Major Crash2..Just got home from E.R. [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Jenn

05-08-2007, 07:23 PM

Home from the E.R. I have a mild concusion and road rash ALL down the right side of my body and a headache to beat the band.
I really feel for the first posting of the Major Crash...
I was on the path moving along and a van came up on the road no turn signal nothing and pulled out right in front of me ON THE PATH.
Down I went, on my right side. All I remember is my head bouncing off the ground and dirt in my mouth. I have road rash, that is SOOO bad a Hole in my knee and my head is killing me. The E.R. Dr wanted to give me morphine, but I DON"T like meds like that so he said take some motrin go home and rest and they cleaned out my wounds OUCH!!!!!!!
Now I'm afraid to get back on my bike.:( I was being so freaking careful!!!! Well I'm going to lay down, I HURT.Thank GOD for helmet we took it in with us and the DR said had I not had it on, things would NOT be good.:(

Celeste

05-08-2007, 07:34 PM

Oh My Goodness! Jenn, I am so glad you are home and safe. How scary for you and your family. I am sorry that you are in such pain.

I don't think I would worry about getting back on your bike right now. Just concentrate on healing and feeling better right now. Heal your wounds and your bruised head; take a couple of weeks off and then see how you feel.

Sending lots of healing hugs your way. Rest and take it easy.

Running Mommy

05-08-2007, 07:35 PM

OMG! The van came on the PATH??!! Oh I do hope an officer came and he was ticketed!!
But in the meantime, becareful with that noggin!! It's nothing to mess with. If you are still feeling funky tomorrow you might want to call your doctor and check in.
Heal up nice and quick! That cute pumpkin in your avatar pic needs mom!!

silver

05-08-2007, 07:38 PM

*hugs*

I'm so sorry to hear that you are hurting. Get some rest now. Believe me, after a few days off the bike, you will be longing to be on it again.

As others told me after my wreck, you will learn to ride differently in a way that you compensate for your safety concerns.

for now, just take care of yourself!

luv'nAustin

05-08-2007, 07:51 PM

Hey Jen, Thinking of you tonight and sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

Grog

05-08-2007, 08:11 PM

I'm sorry this happened Jenn! I hope you feel better soon. Take your time.

Zen

05-08-2007, 08:24 PM

I am grateful that you are alive and nothing was broken. What a frightening experience for you (and us too).

Heal now, questions later.

Hey, now you get a new helmet!

cosc

05-08-2007, 08:24 PM

I'm so sorry you have to deal with a crash, pain and agony. Don't be shy about asking for help so you can rest and heal quickly.

KnottedYet

05-08-2007, 08:48 PM

(((((Jenn)))))

annie

05-08-2007, 08:54 PM

So sorry to hear this! How scary! I can't believe the van came on the bike path! Jeez!! Is there no safe place to ride?! Glad you are not hurt any worse, but do take your time getting back out there. Let your wounds heal first. I know how you are feeling..........

Annie

kelownagirl

05-08-2007, 09:18 PM

So sorry to hear about your crash. It's unbelievable that the van come up onto the path!

Take care and rest so you heal fast. Hugs.

crazycanuck

05-08-2007, 09:42 PM

OUchie! Ouchie!

(((((((((jenn))))))))) Take care of yourself!

I mistook a curb for a flat peice of ground a while back & the headache didn't go away for three days.

Please ensure if you're not feeling well to watch for any serious symptoms & go to the doctor if need be.

C

DarcyInOregon

05-08-2007, 11:57 PM

Jenn, sure glad you are ok. Do you know if the van driver got cited? Will you be able to recover your medical costs?

Thank goodness for the helmet. Don't forget to get a new one.

Darcy

beetle

05-09-2007, 04:18 AM

Jenn you poor this. Take it as easy as you can. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Bikingmomof3

05-09-2007, 04:47 AM

((((((Jenn)))))))

I am so glad you were not hurt even worse. :eek: Do not even think about your bike right now. Most people would be freaked out, you have hust been in a dreadful accident. :( Focus on resting and taking care of you. Sending healing prayers your way.

violette

05-09-2007, 05:06 AM

Thank goodness for helmets. I hope you got the name of the person who hit you. What did he do after this accident. Did you call the police. Make sure he pays for you medical bill.

Tri Girl

05-09-2007, 05:18 AM

So sorry about your crash. Rest up, and heal well!!!

Jo-n-NY

05-09-2007, 05:18 AM

Jenn...I am sending healing thoughts your way. I just sit here a shake my head about the van. Things like this get me real angry and I better stop at that.

Just rest, take the time to heal. I have also been through a crash and fractured my shoulder a year and a half ago. I am sure you will get back on the bike, you will just take it slow as that is what I did. I was a cautious rider before, but even more so now it seems.

~ JoAnn

sbctwin

05-09-2007, 05:21 AM

Jenn, good thing your had a helmet on!!! I hope your bruising and road rash begin healing and the same for your psyche. Your muscles will feel a different kind of pain for a few days, too. I hope they catch the creep...

Pax

05-09-2007, 05:23 AM

Geez Jenn!! :eek: Glad you're ok and I hope your headache has subsided.

My Honey (who has been riding to the UI for 15+ years) told me to grow a second set of eyes when I'm on university bike paths, the guys from the facilities department ALWAYS drive on them and sort of laugh when riders have to bail off to the side to avoid being hit. :mad:

runningteach

05-09-2007, 05:31 AM

I am so sorry. Crashes are scary, but just rest and get better for now.

BleeckerSt_Girl

05-09-2007, 05:41 AM

Jenn,
I am SO sorry that you had this awful painful crash!!! :( :( :(
I am so glad that you did not get run over.

I think people are thinking the van was driving down the bike path. Correct me if I am wrong- but I read it as the van was driving down a parallel road and then turned and without warning CROSSED the path right in front of you on one of those places where roads cross over bike paths. Is that correct?
I think we were kind of discussing this sort of thing (cars turning in front of you without signalling) on this other thread just a couple of days ago:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=15367
May I suggest a book to everyone that I read early in my biking that totally changed the way I ride? The Art of Urban Cycling (http://www.amazon.com/Art-Urban-Cycling-Lessons-Street/dp/0762727837/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-4022079-8984029?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178713539&sr=1-1)
It deals in depth with cycling techniques that may help us all avoid potentially dangerous car encounters. It's not not about city riding, but about all riding that involves any traffic flow, car, and dangerous street debris hazards. It's an amazing book that really made me ride differently.

Jenn, please heal soon with minimal pain- we are all rooting for you!
So good that you were wearing your helmet. :o
Did your bike get damaged, by the way?
You WILL be back on your bike again.

ehirsch83

05-09-2007, 06:12 AM

Jenn!! I am so glad you are ok!!
That must of been sooo scary!! I can't believe that. Tell the DH to get you some Arnica for the bruising(get the pills and put them under your tounge every few hours- if you do get the gel you can't put it on any open wounds, so it isn't very usable right now with all the road rash) also tell him to get you Calendula gel for the cuts!!

Both Arnica and Calendula are homeopathic, and they work amazingly!!!!

Hugs and kisses, get better and I will be there in a week to make sure you are up and on your feet

Triskeliongirl

05-09-2007, 06:21 AM

Hey Jenn- so glad it wasn't worse! Many of us on this board have suffered serious accidents, myself included (hit by an SUV who made an illegal right turn into my hip). What many of us learned from our accidents is that the answer is not to stop cycling, all activities carry some risk, but to reduce risk by adopting more defensive riding practices. In your case, you can't assume cuz cars aren't allowed on the bike path they won't do it, in my case I learned that just cuz I have the right of way doesn't mean a car won't try to take it illegally. You have to always be watching, alert, and expect the worst from motorists. Right now I know your focus is on healing, but if you have the drivers info., license plate info., etc. I would file a claim against his insurance company to recover all your costs, medical, any bike damage, costs for a new helmet, etc. This is also important to teach motorists they need to take responsibility for their actions. -e

SouthernBelle

05-09-2007, 06:27 AM

Hope you are feeling better this morning!

Ditto what everybody said about getting back on when you can. I broke my ribs, spring, '06, doing an endo over the bars. I was a little speed shy for a long while after. But you still gotta ride.

BTW, is the bike OK?

margo49

05-09-2007, 06:40 AM

t. Tell the DH to get you some Arnica for the bruising(get the pills and put them under your tounge every few hours- if you do get the gel you can't put it on any open wounds, so it isn't very usable right now with all the road rash) also tell him to get you Calendula gel for the cuts!!

Both Arnica and Calendula are homeopathic, and they work amazingly!!!!

Very good stuff, arnica.
Careful of your head for a few days - concussion is a real pain in the brain.
Try not to think too much (increases the pain, not to mention feeds the fear) Think: sitting quietly in darkened rooms with nice music doing as little as possible
Olive oil or wheatgerm oil on the road rash - once you can stand *anything* on it. So your skin dunt dry out.
You will be fine and shopping for a new helmet in a week or so.
How's the bike, btw?

Geonz

05-09-2007, 07:17 AM

What they said ... and also hoping that the van driver somehow got cited, *especially* if the driver was "just" turning. THose are the too-common accidents that make the roads statistically safer to be on than paths (and why yea, I tend to ignore the bike paths, Queen, even if somewhere in the books is that if they're there we're supposed to be on 'em... *if* I get cited I'll tell the judge I"m supposed to be off the road if an *appropriate* - or some other adjective that is in the code - path is available, and I can provide him lots of evidence that the campus paths aren't. Gary's little photo essay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcziko/sets/72057594104077802/) of some of the issues has done a lot of good helping the Big Shots understand why we are so "rude."

Heal well!!!!

Pax

05-09-2007, 07:24 AM

... Gary's little photo essay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gcziko/sets/72057594104077802/) of some of the issues has done a lot of good helping the Big Shots understand why we are so "rude."
Sue, that is EXCELLENT! Yesterday I had to skirt half a dozen MTD buses and two O&M trucks on the bike path. Not to mention the crumbling pavement, it about rattled my skull loose.

*sorry for the hijack Jenn*

FreshNewbie

05-09-2007, 07:34 AM

Jenn, so sorry this happened to you! Please take your time and heal. I hope you have a quick recovery and get back on your bike when you are ready.

XOXO FN

ace

05-09-2007, 08:15 AM

Hi Jenn,

Just adding my voice to the chorus of concern. Poor girl! I hope you heal up quickly.

Now the lawyer side of me emerges...I really hope you go after this person, and get compensation for your medical costs and pain and suffering- you are without doubt entitled.

Best Wishes,
Amy

Popoki_Nui

05-09-2007, 08:33 AM

{{{{{Jenn}}}}} I'm glad your injuries weren't as bad as they could have been! I know you're a bit spooky about getting back on your bike, but just take time to heal your body and spirit, and take it one day at a time.

Sending warm healing thoughts your way....

~Sherry.

RolliePollie

05-09-2007, 08:47 AM

Wow Jenn! I'm glad you're not hurt worse! How scary! I hope the guy in the van is feeling very, very, VERY guilty today!!!!!! He should be cited AND required to ride a bike around town himself so he can learn to appreciate the cyclist's perspective on riding with cars nearby.

Take care of yourself! :o

quint41

05-09-2007, 08:49 AM

I can't believe the van came on the bike path! Jeez!! Is there no safe place to ride?!
Annie

Unfortunately, it's true everywhere. Last Saturday on the metric century (Martha's Vineyard), I had cars pass me and line up IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE behind a car waiting to turn left. This was on a downhill run, and I had to stop and hold my bike in check downhill in traffic waiting for the logjam to clear. I saw a moped coming in my direction on the path (against the law), an SUV parked on the roadside, partially covering the path, and a car pull a U-turn up over the path. This is while several hundred riders were in the vicinity attempting to complete a 62-mile ride! I had this vision that I would be killed by a car just as I was about to cross the finish line!

Bottom line -- this will continue to be a problem for us until every one of those motorists owns a bike and rides on the road at least once. And we all know that ain't gonna happen.

Take care of yourself, Jenn. We're all sending healing thoughts your way.

Ninabike

05-09-2007, 09:03 AM

Jenn. Hope you are feeling better, although I know sometimes the day after can be quite painful. This sort of thing has happened to so many of us, or people close to us (my DH had fractured pelvis from car versus bike accident). The fear aspect is very real, but will improve once you get back on the bike. Ride with other people for a while. That will help. again, {{{{{Jenn}}}}.

anaphase

05-09-2007, 09:13 AM

First of all, Jenn, I'm so sorry this happened. I've been hit by a car before and it is very scary. It took a few weeks before I was even able to get on my bike again, but eventually I got over feeling afraid.

Second, Massbike has a good article on their site about what to do if you crash. There is some Mass-specific legal stuff in there, but it's a good read for everyone, IMHO.

http://www.massbike.org/resources/crash.htm

IFjane

05-09-2007, 09:47 AM

OH Jenn!!!! {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} Take care, heal and you will be fine. Take all the advice everyone has offered - I wish I had more but they have said it all. I'll be thinking about you & hoping to siphon away some of the pain from your road rash & headache. Please keep us posted on how you feel!

run it, ride it

05-09-2007, 11:17 AM

oh Jenn! I almost couldn't click on your post in light of the stresses from dealing with my own recent crash. I can certainly relate to your pain, but the hardest part to read was how preventable your pain was--how unnecessary that kind of accident is. as cyclists we all take risks, but the thoughtlessness of others makes some of those risks very unforeseen and that is the really scary part.

getting back on the bicycle will be scarier for you, as you have the memory not only of pain from the crash but of distrust from the circumstance that caused it. remember to take it easy at first on low-traffic roads, rebuild your confidence--but above all right now focus on healing.

best wishes from another gimp!

Jenn

05-09-2007, 02:25 PM

{{I love ya'll{{ I lood kinda like "Elepnaht man" on my right side....MASSIVE road rash, all the way down to my ankels. I hurt when I walk, My pelvis, it's weird. My PCP treated the road rash....OMG...
Anyway, Thank you alll sooooo much. The LAST thing in this world is to be afraid of getting back on my bike!! It's carzy I'm hearing this pop and crack sound and it's the Peroixide cleaning things out............ ugh....
Thank goodeness I ddin't break anything.
I am definately doing to take some cycling defense courses. We looked at my helmet and it is cracked on the right side, that would explain the vision disturabances, and the holes from rocks....ugh.....I thank you all {{{{{HUGS}}} for the supprt....I'm fREAKING hurting. My mom came down to watch my 15 month daughter, and all I want to do is get on my Le Mond.
I have some gnarley pics....if yall can handle it I'll post them
But, to SISTERS, I'll be back out ASAP....and I'm NOT going to quit!!!!!!!
~~~~~~~~HUGS~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jenn45

HappyAnika

05-09-2007, 02:48 PM

So sorry to hear this. Take care of yourself, I wish you a speedy recovery. :) (And a pretty new helmet).

colby

05-09-2007, 03:23 PM

Wow Jenn, what a bummer. :( Stay safe, take it easy for a little while.

mountainchick

05-09-2007, 03:44 PM

*hug* from across the ocean! best wishes for a speedy recovery!

missymaya

05-09-2007, 04:02 PM

Oh Jen I just read your post! I'm so glad that your injuries aren't worse even though the injuries you have are bad enough. I hope you heal soon so just dont even worry about the bike. I'm also glad to hear that your not gonna stop riding! I know its a dangerous sport sometimes Im glad to hear that your not intimdated. Just be safe out there and that bike defense course sounds like a good idea. Heal well and fast Jenn and sending positive energy your way.

Duck on Wheels

05-09-2007, 04:26 PM

Gurimalla!!! Keep us posted on your recovery, and here's hoping it's a fast and thorough one!

Also keep us posted if the driver gets cited, license revoked, or if you sue him hard enough to get him off the road. He'd probably wind up giving cyclists a bad reputation, but there's a least a teensy chance he'd learn something from being forced to stop driving a multi-ton murder weapon.

Python

05-09-2007, 05:39 PM

I've been shopping and just newly read your post. What a horrible thing to happen:eek:

Healing vibes on their way and a big (very gentle) ((((hug)))) from across the Pond.

mary9761

05-09-2007, 06:19 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your accident Jenn. I'm glad to know you're not hurt any worse than you could have been. YIKES they turned onto/across the path without warning, I hate when they do that. I also avoid parallel paths at times for the same reason. Of course there is one path that the home owners who live along the path have their stupid lawn service etc PARK on the path when they are at the property. I have to get out into traffic then anyways. UGH... Hope you heal quickly.

wannaduacentury

05-09-2007, 08:12 PM

Jenn

05-09-2007, 08:22 PM

It just goes to show...this was last week....

Jenn

05-09-2007, 08:27 PM

And this is today....I hurt...:(

li10up

05-10-2007, 06:51 AM

OMG!!! Jenn, did the driver stop to help you? I sure hope so! What did he have to say for himself? He sure did a number on you. Heal quickly!

Jenn

05-10-2007, 07:27 AM

And I think I hurt MORE today then yesterday. My neck back, legs, everything is sore. My right eye is swollen shut and the road rash is just the WORST.
No, the driver I don't think ever saw me, he turned and wen't flying over the path I was on right in front of me. A nice woman stopped though, that saw the whole thing and offered me to ride home, but I didn't. I was still dazed I think I rode the 3.5 miles back knowing I hurt but once I saw everything I got woozy. DH got sick, bless his heart, he can't stand blood. So just thought I'd show ya''ll my face on day 3.
Hope everyone is having a better day then I am!! Please go out and have some good rides for me!! THANKS!;)

Jenn

05-10-2007, 07:28 AM

I got my PI Sugar Knickers and a jersey I've been waiting for YESTERDAY!!:(

rij73

05-10-2007, 07:55 AM

OMG! I'm SO SORRY THAT HAPPENED! I've been reading a book called "The Art of Cycling" that is really teaching me a lot about defensive cycling. Maybe you should read it while you are healing. Of course, it sounds like in this particular situation, there wasn't necessarily anything you could do about it though!

You have a great attitude. I think I'd be totally freaked out. Take good care of yourself!

mimitabby

05-10-2007, 08:46 AM

(((((Jen)))))

you are a brave lady to share those pictures.
Keep healing.

Duck on Wheels

05-10-2007, 08:57 AM

Did anybody get that guy's license number?! Good grief, Jenn! That guy really needs to be taught a serious lesson! If nobody ... well, obviously not you, you were otherwise occupied, but if no witnesses got his number either, then I suggest that you write up a piece for your local paper and include those pictures! Make sure that place and time and the way the guy drove are crystal clear! Maybe the word will get through to this guy. Maybe he'll even fess up and apologize. Or maybe somebody else will realize who it was and turn him in.

spokewench

05-10-2007, 09:27 AM

Really sorry Jenn. It is a @5%^& to get hit by a car. I'm glad you are no worse than you are. So many cars will hit and run these days too. It is ridiculous! No one is accountable for anything in this world. I got hit maybe 6 years ago riding home and I know the young girl that hit me would have run if it had not been for the person behind who saw the accident and turned to help. If that woman had not come to help, the girl would have driven off and left me lying it the roadway I am certain!

BleeckerSt_Girl

05-10-2007, 10:29 AM

OMG! I'm SO SORRY THAT HAPPENED! I've been reading a book called "The Art of Cycling" that is really teaching me a lot about defensive cycling. Maybe you should read it while you are healing.

Yes, written by the same guy as "The Art of Urban Cycling", which I recommended earlier in this thread.
EVERY cyclist should read these two books. You can get them cheap on Amazon, used but like new.

BleeckerSt_Girl

05-10-2007, 10:34 AM

Did anybody get that guy's license number?!...Maybe the word will get through to this guy. Maybe he'll even fess up and apologize.

He probably never saw her and still doesn't have a clue that the event even happened. Cyclists don't realize how often car drivers just simply do not see them at all. To increase our own safety, we must always assume they totally don't see us.

pooks

05-10-2007, 11:28 AM

Oh, Jenn.

You're so GORGEOUS all swollen and scraped! What a dame! What a jock!

You remind me of Rosie:

http://z.about.com/d/trucks/1/0/L/4/rosie_riveter.jpg

And you CAN do it.

You'll be in your new duds and on your bike in no time!

(hugs)

Jenn

05-10-2007, 11:37 AM

Oh Pooks {{{{HUGS}}}}, thank you SOOO MUCH!!! How did you know that that is one for my favorite pictures!!!!:D Bless your heart, you made my day

pooks

05-10-2007, 11:39 AM

I saw your pictures and thought of her. You are her. Own it!

Bike Goddess

05-10-2007, 11:47 AM

Hi Jenn- I'm so sorry to hear of your mishap. It sounds like you were on a Class 1 bike path- separated from the road. One of the reasons I don't like these paths is because drivers pay no attention to them. We're out of sight and out of mind.

Please see a doc if you don't get better soon. You may need to get your head checked especially if you had a concussion. Pain pills aren't my thing either, but sometimes it's better to take them. I trust you are in doctor's care.

Get lots of rest (with a 15month old that will be a challenge!). With time you will heal. In the meantime I too send my healing thoughts to you.

F8th637

05-10-2007, 12:52 PM

Wow, Jenn! Please take it easy! I'm such a wimp I would've been like, "Load up the morphine, fellas!"

I know that other people have mentioned the book "The Art of Urban Cycling. (http://www.amazon.com/Art-Urban-Cycling-Lessons-Street/dp/0762727837/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-4022079-8984029?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178713539&sr=1-1)" I'm currently reading it right now. I borrowed it from the local library. While you are down (and not out ;)) might I third the suggestion that everyone read the book.

Get some rest and heal up soon!

rij73

05-10-2007, 03:10 PM

Yes, written by the same guy as "The Art of Urban Cycling", which I recommended earlier in this thread.
EVERY cyclist should read these two books. You can get them cheap on Amazon, used but like new.

I think it's the same book, isn't it? Just newly published under a new title?

BleeckerSt_Girl

05-10-2007, 04:18 PM

I think it's the same book, isn't it? Just newly published under a new title?

Oh Jeez, so you mean I just bought the SAME book again, with a different title???? :( :( The title, cover, and even the subtitle is different!! How dare they do that!!! :mad:

Looks like I'll be lending one copy out to various friends, I guess. :(