OMG I Was Just Hit By a Car

[kfergos]

Hey ladies,

Thank you all so much for the good wishes and advice. Last night I also came down with a cold and started my period -- these things come in 3s, right?

Anyway, I did not end up going to a doctor, but the firemen gave me a decent examination and provided me with a copy of their medical write-up from the scene. I also took pictures today of the bruises, swelling (not easy to photograph!), etc. I'm very sore but, considering, pretty much unscathed. I think he didn't actually hit me, but rather slammed into my front wheel and knocked me over. All my injuries are consistent with the times I've just fallen over by myself, with nothing on my shin (say) where the car bumper would have hit.

Lawyer-wise I'm thinking of going to John Duggan, who I encountered purely by accident on my commute in on the I-90 trail a few months ago. Turns out he's also extremely active at the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, where I work. I'm just not sure if I really need a lawyer if it doesn't go to court. I think I'll ask around at work tomorrow and see if he'd at least give me a consultation pro bono, since I'm a poor AmeriCorps intern at his favorite bike nonprofit.

Now the real important news: My bike. The front wheel, of course, requires replacing. The carbon fiber front fork and carbon fiber handlebars (new this fall -- sob!) don't show any damage but the bike shop guy recommended replacing them if I can. His quick estimate put total repair costs around $1000. I just hope I can actually get that much out of whatever insurance company ends up dealing with it.

ETA: I forgot to mention that the drivetrain, deraillers, shifters, and brakes are all just fine, as is the back wheel. The entire back half of my bike is essentially unscathed! And, since I fell on the opposite side of the drivetrain, that got nary a scratch.