jack k

It happened....was riding my carbon rodie, staying in my place and minding my own on a very familiar route when a large vehicle came alongside me and decided he wanted in my lane before he cleared me. I had no room to maneuver around the vehicle...essentially we made contact and I went down, I estimate that I was doing around 20mph when I met the pavement. A good citizen helped off the road and took me to the local hospital - the person who hit me fled the scene. I cannot give specific details beyond what is already mentioned.

Ended up with plenty of road rash, some stitches, and a broken bone. Also spit out some tooth fragments at the scene which was lovely. Haven't seen ortho yet but the er doc indicated I won't be back on a bike for many weeks. I still haven't inspected the bike thoroughly yet, but without xray/ct I cannot confirm structural integrity so I'm retiring the frame.

I am very fortunate, this could have ended up much worse. My routes regularly take me through traffic, but in light of this (and also considering a near miss recently involving a motorist, against whom local pd offered to press charges of assault), I am considering replacing my main ride with a gravel/cx bike so I can take the local trails instead. All it takes is once and I'd be off a bike permanently.

I was lucky this time...be safe out there.

bcpriess

What part of Missouri are you in? And what kind of car did you get hit by?

canklecat

In this case the usual practices of not posting publicly, speaking only with law enforcement, medical personnel and your attorney, etc., don't apply. You should consider reporting the details, location, etc., to the various social media cycling advocacy groups. It's possible the driver may confide in someone else who may have enough of a conscience to report the incident.

If the vehicle struck you there should be marks on the vehicles -- scrapes, dents, etc. Notify local repair shops and insurance companies. Even if the police are already doing that, I'd double up on the effort.

If it's a local motorist he/she may avoid that route for awhile but eventually they'll return to familiar patterns.

OldTryGuy

Sorry about the incident but glad to read your report because it sounds like you're looking forward to getting back out. Just be careful on the trails

General Geoff

What did he squeeze you against? Curb? Soft shoulder? Guard rail? Parked car?

Metieval

1. wishing you a speedy recovery

2. I usually don't mind my own, it's dangerous to do so.

3. always leave room to maneuver

LifeNovice1

People are selfish a-holes most of the time. I hope you heal up fast!

Steve B.

I'm assuming you filed a police report ?.

For the motorist it's typically a felony to leave the scene of an accident that had injuries and the local cops *might" actually try to track down the dirtbag.

StanSeven

Moving thread to Advovacy and Safety.

f4rrest

In this situation, your own car insurance will cover medical, pain and suffering, etc if you purchased uninsured motorist as part of your policy.

You'll need it when you see the hospital bill.

Also, don't be surprised if your own insurance company tries to weasel out of some or all of the payment. An injury attorney is extremely helpful in this scenario.

Personal experience. PM if needed.

Also, posting details on social media will hurt your case.

gvelayo

be safe, and here's to quick recovery

hillyman

Sorry to hear. But I think it's time for us that ride on the road to invest in a bike camera. Nice models out built into tail light or headlight. Time these careless drivers get caught and persecuted.

mcours2006

Sorry to hear about your plight. Get well soon.

Getting off the road is a great idea. If possible once you get better try to find a route that avoids the most heavily trafficked roads.

Having a camera isn't going to prevent this from happening in the future, but it will hopefully help you catch the driver if he hits and runs.

Maelochs

I was riding with two buddies Sunday and a guy in a truck squeezed us pretty tight because he couldn't wait ten seconds for an oncoming vehicle in the the other lane to pass first.
We'd all have liked his plate number to report him because it looked like a commercial truck and he was definitely a male organ, if not actually a danger.

Two cameras, and maybe a helmet cam too?

I probably won't, but I am sure a couple of the more tech-oriented riders might. Start posting the footage on YouTube/Facebook and on the business' Facebook page as well.

CB HI

Get well and back on the bicycle as soon as possible. Best wishes.

EE_Phred

OP,

I think I know how you feel.

Hope you have a speedy recovery!

-mikey

KD5NRH

https://www.bikelaw.com/report/

Can't hurt, and might help to have a couple of them in or beyond the initial consult stage if your insurance becomes a problem or if the driver is found.

KonAaron Snake 

Careful. Insurance coverage is dictated in part by state law, and it can vary.

jack k

My counsel has strongly advised against giving any other details...apologies.

jack k

Thankfully I do not require the assistance of the community, but I do appreciate your advice.

jack k

I do carry full coverage auto insurance, but thankfully it is not needed as I already receive healthcare at no cost to me.

jack k

Thank you all for the well wishes, I am so very fortunate considering the multitude of things that could have gone wrong. As soon as the break heals and physical therapy concludes I'll be back on a new bicycle, if you catch my drift.

Maelochs

You mean you suffered all this just to get the significant other to accept buying a new bike?

bobwysiwyg

Thought the same thing on reading.. "if you catch my drift."

CliffordK

Next time bring the frame with you to the hospital, and tightly hold onto it when they wheel you towards the CT machine.

As always, I hope for a speedy recovery, and many miles in your future.

What you ultimately do with the bike will be based on your own level of confidence and tolerance, and perhaps also any insurance settlement.