WOW you are so lucky that you didn't get hurt worse than you were. I am sorry to hear about your bike, I hope you are able to replace it when you are ready. Heal quickly. And I agree, don't sign anything till you make sure you are ok!!
Karen
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WOW you are so lucky that you didn't get hurt worse than you were. I am sorry to hear about your bike, I hope you are able to replace it when you are ready. Heal quickly. And I agree, don't sign anything till you make sure you are ok!!
Karen
Oh Susie,
I am so sorry to hear about this accident. I am so glad, however, that you are basically okay and it sounds like you did an excellent job of keeping your wits about you which is very important.
I know how long and hard you worked on getting your bike picked out and all of the parts chosen. I think the guy should pay to exactly replace your current bike AND another to ride in the interim since it sounds like it might be a while before there is a new Ruby in your size. I also agree with everyone's advise about consulting an attorney, so please do that.
Please keep us posted and know you are in our thoughts.
Tracy
ps. I am from that area, where did this happen?
What everyone else has said.
Aside from the physical injury and shock, I think we can all empathise when our most prized possession is totalled.
Please keep us informed re your settlement, your injuries and your new replacement.
Heal quickly.
Thank God you were not run over as well. I am so sorry about the bike.
Susie
I'm so sorry to hear of your accident. I hope you mend well and quickly. Sending healing energy your way.
Carole
So so so glad you are ok. Your story was so frightening especially since I commute daily on busy SF streets. You just never know when you may get tagged. I can't believe what good spirits you are in, very inspiring. Never had a reason to use this guy but he has gotten rave reviews from the women's bike club I belong to, VeloGirls.
http://www.bicyclelawyer.com/index.html
Heal quickly and best of luck.
Erin
What an interesting specialty in the law. Sorry to hear he can make a living doing this! :cool:
Sheesh, I hate those big a## trucks. Why in the blazes to people have to own them or any oversized vehicle? I have a theory that the bigger the vehicle, the lower the self-esteem and/or IQ of the driver. I might be in the minority but I'm hoping the high gas prices will mean that these stupid tanks will lose their appeal or affordability.
Enough of anti-SUV/big truck preaching!
The most important thing is that you are OK. Sorry about the bike, as she was a beauty. She can be replaced, however. You lived to tell the tale and that is what matters.
I am so glad you are ok! What a scarey thing. I also am baffled as to why he didn't hear you!
Susie, so glad you are able to tell us this story, you are so fortunate to be here. That is such a scary story, and am hoping you heal completely without problems, esp. with that knee. BIkes can be made every day, you can not. Hope your outcome is a speedy recovery and the next new bike of your dreams..shelly
Jeez...what a close call. I just wanted to add my condolences for your bike and relief that you are ok.
I also agree to be careful with this settlement. Go to your doctor and get checked out. Consult your lawyer. Be safe.
Susie, Sending more healing vibes your way along with all of the others. Hope your body feels better soon and that you stay strong in spirit.
Sorry about your bike. Hope the process of finding a new ride goes smoothly and that you get the bike of your dreams!
Just sending healing vibes your way, Susie. Take care of you!
More good vibes headed your way. I'm so glad you are OK--mostly, anyway. Heal quickly.
As for the bike--why not have your LBS try and find the right size bike from another LBS. Seems like the shipping should be covered by the insurance company. I bet there's one out there in your size somewhere. Then your LBS can do the custom work like on your other one.
Good luck, and ride safely!!!
I'm with you on this, mickchick!!! Most people who have them don't NEED them!Quote:
Originally Posted by mickchick
But back to the real topic --- Susie, hope you are not feeling too sore and stiff today! I know it's usually the following days when all the aches and pains start to settle in. And you keep going over what happened in your mind. Hope that's all better quickly. Another bike will come along and the good thing is, you are mostly unharmed and will be able to ride!
annie
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all of your kind thoughts and posts. It's nice to know that so many people care. In an attempt to answer questions:
1. This happened on the outskirts of Santa Cruz on a residential road parallel to Hwy 1. To those familiar with the area, it was on Shaeffer where Mission Street Exension intersects with Shaeffer and the bike path coming back from Wilder Ranch. The bike path ends with a stop sign and is part of a 4-way stop. I was there and he was directly opposite me on Mission Street Ext.
2. I didn't call the police. The driver was apologizing profusely and saying that it was all his fault. Also, I had a witness who made sure we had all information exchanged. It was nearly sundown and I was getting cold. It would take the cops forever to get out there. After none of my friends answered their cell phones, the driver even took me and my bike carcass home.
3. Yes, I had a cell phone. It worked fine once we found the battery a couple of yards away and put it back in the phone.
4. I have no clue why he didn't hear me. I didn't hear any music coming from the truck ... Also, he was totally sober and not driving erratically at all. He was going a little bit fast and barely stopped a the intersection. It was just that time of night when the sun is right in your eyes and even brighter because it's also reflecting off the ocean.
5. I was in the ER that night and I have a followup appt. with a doctor tomorrow. They wanted the swelling to go down a bit before determining what, if any, serious damage was done to my knee. I'll find out if I'll need some physical therapy then.
6. My LBS has called other dealers and can't find a Ruby Pro in my size. They are now talking with friends and executives they know at Specialized (the owner of my LBS used to work there). I recently met the product manager for the Rubys and have her business card. I'll be emailing her today with the photos and a request for help replacing my bike. The sales rep was there last night when I was there and he's going to make some calls as well.
7. I now have several referrals for an attorney (including a referral from my insurance company).
I hope that answered all the questions. Just a little followup story: I went back to the bike shop to get a quote for a new bike for the insurance adjuster. On Monday when I brought the bike in, the owner and 2 mechanics that built the bike were not in. They were there last night. The mechanic that threatened me if I ever got a scratch on the bike was told (well, yelled at from the front of the store) that I had just walked in. He came out, gave me a hug, said he was glad that I was alive, and then handed me a pair of Crash Test Dummy cycling socks. I got a new pair of socks!!!!
Susie
Well! There is that! :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Susie
Glad to hear you're doing OK, and taking care of business. Keep us posted--you know we care. L.
I just came on the boards and just sitting here with my hands over my wide open mouth.
Be so thankful that you are ok. As for the bike, although it will take time, I am sure it will be replaced. You have all the right people working on it. With the time of year it is, you just might wind up with a 2007 model. At least you know how you want the bike set up ie, using campy, so you will by pass the time putting thinking of how to put everything together. Just a bit of a consolation.
~ JoAnn
Hi Susie, Just want to add my thoughts and best wishes to those of the other girls. Hopefully, you will be on your new Ruby soon!
Nina
Crash Test Dummy socks...:eek: :D :D :D Smart-aleck bike people.. :p you have such a great attitude about this... I hope when the swelling goes down the knee stops hurting and that will be that... heal quickly oh cycling sister!
Wow Susie! I'm so very glad you're okay. I hope you get a new Ruby soon! They had some for test-driving at the Cinderella out of Wheels of Justice bike shop in Berkeley. Don't know if that's at all helpful.
Anyway, I hope you recover very quickly! Hang in there!
JUst got back on the boards and Holy Smokes!! What a thread!! Susie I am so glad to hear you are OK - man what a lame word - but thinking about what Could have happened your cycling angel was with you That day! Loved the socks - but am sorry you had to get them That way! :(
as for big a** trucks - Please don't generalize because of one or two bad drivers. I also have had some close calls with big trucks and/or SUVs and I've had even closer ones with gas-effcient sedans. It isn't the vehicles fault - it's the drivers. I drive a Ford F-150 4-dr and will continue to drive one even with the gas prices what they are. I have never hit anyone or anything with my big a** truck but I have almost Been hit by drivers in little gas-effcient sedans because I'm a cautious driver and because I'm very aware of the bike lanes and will obey the traffic laws regarding them, where most sedans don't bother.
No: I don't view the statements as a personal attack, but I do believe we should place the blame where it belongs. The vehicle is only as good as the person sitting behind the wheel.
Corsair---Point well taken, and I'm sorry if I stereotyped. You're right in that it's the DRIVER, not the car/truck.
Where I live (Washington, DC area), a lot--not all--of the people who drive those big a## trucks/SUVs are people who don't know how to handle them, are on the cell phone or otherwise distracted, drive aggressively, etc. They live in the mcmansions or condos and the size of their vehicle is more a status thing than fulfilling a genuine need to haul stuff (they hire people to do any chores).
Please accept my apology. When I read what kind of truck was involved and the seeming inattentiveness of the driver, I was reminded of what I see around here on a daily basis by the "too much money" crowd. Mea culpa!!
I don't have time to read all the replies -- someone may have already said this.
Do not take a settlement from the insurance company. Don't even talk to them at this point. Speak with an attorney ASAP. Since you're in Santa Cruz, I'll recommend Gary Brustin -- http://www.bicyclelawyer.com -- he has an office in Foster City (and also in LA). Gary is a long-time cyclist and supporter of the cycling community. He's even a board member of LAB.
My LBS called around and called in some favors. Specialized delivered a brand new Ruby Pro in my size today! I'm definitely building the bike with Campy again, but I'm considering going to a triple. My wrecked bike had a compact and, I have to admit, I was missing my triple last weekend doing some training for the Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge. Any thoughts?
Susie
Quote:
Originally Posted by Susie
first thought: YEEEEEHAAAAAA - that is the most awesomest of news!! As for compact vs triple - I vote for the triple with both hands but................I live in the mountains, climb no matter what direction I'm riding and have never ridden a compact so I'm probably Not the voice of reason here! :D I am so happy they found you a bike tho!! and so fast!!
and Mick: no apologies needed my friend! :D
i've got a triple on mine... cuz we have LOTS of fun climbs that i like to do!
so my recommendation: get the triple!
Yay! Sounds like you will be back in the saddle pretty soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by Susie
I vote for a triple (mine is oft used), but please remember, I look out my living room window and see 8000-11000 foot mountains three miles away. . .
Get the triple AND A NEW HELMET!!! I am so glad you were not hurt more seriously. make sure you get money enough for a good helmet replacement.
I vote for a triple, too. It can make all the difference on those 18 - 22% climbs. I ought to know. NOT!! ;)
:eek: wow ~ glad you're doing so well after all that!
Does the bike shop have a proximity alarm / air horn combo they could install? :D
Excellent news about the new bike Susie!
f-u-u-c-c-k-k-k-... that looks and sounds scary. Please Gods of the road let this be the last one.
Luck the guy had insurance.
How wonderful!!!! I am so happy they were able to locate a new Ruby Pro for you and they delivered it already. Well, this is your chance. If you felt like there were times you needed a triple on the other bike, then that is your answer, get the triple.
Wishing you much luck with this one!!!!
~ JoAnn
Glad to hear you are ok - scary stuff.
Great news about the bike, Im so pleased for you.
Go the triple - I wouldnt be without mine.:)
Hey Susie,
I've just read this thread. I'm gobsmacked. The photos of your bike, well that's probably the worst damage I've seen. If I'd seen those pictures, and not known about how you're faring, I'd be really worried :eek:
Take care, and have fun building your new bike!:D
I just want to add that you should have two years before you HAVE to settle with his insurance. You take your time and make sure you don't have any chronic injuries before you sign on that dotted line.
Very scary accident. Yikes!
Hey there Susie - so pleased you were able to walk away from this - absolutely gutted for you about your bike (can completely understand your crawling towards the bike calling out to it :p )
But so pleased it was pictures of your bikes wheels we see mangled, and not your legs
Take care and thanks for sharing the story... have read it to my boys. It is a valuable one to have tucked away - particularly as they are both learner drivers and don't have the experience of driving a car to inform their descisions around cars when they are on their bikes.
I know I have been guilty of not indicating at intersections in the car, and almost always it has been that I have flicked the indicator stem but it hasn't clicked down...
Susie, when I saw those pictures yesterday of your bike, they were indeed sad...although the fact you are all in 1 piece is more important!!
Today I was listening to some Tom Waits, and he has a song that's perfect for you. Unfortunately it's on my iTunes as a protected format and 3MB so I don't think I'll be able to attach it here :p -- so instead here is a link to listen to the beginning -- just scroll down the page a little and listen to the song "Broken Bicycles"....
Every downed bike deserves a proper memorial :( *sniff*.
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/sear...98581326&ITM=1
omg thats mad! i hope your ok and theres no long term damage..