Hit by a car biking - now what?

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10-27-2009, 11:01 AM
Sunflwrgrl5

Hit by a car biking - now what?

Hi,
I was riding yesterday and was stopped at a "T" intersection in the left lane waiting for the light to turn to make a left turn. A minivan ran their red light to make a left hand turn and cut it so sharply that they ended up in my left hand turn lane. Thank goodness he saw me and was able to avoid a head on collision but he hit me with the rear of his van and knocked me over. Luckily a witness saw the whole thing and called 911. The thing is the driver didn't even brake - he kept going then pulled over down the road aways - my witness thought he was just going to keep going. He ended up giving her his name and number and then left the accident. I did go to the ER and I have some whiplash and a pulled hamstring. Really it could have been a lot worse. I am not sure about the bike yet - but it was a brand new bike - my first ride on it. The handlebars are scratched up pretty good and part of the frame but there doesn't appear to have any major damage. I am bringing it to the bike store though to look over more thoroughly. So my question is where do I go from here? Besides wanting my bike fixed like new and feeling sore I do have a lot of anxiety about riding now, especially at intersections. Even though what happened couldn't have been prevented it it really scares me. I keep replaying it over and over in my head. The thing that bothers me is that he never apologized, never helped me or said anything to me - and left before the police got there. They pressed charges for leaving the scene without providing insurance information and he got a citation. I have never sued anyone but find myself considering it in this case. To have my bike repaired and because I do feel some serious anxiety over biking now, not to mention the guy that hit me wasn't remorseful even though he admitted to police that he ran the light and cut his turn so short that he was in my lane. Anyway - I am sure I am not making complete sense just wondering what anyone else did after they were in an accident. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Sunny
10-27-2009, 11:15 AM
MomOnBike

I think this is an excellent time to see a lawyer. Don't delay. That's what they are for.
10-27-2009, 11:17 AM
Biciclista

well, for starters, I agree, call a lawyer, t here are lots of lawyers that specialize in personal injury. But read this whole thread, lots of good advice.
Get well soon, and welcome to TE! so sorry to hear!

and here's the thread: (someone else was just hit too)

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=34561
10-27-2009, 11:18 AM
Becky

I'm sorry to hear about your accident! :(

This thread is very recent and on the same subject: http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=34561. I'm sure that some of that advice will be useful to you.

ETA: Didn't mean to double-post- Mimi beat me to it!
10-27-2009, 11:31 AM
Sunflwrgrl5

Thank you everyone - and Mimi and Becky - I just saw that thread after I posted - all great advice. Now I am just on the search for a good attorney. Thanks again - such a bummer it was on my brand new Trek Madone 5.1 :( hopefully the bike will be okay too. I am so glad to have found this forum!
10-28-2009, 02:38 PM
MM_QFC!

So sorry to hear news like this - and, as a cyclist who was hit & injured last year, I fully agree with the 'get and attorney' advice. I contacted some cycling friends after I was hit, was referred to a local attorney who has lots of experience in representing cyclists, is a bike commuter himself and sponsors several area teams and charity events.
You should be able to have a free consultation and be sure to take lots of pictures: of your bike damages, of the collision scene (I prefer to use the word "collision" rather than accident, as it seems more apt to me; even though I know it's not usually an intentional injury). If you have any torn, bloody clothing, or injuries...it's best to document all and photographical evidence is a huge help if you're wanting to recover $ for property damages and/or personal injury. If you bring your bike to a bike shop, they should know how to document not only that it was brand new but any damages done, what needs to be replaced, is it a total loss, etc? If it's deemed a total loss, then the law provides for you to get current market value - not replacement value. Since you were out on your new bike for the first time, yours sounds like it should be replacement value, but again, you'll need help in documenting this, so that the driver's insurance company can't low-ball you...
Throughout it all - take care of yourself as there are not only the physical injuries but the emotional ones to heal from too (your references to having some 'anxiety about cycling' indicate that you're aware of and not ignoring these impacts; good job!).
Mary
11-02-2009, 07:10 AM
ginny

Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. I would get a lawyer too. Most of all, take care of you. I understand about the stress of being out there after something like that. Take it easy, and it's okay to be scared. Just do what you are comfortable with. I'm sorry to hear about your bike - I hope she's okay.
11-02-2009, 09:42 AM
Sunflwrgrl5

THanks everyone - your advice and support mean a lot! I have contacted an attorney and already feel relieved about not having to deal with the insurance companies directly. However I am a little worried about the anxiety I feel about getting back on the bike. I haven't been out since it happend - because of injuries and because the bike is still at the bike shop waiting to be repaired. I am just hoping that by the time the dust settles I will be ready to ride again mentally.
11-02-2009, 04:33 PM
redrhodie

This may sound very new age-y, but I'd smudge the bike when I got it back from the shop, to cleanse the bad vibes.
11-02-2009, 04:42 PM
SLash

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunflwrgrl5

THanks everyone - your advice and support mean a lot! I have contacted an attorney and already feel relieved about not having to deal with the insurance companies directly. However I am a little worried about the anxiety I feel about getting back on the bike. I haven't been out since it happend - because of injuries and because the bike is still at the bike shop waiting to be repaired. I am just hoping that by the time the dust settles I will be ready to ride again mentally.

I felt the same way after my accident. You might try riding where you would feel the most comfortable, especially initially; bike trails if you have them available, or less busy streets. It will help, or it did me. For a while, I put my bike in the car and drove to a less busy area where there was a lot less traffic, that helped.

Just try to be patient with yourself, it may take some time. :)