Bike wrecked by a left turner

[ALB80-850]

Glad to hear your mostly OK. I can relate(see "my crash story") I had the same helmet, saved my life as well, no question in my mind. unfortunately, in my case, I listened to an agent who told me I had enough coverage. I was foolish enough to listen to him. The other driver had state minimum which was paid and used up before the helicopter landed at the trauma center.
The bike was totaled, frame was broken in 4 places. I had an agreed value with my insurance company, which they paid plus storage fees. I still miss that bike to this day! I got back on a bike, it took 14 months, but I've been riding ever since.
I wish you a speedy recovery! Keep you spirits up and you'll ride again when your ready.

Andy

[Missile99]

Glad to hear you are in one piece. Aside from the paint marks, the helmet looks relatively unhurt. Make sure you see a doctor if any of your injuries feel worse.

Thanks for your concern. The helmet held up well thankfully. I think structurally it's shot now though. I'll get a new one before riding, along with new shoulder armor for the jacket. I will probably go in for a check-up tomorrow but feel fine, just tired and feeling a bit lost.

Do you know the guys insurance limits? Hopefully it's not state minimum like some people carry. A left turner got me in 2006 and the offender only had state minimum coverage. Woefully underfunded to cover even the basic medical costs. Got the full amount but it was burned up quickly. My right knee is wrecked for life and all I got was my deductible covered.

Make sure the insurance company knows you are expecting full replacement value for your bike, plus your medical bills covered, PLUS pain and suffering money. A truck driver pulled in front of me one time while on my bicycle and they threw $5000 at me for P&S. I didn't even ask for the money they were just trying to keep me happy, and avoid a lawsuit.

No, I don't know the limits yet. I'll be hearing from their adjuster tomorrow morning. Thanks for the tips. I fully intend to have them cover all 3 of what you mentioned. They'll probably try to skimp on what the value of the bike is. I have every receipt but what they probably don't want to hear is how many hours I have into the bike. The pain and suffering money is only fair. This has already started taking an emotional toll on me but thankfully only small physically.
I'm sorry to hear about your knee Ed. While flying face first toward the curb yesterday and accepting that I was probably done, my biggest fear was a leg/knee injury if I survived. Thankfully neither happened. I will always put my armored pants on after this. My other freedom and passion is jumping/playing basketball and a weekly run. Without it I'd never be the same.

[Missile99]

Glad to hear your mostly OK. I can relate(see "my crash story") I had the same helmet, saved my life as well, no question in my mind. unfortunately, in my case, I listened to an agent who told me I had enough coverage. I was foolish enough to listen to him. The other driver had state minimum which was paid and used up before the helicopter landed at the trauma center.
The bike was totaled, frame was broken in 4 places. I had an agreed value with my insurance company, which they paid plus storage fees. I still miss that bike to this day! I got back on a bike, it took 14 months, but I've been riding ever since.
I wish you a speedy recovery! Keep you spirits up and you'll ride again when your ready.

Andy

Thanks Andy. I read your story, which were saved as pdf's, on a car ride from NY to Florida as a passenger. It gave me a reality check and raised my awareness once I got back. I'm sorry you had to endure so much but glad to know you're still here and back on the road.

I have quick reactions, so I was surprised that there was nothing I could do to avoid this once he was in motion. That's part of what's bothering me so much. I should have anticipated this guy but wasn't in my zone yet. If I was, I know I'd have realized that since no other cars were blocking his first two lanes to cross that he would probably have gone. Before him even moving, I'd have downshifted and gunned it to get past that potential problem.

I appreciate all the support here. This is truly a wonderful forum.

[Missile99]

I am about to sit down and review my coverage, both for the truck and bike. I know it's optional for the bike, but I have at least liability and uninsured motorist coverage. It's always a confusing mess in my opinion. My insurance company said they'd help with getting what I deserve from theirs, and any medical excess will be picked up by mine. This shouldn't be necessary but who knows.

[Rob S.]

Lawyer up and go after him.

+1........

[Missile99]

I will go after him if the insurance company fails to step up. I'm only looking for fair amounts though.

[bccap]

Wearing a neck brace while painfully looking down at their offer might help......

[dorkburger]

Years ago a left turner with a 2 week old drivers license wrecked the front of my 66 El Camino.
Her insurance wanted to give me book value for the car-a piddly amount. After some discussion, they had me send in reciepts for work done and parts installed, and they adjusted the amount up. It was enough to cover the frame shop, and replacement (used) sheetmetal, radiator support, etc. Of course the labor was on me........
Dont know if this will help your case regarding the bike, but figured id put it out there.

[Missile99]

Thanks. I told their insurance that I hurt a little physically and more so mentally. They know I expect to be able to replace my bike with a newer equivalent cost because it's not like they can just order replacement parts and make it new again. Also, I told them I expect some pain and suffering too. I'm stuck with that scene in my mind. We'll see how it goes.

[mrbill5491]

I will go after him if the insurance company fails to step up. I'm only looking for fair amounts though.

From my experience and some friends of mine, the insurance company well try to get away as cheaply as possible and probably find that some how you were partly at fault in an effort to limit any pay out. Lawyer up. There are several law offices around that specialize in motorcycle accidents and don't charge you cent unless there is a settlement. Russ Brown is one of those.

[Missile99]

I know I should lawyer up right now but want to see what they do first. I won't sign off on anything if they screw me at which point I will lawyer up. I don't think there is any way for them to wiggle out of this one. Damage, witness statements, his ticket by the homicide investigator should be enough. I was doing nothing wrong. He almost took out 2 people.

[eil]

Sorry to hear about the crash. I'm sure it's both a painful and emotional time right now, but it will all shake out in the end. Don't forget that.

There are some helmet companies that will accept a crashed helmet and send you a free replacement. I thought GMax was one of those, but now that I'm Googling it, I can't find such a thing anywhere.

[Missile99]

Sorry to hear about the crash. I'm sure it's both a painful and emotional time right now, but it will all shake out in the end. Don't forget that.

There are some helmet companies that will accept a crashed helmet and send you a free replacement. I thought GMax was one of those, but now that I'm Googling it, I can't find such a thing anywhere.

I'm hoping it will all go back to normal soon. Thanks for your thoughts.

I thought about the possibility of Gmax wanting the old helmet for research but never knew about companies sending new ones in return. I did contact them yesterday to give them praise for a well-built helmet. We'll see what they say.