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MyNameIsJeff

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:15 am

BOOSH! Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 2042 Location: Nearest bar.

Remember that close call on Tuesday a week ago? Well I didn't get so lucky this time.

Today on my way to work I took a nice trip across the hood of a Toyota Prius. I’m still pretty shaken up because it was fucking scary. I'm still amped up from it so its all I can talk or think about. I also drew little pictures to help with the story.
I went down 1st Ave, took a left on Jackson, and took a right on Occidental Ave S. (Green lights the whole way)

Right as I turned down Occidental, someone pulled out of a parking spot (You’re not supposed to park there)

It happened very fast, so fast I didn’t have time to even brake. I hit the car just above the front driver’s side wheel well and went over the hood. My helmet slammed on the hood as I continued to flop over the hood. My feet, in snug in my toe cages, took the bike up with me. Somewhere on the hood my feet came out as I rolled across and I hit the ground pretty hard. I went to prop myself up when my bike came tumbling after me, and by that I mean *ON* to me giving my head and helmet another nice “how do you do.” It was right in front of a Starbucks, so there were a lot of people who saw it. I imagine it looked something like this to them:

The driver was pretty cool about it. She had just dropped of her boyfriend or whatever. 3 cop cars and a fire engine also showed up. I got a “field” examination and all the information exchange action. I walked away pretty ok. A few scrapes, and what I think is a very nasty bruise growing on my inner theigh. My bike got pretty jacked up. I’m going to need new rims and a helmet to start, net tape, a serious tune up, plus whatever the shop says. My vitamin water broke too which pissed me off too!

In the middle of writing this the insurance people called me. They said that I can get a new bike if necessary or fix the one I got, and a new helmet. I'm not trying to rake anyone over the coals, but it would be cool to get a new bike. I feel ok, but I’m going to get looked at by a doctor, and at the very least, score $500 on top of it all.

Wear your fucking helmets you ass-butts!

_________________
See you in Hell.

jeff

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:18 am

SOC pussy Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 4501

Style points for that hood roll.

Good to hear you are ok. Very similiar thing happened to me Monday, I was lucky enough to swerve out of the way, but it was close.

n_claw

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:19 am

Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Posts: 517 Location: the only hill: Beacon

shitty. glad to hear you're relatively okay. it does shake one up (my shakes lasted for weeks), but glad you were smart enough to be wearing a helmet.

statistically as bikers, i think it's not
if we get hit, so much as when.

be well, N*

john

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:20 am

AAAARRRRRGGGGbllll pppphtt! Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 725 Location: In the lab.

get an attorney. Human beings are not designed to interface with insurance companies, you probably need a species of homo sapien called a lawyer.

John Duggan worked well for both myself and Allister, that and my wife who is a paralegal seems to have like his work.

His number is:

343-1888

good luck,

_________________
In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen.

bcbc

Happy Stick Person

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:21 am

Joined: 20 Sep 2006 Posts: 1168 Location: Leschi

I think jeff has just totally raised the bar for the "I got hit by a car" posts! yay for visual aids!!!

henry

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:25 am

somewhat piggish Joined: 05 Aug 2005 Posts: 5415 Location: on porch with shotgun

make sure you get your bike assessed at a friendly shop, i recommend Aaron's Bicycle Repair for this kind of damage assessment.

*WINK*

_________________
winter men

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:31 am

Joined: 29 Jun 2007 Posts: 317

Jeff
Also have your body check really close, some injuries don't show up for a few days to a week. And don't sign off on anything until your sure you are OK!

pete jr

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:33 am

Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 1930 Location: balls deepx

MyNameIsJeff wrote:

that's some fine mspaintin'

good to hear it's just scrapes and bruises.

derrickito

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:38 am

now with 50 percent more EVIL Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 10566

if you deal with the insurance yourself, know that they will lowball you. what they offer you is just that, an opening offer. insurance companies can be haggled with.

it's common to walk away with 2 to 3 times medical bills in cash for pain and suffering. that's the reason that an attorney will have you milk the medical system for as long as possible (scans, check ups, therapy, etc). you could get just a new bike out of it, or you could get enough money to pay your rent for a few months :)

glad you're all right

dashap

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:39 am

professor Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 1566 Location: central district

If you need a beater to get around on for a bit, I have this Motobecane single-speed I never ride; it's about a 54cm.
dashap327@mac.com

john

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:39 am

AAAARRRRRGGGGbllll pppphtt! Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 725 Location: In the lab.

I had Eliot Bay take a look at my frame as they are hyper friendly, and they have a frame bench where they can analytically check the frame.

It's just something Aaron doesnt have and you don't want to eyeball.

_________________
In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen.

bcbc

pete jr

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:49 am

Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 1930 Location: balls deepx

john wrote:

It's just something Aaron doesnt have and you don't want to eyeball.

henry wrote:

*WINK*

MyNameIsJeff

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:49 am

BOOSH! Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 2042 Location: Nearest bar.

Thanks for the info. I'm not trying to milk a ton of cash off Geico, but it would be nice to get hooked up. I'm going to get checked out and see what's what. Do I need to lawyer up? Can't I just call them back and be like, here is the cost to fix my bike, and I would also like $1000 please because the wreck scared me and made me spill me vitamin water.

_________________
See you in Hell.

nick.carter

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:50 am

Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 16

That sucks. I hate cars.

Ditto on "wait a bit to see what happens with your injuries". I got badly busted up when a car ran a stop sign a couple months ago, and I fell taking evasive action. but I patched myself up with supplies on hand. No big deal I thought ... until the wound got infected, which was really painful, and left a nasty scar.

Talking to a lawyer is not a bad idea, seriously, even if you don't think it's bad now. You are still on an adrenaline high, I bet, and there's a tendency to minimize the severity of something traumatic like this.

(and oh yeah hi everybody - my first post)

john

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:15 pm

AAAARRRRRGGGGbllll pppphtt! Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 725 Location: In the lab.

MyNameIsJeff wrote:

There are standard formullas that they ask for based upon your injuries and incoveniences. It's all a big fucking game. Just talk to a lawyer. IT'S FREE to talk to them...

_________________
In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen.

bcbc

snyd3282

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:35 pm

could suck the fun out of a blowjob Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 588 Location: Ballard / Fremont

MyNameIsJeff wrote:

Sorry to hear about your accident.

I know it is just a matter of "when" and "how bad", not "if" for every regular rider / commuter. I usually carry gauze, ace wrap, hand sanitizer, and a bunch of other first aid supplies with me because I ride up to an injured cyclist at least once a year. Someday I need to take a first aid class.

I hate lawyers too, but call one. It is more a matter of protecting yourself from an ass-raping by the insurance companies than trying to squeeze extra out of them.

Alex

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 12:54 pm

Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 3128 Location: Roosevelt

MyNameIsJeff wrote:

In the middle of writing this the insurance people called me. They said that I can get a new bike if necessary or fix the one I got, and a new helmet. I'm not trying to rake anyone over the coals, but it would be cool to get a new bike. I feel ok, but I’m going to get looked at by a doctor, and at the very least, score $500 on top of it all.

Wear your fucking helmets you ass-butts!

Don't settle with the insurance yet.

Get checked out by a doctor. Wait a few days and make sure that no bruises or anything let themselves known.

They should be covering everything damaged (bike, helmet, clothing, bags, etc). $500 seems very low. The goal isn't to make a killing by getting hit, but you should be compensated for the time and hassle that getting hit entails. This includes the time spent sitting on the sidewalk, time in the ER, doctors bills, etc.

I'm glad that you go through with no major injuries.

It's worth calling John Duggan (a personal injury lawyer who specialized in representing cyclists) in bike/car accidents.

gsbarnes

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:00 pm

Joined: 15 Aug 2006 Posts: 2666 Location: No Fun Town, USA

Also (something I almost forgot last time I got an accident), if you have health insurance, you have to let your health insurance know about the Prius's auto insurance. It isn't your HMO's job to pay for these injuries, and, in fact, your insurance contract says you have to tell them.

_________________
I have always thought in the back of my mind: Cheese and Onions

ksep

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:06 pm

Joined: 27 Jan 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Westlake

Excellent artwork! Print out a copy for the lawyer and your fridge at home, it'd make a good conversation piece.

+1 for wait and see how you feel tomorrow before writing yourself off as okay.

_________________
-Kevin

MyNameIsJeff

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:23 pm

BOOSH! Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 2042 Location: Nearest bar.

Well, I'm starting to feel a little tight and uncomfortable. I made an appointment for today at 3:30 to get looked at.

They said they cover all cost of my shit, AND give me money. I'm going to get me shit replaced/upgraded and ask for $1000.

Thanks for the offers for the spare bikes. If I'm not too sore, I may ride my gf's on Thursday. But you can't laugh at me for being on a girls bike!

_________________
See you in Hell.

Stanglor

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 1:48 pm

Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 555 Location: Wallingford

MyNameIsJeff wrote:

..you can't laugh at me for being on a girls bike!

Are you sure about that?

_________________
Confidential to everybody: "Pearl necklace" is out. "Cheney" is in. Pass it on.

koos42

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:20 pm

Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 367 Location: ON YOUR LEFT! your other left.

MyNameIsJeff wrote:

Ride it if you got it, but for the love of god, don't ride if you still may be hurt. You still have a sore neck, can't look left, next thing you know you and your gf could have matching new bikes, and you'd be another $1000 up...

Your art is totally fridgeworthy, send that home to mom!

Eric_s

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:25 pm

Joined: 07 Mar 2007 Posts: 1691 Location: the dirty south

Quite possibly the most important thing you can do, especially considering how insurance companies function, is lawyer up as soon as you can.

Also, keep really good records of your trips to the doctor.

bobhall

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:28 pm

Joined: 28 Jul 2006 Posts: 460

Great pics! I hate it when people describe an accident as "I was riding down the road and a car turned left in front of me."

THAT COULD MEAN ANY NUMBER OF THINGS!

Thank you so very much for doing the exact opposite of my pet peeve.

Also, glad to hear you're ok. Let us know if you get a fair amount of compensation for this. And if you need a spare bike, let us know -- I have a fixie you can borrow as long as you don't crash it into any Priuses :)

joby

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 2:35 pm

goes to eleven Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 3899 Location: The Cloud

It can be fine to just settle with the insurance company.
If you're hurt you obviously you need to be taken care of,
but if you're fine consider taking a reasonable/semi-generous offer and being done.

Consider how much your time and aggravation is worth.

When I got hit, the insurance company gave me a generous replacement valuation for my bike, let me keep the bike for parts, and left the medical part of my claim open. No lawyers, no hassles.

TrikerTrev

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 3:43 pm

Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 2303 Location: FOCO, MOFO!!!

dewd, that sucksaball!!!

gald your not broken! listen to what these dufuses have to say, they collectively know plenty about wreck survival-n-shit.

good think you werent on a trike...draw a pic of that!

(splat)

_________________
Insufferable ass, est. 1969

langston

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:21 pm

Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 5547 Location: Columbia City

been there, done that. Well, something similar. Get the lawyer, even after paying his retainer and/or cut you'll be up more cash, have a better bike and get healthier faster because you won't be stressing all the bills, phone calls and certified mail.

I hear Aden's doing accident-massage for her school. Wait a week and get in on that.

TrikerTrev

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:25 pm

Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 2303 Location: FOCO, MOFO!!!

langston wrote:

I hear Aden's doing accident-massage for her school. Wait a week and get in on that.

uh, no don't wait...cause waiting a week is a week and a day too late. Why, cause shes booked for now with John and I.

your a slacker langie. quit infecting the rest of us!

_________________
Insufferable ass, est. 1969

langston

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:30 pm

Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 5547 Location: Columbia City

[quote="TrikerTrev"]

langston wrote:

uh, no don't wait...cause waiting a week is a week and a day too late. Why, cause shes booked for now with John and I.

your a slacker langie. quit infecting the rest of us!

actually, you misinterpret my message and it's reasoning entirely. Soft tissue injuries take time to manifest. A thorough massage before everything has a chance to "jell" and start to hurt can cause additional damage. When I was pushed into parked cars by a bus in college, it was a full week before my neck and back freaked out.

TrikerTrev

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 4:32 pm

Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 2303 Location: FOCO, MOFO!!!

[quote="langston"]

TrikerTrev wrote:

langston wrote:

uh, no don't wait...cause waiting a week is a week and a day too late. Why, cause shes booked for now with John and I.

your a slacker langie. quit infecting the rest of us!

now that you explained yerself out of the box it all makes sense.

but you're still a slacker

_________________
Insufferable ass, est. 1969

Aaron

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:48 pm

Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 4645

john wrote:

I can check frame alignment and you don't need a frame alignment table.
Don't discount the accuracy of the human eye.

Insurance estimates at my shop cost $15 and you get it in writing.

Thanks for the *WINK* Henry. I love you too!

Aaron

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 8:52 pm

Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 4645

joby wrote:

I agree.

john

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:22 pm

AAAARRRRRGGGGbllll pppphtt! Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 725 Location: In the lab.

Aaron wrote:

joby wrote:

I agree.

No lawyers no hassles?

Sounds like y'all have a really bad choice of attorneys.

Jeff, all the people recommended by CBC are just fine. I like Duggan the best, but none will be a hassle and a quick 30 minute consultation is free and easy.

_________________
In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen.

bcbc

lantius

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 12:59 am

1337 Joined: 22 Jul 2005 Posts: 6705 Location: right over

Aaron wrote:

I can check frame alignment and you don't need a frame alignment table.
Don't discount the accuracy of the human eye.

Insurance estimates at my shop cost $15 and you get it in writing.

written insurance estimates at r&e cycles / seattle bike repair are free, and fairly generous since they can quote you replacement costs for various frame tubes.

Alex

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 5:30 am

Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 3128 Location: Roosevelt

Aaron wrote:

joby wrote:

I agree.

I agree too and didn't lawyer up on my accident. I still found it useful to talk to a lawyer -- in the end John Duggan passed on my case because he had a huge workload at the time. I would have hired him if I had the option just because I learned so much from him in our 20 minute phone conversation.

You can settle the bike part now (they'll call this the property damage settlement), I'd still recommend waiting to settle on the personal injury side of things until you know that you are completely recovered. My accident was similar to yours and it took about 3 weeks before my doctor gave me the all clear. They'll write two different checks for these items. Immediately after getting hit my concern was about the bike. You'll probably end up with more money from the personal injury claim though.

Elliot Bay does have a frame alignment table and did write my estimate. I don't think that they actually checked my bike on the alignment table since that would have meant a fair amount of disassembly. I think they checked the alignment using the same tools that Aaron would use. I'd have it checked at the shop that you plan to use to order the replacement parts and perhaps do the repair labor. I had to go to a custom builder for my estimate because my fork was trashed and there are no production forks that have the same geometry. Elliot Bay gave me a more complete estimate than R&E, so I used their estimate. Neither shop charged me, but I understand why Aaron is charging. It takes a long time to write a good estimate and there is no guarantee that the customer is coming back. Aaron -- perhaps you could charge $15 and refund that after the customer/insurance spends $100 on repairs at your shop?

alex

Alastair

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 7:39 am

Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 475 Location: U-district/Ravenna

As far as lawyering goes, I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with John Duggan. He and his staff were amazingly professional, full of good advice, and never displayed any of the sleaze lawyers are famous for. I still carry cards of his in my wallet and I would highly recommend giving him a call.

MyNameIsJeff

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 8:46 am

BOOSH! Joined: 17 Jul 2007 Posts: 2042 Location: Nearest bar.

Thanks again for the advice. I'll give Duggan a call today.

I saw the Dr. yesterday who said I was very lucky, and that I would just be sore and only need to take ibuprofen for a while. My helmet cracked big time; in 8 places!

As for the ride tonight; I'm not going to make it. I'm pretty beat up and feel too sore to ride a bike.

_________________
See you in Hell.

john

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 9:47 am

AAAARRRRRGGGGbllll pppphtt! Joined: 26 Aug 2006 Posts: 725 Location: In the lab.

editeditedit

you happy Ben?

Last edited by john on Thu Aug 09, 2007 10:16 am; edited 1 time in total
_________________
In der Not frisst der Teufel Fliegen.

bcbc

the dreaded ben

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 9:51 am

Grumpy Greeb Joined: 20 Aug 2005 Posts: 5329 Location: flavor country

why in the fuck would you write that?
do you think he's not gonna fucking read it? just tell him how you feel about it in person, not on a public forum that he's bound to read.

you fucking west coast folks are so fucking passive aggressive. grow a fucking pair or shut the fuck up.

TrikerTrev

Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 10:06 am

Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 2303 Location: FOCO, MOFO!!!

the dreaded ben wrote:

gawd i love you!

_________________
Insufferable ass, est. 1969

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