Car/Dualsport collision

[GLBarton]

I had a collision with a car last Saturday. I'm looking for suggestions on how I should handle this situation.
I was riding in the right hand lane when this car traveling the same direction in left hand lane decided to go to ice cream shop. She (young girl-16 yrs. with girl passenger) turned right across my lane. I didn't have a chance but I was able to angle to right and hit the car just in front of the passenger door. I held on best that I could as long as I could but ended up in a heap. I hit the ground in front of the bike pretty hard face first. I just laid there for some time and very quickly I was surrounded by concerned witnesses. I was conscious but dazed, wiggled my toes and fingers, moved my arms and legs slowly, opened my face shield, realized I was still alive and was experiencing some pain in my knee and hand.
The folks there called 911 and calmed me, encouraging words to remain still till ambulance arrived in just a few minutes.
EMTs arrived and were very reassuring. They asked me pertinent questions (name, age, month, year (I started to say 19--but did finally get 2008 out). They checked my knee and hand and asked if I was able to get up-with assistance (I could). I went to the ambulance to have BP etc checked and asked if I wanted to be transported to hospital, which I declined. By this time the police had arrived and were taking information from parties and witnesses. I was able to give the officer my recollection of the event. The driver had admitted her mistake already.
I am not angry with her ( havn't we all made a bad judgement some time) and this was the first time in 50 years of riding I've ever had an altercation with a car. I'm very, very lucky and my injuries are minor thanks to the fact that I was wearing protective gear, Full coverage helmet, boots, jacket, jeans and gloves ( unfortunately my 30+ year old Bates leather gloves will probably have to be retired and I will replace the helmet, just in case).
My skinned up knee and broken finger will heal, my back is stiff and muscles are sore. I've had X-Rays taken and am following up with Chiropractor and Doctor. My Kawasaki Super Sherpa has suffered minor damage like bent bars, clutch lever, brake pedal, turn signal lens, scatches. What we did to the car was much more extensive, two doors, front fender, rear view mirror ripped off. I was able to ride the bike home and will now have to start setteling with the insurance companies.
I'm sure a few of you have had similar situations and I'd like to hear suggestions on how I should handle the situation.

[ajayhawkfan]

That sure could have been worse for you. I'm glad everything was minor but to you and your bike.

From your description the only thing I could recommend would be to pull onto the sidewalk and wait if you see a 16 year old girl driving.

[Kware]

Gary, so sorry to here about this accident. I am so thankful that you are okay, or not badly hurt. It is so hard to give advice on this type of situation. It's sound likes you weren't in her blind spot. The action you took sounds like your only choice. I forgot already, were you going very fast?
Defensive driving is sometimes our only option. Well, keep up with the doctor checkups.
One more thing, was she ticketed and what for? (Lane change, reckless driving etc)

[Hank Moody]

From a recent insurance issue with my son, you should be able to recover 3 times your doctors bills in pain and suffering. Remember if you "lawyer up" they will likely charge you 1/3 of what you recover. Good luck and I hope you recover quickly.

[safiri]

My major concern would be back issues that come up a few months down the road. Or tendon/ligament damage to knee, finger, etc. I know insurance companies will want you to sign off on damages right away (both motorcycle and personal), but I would be very careful of signing off on any back related issues until I was sure that I wasn't going to be in pain the rest of my life.

That said, I am glad that you are ok and that the bike is ok.

[Motoracer13]

Was she cute? Oh wait you said 16.... I swear I heard 18! Glad your ok. I would take the bike to a bike shop for an estimate for them to fix it. It doesn't take much to total a bike that is still safe and rideable with some minor fixes. Again glad your ok but I'm driving my car and drinking a coffey while typing this in rush hour..... later!