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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Traveling Nomad
    Posts
    6,763

    Bike Accident :-(

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    Hi TE friends,

    I haven't been around for a few days because I had a crash on Friday. I guess I am in the Anger stage right now. I really still can't believe this happened. Here are the deets, copied and pasted from my Facebook post:

    We had just had a wonderful road ride in Georgia on a beautiful day. We were staying in a COE campground on the shores of Lake Strom Thurmond. On our cool-down loop through the campground, I was coasting around a blind curve, downhill, so probably going a bit faster than I should have, when a tiny little girl (maybe 3 years old) on a teeny-tiny bike pulled out right in front of me, crossing the road.

    I couldn't stop or swerve in time and crashed right into her and endo'd. First time I have ever done that. I chin-planted right on the concrete road. I was bleeding quite a bit and felt like I'd lost a bunch of teeth in back as my bite was immediately messed up. Some nice campers at an adjacent site called 911, and an ambulance & sheriff arrived pretty quickly. The little girl's father showed up and felt terrible. She was okay, just a skinned knee and shook up, of course. I feel bad that I hit her, but I blame her parents for not paying attention. I guess Dad was down by the lake nearby (and my mind wonders if he was on his Smartphone, as I see that all too often these days when parents are supposed to be taking care of their kids.) No child of that age should be on a bike in the middle of any road unsupervised, even in a campground. She could have been hit by a car just as easily as by me. But if it had been a flat or uphill section, I would have been able to avoid her, since my speed would have been slower. DH had just gone through that area and had seen her, but at the time she was on the side of the road. He didn't anticipate her pulling out so didn't yell for me to be aware.

    I was whisked off to an Augusta hospital about 30 minutes away. I was in the ER for six hours. Got both hands xrayed (have a left thumb fracture and right pinky sprain) and a CT scan of my jaw. The jaw wasn't broken as I'd feared, but I wish I'd thought to ask about dislocation, because it certainly seems to be. My teeth are not matching up anywhere close to right, though it doesn't seem like I actually lost any, thank goodness. I guess I still could, but hopefully NOT. I have been able to brush them, very carefully, but I can't open my mouth very far, my bottom lip and part of my mouth inside is numb, making eating challenging (soft food only), and my face is swollen like I just got all my wisdom teeth out. I look bad.

    They sutured cuts above my upper lip and my chin. Have a pretty good strawberry in both place and am cleaning & changing bandages daily. I've got bruising on my neck and a big one on my left quad. I'm sore here and there (ribcage, sternum), but nothing too bad, so I'm getting around fine.

    I am going to see a doctor to follow up about my jaw, of course. I'm hoping that once the swelling goes down, it will miraculously fit together again, but I am not counting on that. I'm hoping the lip numbness isn't permanent because I really do like my smile, and I enjoy eating without worrying that I'm dribbling all over myself, like after a dental appointment! My thumb seems to be healing quickly -- I even took the splint off (they told me I could in the ER) so I could type better, and it really doesn't hurt, is just stiff and swollen. I'll put it back on for sleeping.

    Each day is a bit better than the one before, so I am trying to remain optimistic. It could have been worse, but as you can imagine, I'm not a very happy camper at the moment!

    We just arrived in Hickory, NC, where my mother and step-dad live, yesterday and will be in Chapel Hill next week. Good timing for doc appointments. I already had a routine mammogram scheduled. To add to the fun, it appears that my step-father may have had a mini-stroke about a week ago. So, my 82-year old mother is frantic about that, and now worried about me too. I hate that she is having to do more than usual. I hope my DH can help her out some while we are here. Normally I would, but....
    Emily

    2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
    2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
    2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Concord, MA
    Posts
    13,394
    I am sorry, Emily! What happened is why I do not ride on bike trails, where there are a large number of kids. And kids are unpredictable. And yes, I would blame the parents.
    Are you going to see an oral surgeon or a doctor about the jaw?
    2015 Trek Silque SSL
    Specialized Oura

    2011 Guru Praemio
    Specialized Oura
    2017 Specialized Ariel Sport

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    northern Virginia
    Posts
    5,897
    So sorry this happened, Emily! I'm glad you and the girl were not more seriously hurt, at least. I hope the numbness and jaw problems subside as the swelling goes down.

    - Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
    - Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
    - Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle

    Gone but not forgotten:
    - Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
    - Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    north woods of Wisconsin
    Posts
    1,110
    Emily, my heart goes out to you and my best for a good recovery. Nothing worse than the dreaded endo and it has claimed a lot of lives. Glad you survived it, nasty and painful as it was for you. Have done one, but I landed in sand with nothing more than the wind knocked out of me. I was so lucky, because there were rocks all around me.

    If there's any good news in this, you're right, at least the child wasn't seriously hurt. I would have had a hard time living with that, otherwise.

    Go slow and lot's of love from this girl.

    Joanie

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Illinois
    Posts
    3,853
    Oh no, Emily!! I'm so sorry to hear and this, and doubly glad you weren't more severely injured. Hope you heal up quickly and the jaw slides right back into place once the swelling goes down.

    Electra Townie 7D

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Traveling Nomad
    Posts
    6,763
    Quote Originally Posted by Crankin View Post
    I am sorry, Emily! What happened is why I do not ride on bike trails, where there are a large number of kids. And kids are unpredictable. And yes, I would blame the parents.
    Are you going to see an oral surgeon or a doctor about the jaw?
    This was not on a bike trail but a campground road. We dealt with kids all the time on the paved paths in Florida but most had much better lines of sight, very few blind curves, and not many hills. I do blame myself for going faster downhill than I probably should have, but this is the first time in two visits to this park that I have ever seen a child in the road.

    I am going to my PCP first as a follow-up on both my thumb and jaw and have her refer me to specialists as needed. She'll be getting all the records from the ER that did the x-rays and CT scan. Also, she is a pretty serious cyclist and runner so is aware of these types of things. I feel very comfortable starting with her.

    I am trying to avoid getting into the "dental" realm, if at all possible, since I have health insurance but no dental insurance, so this could make a big difference in the out-of-pocket cost.
    Emily

    2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
    2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
    2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Location
    Montreal, QC
    Posts
    764
    Sending good vibes that you heal quickly and without bad consequences. What a nasty but preventable accident.

    Reminds me 2-3 years ago at a campground. We're walking 2 dogs, one that is blind. He is on grass, on leash. 2-3 boys on a bike came down the hill carelessy and saw us too late. Their handling was not at best and first thing we knew they rammed into my tiny blind dog. He flipped under the wheel, near the chain ring, etc... I was scared he was injured. He just got up and walked away no harm. I could not help but talk loudly to the kids to slow down as the campground was crowded. I saw their parents down the hill and no apologies or checking on us. I did not see the boys (about 8-9) for the time we were there.

    So now we are even more overly careful with kids and bikes. Those things can happen so fast.
    Helene
    Riding a 2014 Specialized Amira LS4 Expert - aka The Zebra!
    2015 Specialized Crux e5 - aka Bora Bora bike

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Concord, MA
    Posts
    13,394
    Oh, I understand this happened on a road; just saying I am hesitant to ride anywhere there are kids. But, don't blame yourself.
    2015 Trek Silque SSL
    Specialized Oura

    2011 Guru Praemio
    Specialized Oura
    2017 Specialized Ariel Sport

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Twin Cities, Minnesota
    Posts
    486
    I am so glad you are as okay as you are. I hope you heal so you are perfect again. This in no way was your fault.
    I love reading your posts! (well, maybe I could have done without this one.)

    And I agree, make sure there is a police report. You may get them to cover dental work. I have home insurance that covers something like that.

    I am sending wishes for you to heal quickly.
    kajero
    2013 Trek FX 7.6 WSD
    2012 Specialized Ruby WSD
    2004 Schwinn (I think that is the year)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2008
    Location
    northern Virginia
    Posts
    5,897
    Re: dental insurance, it was many years ago but when I had a wisdom tooth removed by an oral surgeon it was covered by my medical insurance rather than dental. So if you end up needing an oral surgeon, you might have coverage. But I hope it's not necessary!

    - Gray 2010 carbon WSD road bike, Rivet Independence saddle
    - Red hardtail 26" aluminum mountain bike, Bontrager Evoke WSD saddle
    - Royal blue 2018 aluminum gravel bike, Rivet Pearl saddle

    Gone but not forgotten:
    - Silver 2003 aluminum road bike
    - Two awesome worn out Juliana saddles

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Boise Idaho
    Posts
    1,162
    Ouch, ouch, ouch. Sending positive vibes your way. Accidents like that are always hard aren't they. As you noted, thankfully the little girl was okay as I expect you would be even more traumatized if she'd also been hurt. Hoping once your swelling goes down your mouth and teeth will be okay, just had friends visit the Mexico dental town(spacing on the name) over the winter (on my list in the future) seemed to have gone well.
    Sky King
    ____________________
    Gilles Berthoud "Bernard"
    Surly ECR "Eazi"
    Empowering the Bicycle Traveler
    biketouringnews.com

  12. #12
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    central NY
    Posts
    404
    I'm so sorry Emily! I hope you heal completely and fully.

    As far as insurance goes, sometimes medical covers dental problems if they're injury/trauma related.

    Rest up!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    Traveling Nomad
    Posts
    6,763
    All,

    Thanks so much for your kind and encouraging words. Sheila, your experience especially gave me hope that I might get out of this without jaw surgery, so thank you for sharing it. I have done some research, and it does appear that jaw surgery from trauma, not for cosmetic reasons, is likely to be covered by health insurance. That would be great if the need arises.

    No, no brain trauma. I'm just the same me. No headaches or confusion, etc. once the initial heavy-duty painkillers (which I was every so thankful for) wore off. Thank the gods for this. No neck or back pain either. Again, very grateful.

    My bike is also fine! It's tougher than me.

    The sheriff came, and we told him what happened, but we did not file a police report. I would not try to make the kid's parents pay for this; it's just not in my nature. It was an accident, and I am afraid if we tried to prove fault, I would have to swear that I was not exceeding the 10 mph speed limit in the campground. I can't swear to that. I honestly don't know what my speed was.

    We paid $100 to take a cab from the hospital back to the campground, as we don't have a tow'd vehicle, and it was quite a ways out. No telling what the overall hospital bill will be, but we do have a good ACA plan (thank you Obamacare!!!!!), and supposedly the max out of pocket in one year per person is $4500. That would not be fun but is doable for us, thankfully. I am so relieved that I had my DH change out my bike gearing recently at a cost of < $100, instead of buying the new bike I would have loved. This would have been much more traumatic in that case!

    We do try to avoid riding where we know there will be children, just like you do, Crankin. They are indeed unpredictable. We never rode the Florida bike paths on Saturdays and only very rarely on a Sunday morning. This was just a cool-down after a nice ride outside the campground, on the road.

    I appreciate everyone's support!
    Emily

    2011 Jamis Dakar XC "Toto" - Selle Italia Ldy Gel Flow
    2007 Trek Pilot 5.0 WSD "Gloria" - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow
    2004 Bike Friday Petite Pocket Crusoe - Selle Italia Diva Gel Flow

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Nov 2009
    Posts
    10,889
    OMG, I just read this! So sorry this happened to you, glad you're feeling a bit better, and I do hope that you don't hit that max out of pocket!

    While my own face plant 2 years ago at work (that lead to the knee surgery) broke my nose somehow I avoiding doing any damage to teeth of jaw and looking back am unsure how I was that fortunate. Even my broken nose wasn't traumatic - though my face looked really bad for a bit.

    Hopefully the child's parents will look after her more in the future and pay close attention to your neck for a bit. My mtb crash induced significant neck injury took several days to so any symptoms (ok, there were other hurting bits taking my attention away from my neck), but if you've not had any by now then you've hopefully missed that bullet as well. Relax, take care of yourself, and keep us posted.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Western Canada-prairies, mountain & ocean
    Posts
    6,984
    This is quite difficult for you Emily! Hopefully you'll have that whole jaw area and teeth looked after for normality, without huge costs beyond what you predict.
    Were you conscious when the impact occurred? I am wondering if you had a small concussion also. The impact seems enough. What did the neurological assessments provide for you by doctor?
    Keep us posted!

    (When another adult cyclist crashed into me on a bike path, I was actually unconscious for several hrs....even though my eyes were wide open, I walked abit and was talking/repeating myself. My partner didn't realize I was "unconscious" until I was transported by ambulance to hospital. So I temporarily lost my short-term memory for a few hrs.. I have no memory of the actual collision, ambulance transport, CT body scan.... In a way, I'm glad I have no traumatic injury flashbacks..)
    My Personal blog on cycling & other favourite passions.
    遙知馬力日久見人心 Over a long distance, you learn about the strength of your horse; over a long period of time, you get to know what’s in a person’s heart.

 

 

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