my century, dog crash

[CenturyGrrl]

Miranda - I agree with what several others have said, about having your insurance company or lawyer handle this. Your medical bills might be extensive, and your homeowner's or renter's insurance company will almost certainly ask for the dog owner's name and address.

As a dog owner, I know that if my dog were to run in the street in front of someone's car, I would be held responsible and liable for any damage. (Massachusetts law, I looked it up when this did happen to one of my sister-in-law's dogs.)

Especially since the owner KNEW that his dog did this, it was extremely negligent on his part not to control the mutt.

I know that this is just more bother and worry for you while you're recuperating, but something has to be done so that this dog doesn't succeed in his quest to kill the next cyclist that comes along.

[MartianDestiny]

I know that this is just more bother and worry for you while you're recuperating, but something has to be done so that this dog doesn't succeed in his quest to kill the next cyclist that comes along.

I agree something needs to be done. But point of contention: the dog has no "quest to kill the next cyclist that comes along". Dogs like to chase things, dogs think it's a fun game, dogs want to have fun. That's it. (exception to the VERY small minority that actually do want to catch and attack you, but even those don't want to "trip" you to death). He has no idea that if he misjudges distance or otherwise causes an accident that he could kill you and/or himself. The dog is a victim too, of an uncaring, negligent owner that can't be bothered to teach him that chasing is bad or contain him such that he cannot. The owner is the one that's in the wrong and needs a wake-up call...big time.

[channlluv]

I hope you're feeling better today, Miranda. Were you able to get an earlier appointment with the doctor? How's your shoulder today? And how's your face? It all just sounds so painful. Are you still getting foggy?

If it's not too painful to remember the details, what happened with the dog exactly? Did he catch you and grab your foot or run in front of you, or force you into something else that made you wreck?

I agree with those who have said to complain to the Sheriff's office. That kind of bodily injury requires some accountability and for the officer doing the questioning to see your injuries and then blow it off, that would really make me angry. (Kenyonchris, any input there on what she might do?) You were not breaking any laws doing what you were doing. That dog - the owner, really - was the one causing a public safety hazard. Not the riders.

I'd also see if someone with the ride organization has some pull with local law enforcement or maybe legal assistance in getting your medical bills paid for by the owner. I'll bet if he gets your medical bills, he'll be more responsible about letting his dog run loose and chase people.

Staceysue, that flyer is a hoot.

Roxy

[hipmama]

So sorry to hear about your crash and I hope that collar bone is on the mend.

I agree as a dog owner, it would be MY responsibility to keep my dog from cyclists and to pay for any damage or injuries caused by my dog. I hope something works out for you and that you are on the mend.

[Miranda]

Thanks you guys for those additional post of support. It helps.

Well, I learned today if you just physically show up at the doctor's office, looking completely pathetic, beat-up, and beg desperately for assistance... you get in.

The short of it is that my shoulder / collar bone acl appears to have seperated. Plus, the doc is concerned about my neck too.

Was pretty much last patient of the day so the office scheduling staff had gone. One of them will call soon. Doc wants me to have an MRI of my shoulder / collar bone, and neck area. Ordered PT as well.

Doc's first impression was that it would heal without surgery; but wanted to see my MRI results to determine that for sure. Plus, something about PT assessing me.

My arm just hanging by my side feels like it did when my kids were toddlers holding my hand and trying to swing on me like a piece of playground equipment.

I asked if I should be wearing a sling or something for support. For now, to my surprise, he said "no". He does not like to see shoulders get "frozen". Guess people get in pain and don't move at all... then things heal tight w/limited range of motion etc.

Steering the outdoor bici is a "no-go" he said. But, I could spin my legs only stationary.

I told him I teach spinning at my gym. Boss & buddies have been covering my classes. I miss it. I couldn't do everything on the spin bike. But some stuff. Doc said that would at least give me "something". He sees a lot of athletes and knows we need our happy exercise endorphines. That's nice since some docs just say "deal with it, and give the sport up".

Just waiting to hear about the appointments. But...

OMG... I HATE that MRI machine. I've been in it serveral times in my life. I'm cholostrophobic and emotional upset triggers the real problem of my asthma. They drug me, but sometimes it's still just bad. Yuck.

[wackyjacky1]

Holy *beeeep*! What an awful experience. Hang in there, Miranda. Here's to your swift recovery.

[Cataboo]

Miranda, can you have an open MRI done? You don't have to get into the tube for those.

[Blueberry]

Take heart on your shoulder. I had a partial AC joint separation and bicep strain from my crash in early July. I had x-rays - no MRI. I'm still going to PT (when the scheduling people don't screw up), but 80% came back really fast - loads better in about a week, and then most of the rest of the 80% in the next 2 weeks. Still seeing lots of improvement (and my life is back to normal, more or less).

Take it easy - ice, anti-inflamatories and not sleeping on that side are your friends. And yes - they don't like to sling it. It tends to cause more problems if you're over 25 (or so says my sports med doc).

CA

[bacarver]

Hi Miranda -

I was taken out by a pit bull in June of 2005. That was my first wreck and it changed my life. I went through the experience even though I wanted to wish it away. I learned that patience, rest, and allowing my body to heal on its own schedule was better than pushing recovery. I decided not to pursue legal action for several reasons. I put all my energy into getting better and getting back on my bike. My husband did take on the local politicos and gained satisfaction though that route.
I went to several doctors and was unfortunately treated poorly by all of them but one. The one who helped was the one who told me to rest and back off.
I decided early on that I would start each day with a positive, pleasant attitude and a shower. I got myself in the shower each morning even though I had to crawl/hop the first week to get the job done.
Being in a bike wreck shows you the stuff you're made of.
Talk to someone who can see the entire picture now and down the road. You may be too consumed with your injuries now to deal with legal counsel, but you may want to take this on later. Keep the options open.
You will heal. Listen to your body and help it as it sorts things out.
Barb