Car/Dualsport collision
Posted: 27 Oct 2008 22:05
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.
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.