Hit today - not sure where to go from here...

[owlgirl]

Hi ladies,
i got hit this morning on my 6 month old cannondale synapse. the back wheel is toast and the frame looks ok, but i bet it's got some cracks. i was trying to merge into a turn lane, and i misjudged how far back a car was that was coming. i started to merge, and i don't think the saw me till the last second. I got hit from the back, flew off and bounced 1 time, but i am fine. it is a miracle. i have some scrapes and my ankle is twisted a bit, but they are so minor compared to what could have happened. i guess i just don't know what to do now about my bike.

I am not sure if the accident is my fault. i have crossed this road many, many times and i have never mis-judged the speed of a car before. i believe the guy was speeding. i walked off the road, and said i didn't need an ambulance to the 911 dispatcher, but an ambulance did come, and i took it because my teammates advise us to do this if you get hit, because it's a lot easier to file a claim against the driver.

i guess my question is, is there a thread with wisdom about filing a claim? and what to do when you are trying to get reimbursed for your bike? i have never, ever been in a car wreck so i just have no idea. i just got my dream bike, and yes i am so happy to be alive, but i bet my bike is trashed. =( do you ladies have any advice?

oh and if this thread belongs in another forum heading please let me know.