Dog versus cyclist :(

**arielmoon** · 03-30-2009, 09:17 AM

BF and I were out for a short ride on Saturday and I was cruising along a bit ahead of him when out of nowhere a dog ran out and hit my front tire. I believe he meant to chase me as he did 3 weeks ago while I was riding with a friend past the same farm. Long story short I had no time to react other than to reach for my brakes before he wiped me out. I fractured my pelvis in 2 places and also my sacrum. OWIE! Doc says no surgery because they are stable but 6-8 weeks recovery.

The dog was fine and the owner started out pretty rude. She asked why I would come down a road when I knew there was a dog that chased bike riders. BF was really ticked off. He rides the same road almost every day and had never seen it before.

I am very fortunate that BF is living with me now and is currently unemployed cause he is having to do everything for me. This could become a problem though if I miss too much work.

Oh and Dara (Trek Madone 5.1) survived with minor scratches to the brake hood and a large scuff mark to my new Selle San Marco saddle

I have some road rash on my left side and the worst is my elbow. Somehow my Sheebeast shorts show no signs of anything even though I was scraped up under neath them.

**indigoiis** · 03-30-2009, 09:20 AM

Oh that TOTALLY SUCKS. I am sorry to hear!
What are the rules about loose dogs in Florida? How crazy was that response?

**sgtiger** · 03-30-2009, 09:22 AM

Ew, ow, ow! That sucks. Take it easy, 'kay? I hope you recover quickly.

**Aggie_Ama** · 03-30-2009, 09:22 AM

The owner sounds like a real pain, how unsafe to let your dog run out! The dog could be just as hurt, did she think of that? Sending healing vibes your way.

**wackyjacky1** · 03-30-2009, 09:26 AM

How awful! That sounds so painful.

Is there any way to hold the dog owner accountable? Let your insurance company go after her for your medical expenses?

**fidlfreek** · 03-30-2009, 09:36 AM

Have you considered getting a lawyer? Any dog leash or fencing laws in the area?

**sundial** · 03-30-2009, 09:37 AM

Oh my, what a terrible accident! I'm so glad you weren't hurt worse. I hope you heal quickly and will be back in the saddle soon.

As for the negligent dog owner--he's on borrowed time before something much worse happens to either him or the dog.

**Norse** · 03-30-2009, 09:46 AM

What an irresponsible dog owner. I don't know of any state that allows owners to let their dogs run loose. You shouldn't let her get away with this. The next time the dog, or the biker, may be killed. I wish you a speedy recovery, but do get an attorney and sue the clod.

**arielmoon** · 03-30-2009, 09:42 AM

The owner was having no part of taking responsibility for the incident but I have her phone number and I know who she is. I also have another witness to say that the dog has done it before. I am going to see what my insurance covers and if I loose time at work I may have to take action to cover my expenses. I am not a sue happy person but she is liable and I can not afford to get in debt (any more than I already am) over this.

It was totally random and dogs will be dogs but she could at least close her gate to prevent such a thing. She carried on about how confining the dog would be cruel and at one point told my BF maybe she would have him put down. He immediately told her I would be really mad if she did that.

**Norse** · 03-30-2009, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by arielmoon

I am not a sue happy person but she is liable and I can not afford to get in debt (any more than I already am) over this.

She carried on about how confining the dog would be cruel and at one point told my BF maybe she would have him put down. He immediately told her I would be really mad if she did that.

On the first point, you should be able to find a lawyer who will take this on a contingency basis. At the very least, you should recover your medical expenses plus an amount for pain and suffering, and certainly lost wages if you have to be out of work.

On the second, she thinks her options are to let the dog run wild or kill it? I just wonder what happened to her little gray cells upstairs.

**sgtiger** · 03-30-2009, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by Norsegoddess

On the second, she thinks her options are to let the dog run wild or kill it? I just wonder what happened to her little gray cells upstairs.

I don't get logic like that either.

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 03-30-2009, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by arielmoon

The owner was having no part of taking responsibility for the incident

How ludicrous!
I don't think that's her choice to make. It's a public road intended for public use by citizens in cars, on bikes, jogging, whatever... and her negligence and her loose dog caused a serious injury.
I'd get a lawyer and I'd be all over her. Insurance company needs to be in on this as well, and it really needs to be reported to the police.

**ladyicon** · 03-30-2009, 12:52 PM

Terrible outcome for you, hope you heal fast. This may sound crazy.....but check your auto insurance policy. Some will cover, some will not. Get well soon and do not give up.

**ny biker** · 03-30-2009, 12:54 PM

I don't want to pile on, since I'm sure you really just want to relax and focus on recovering, but if the dog was injured the owner might come after you. So that's another reason to consult with a lawyer. Better to be prepared, just in case.

**runningteach** · 03-30-2009, 03:24 PM

I am so sorry. It is good that you have your BF to take care of you. I am not sue happy but when I had a bike accident getting a lawyer was the best thing to do. There were so many problems with insurance and who was covering the costs that it was nice to have someone looking out for me.

Take care of yourself
Jeannie

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