what appears to be a crack) near the BB not sure what it is for sure but it wouldnt surprise me if its a crack. I say **** it! what am I gonna do cry over spilt milk. It happened after a 3 hr ride and it happened IN FRONT MY OWN HOUSE!!! You know what they say about accidents and your home, its true!

ewitz

I am looking for some cheap bike parts. Can you post a list of what you are able to salvage?

Thx

Raiyn

That's messed up. Vulture!