Road biker down

[Oaken]

I went for a little training ride Wednesday. Down to the pier and back takes about an hour on the singlespeed.
My return loop goes along the riverbed for a few miles, and then cut back to the roads for home.
I was waiting for the light, hugging the side of a lane that goes both straight to get on the FWY, and turns left. To avoid confusion, I wait for all the cars to go before I go left.
I was watching over my left shoulder as the cars went by. One, two, three and then the fourth is coming right at me, her car not even staying in the lane but bleeding into the right hand turn lane.
Before I can react she plows into me and I go tumbling, luckily having enough instincts to roll.
The end result is a bit of road rash, a big welt on my left shoulder, and a fair amount of pain front and back in the shoulder. Sleeping isn’t fun. I’m a left side sleeper. Dr doesn’t think anything is broken.
Rear wheel is trash, new helmet on its second ride is scored, left pedal and brake hood/lever are scarred up. My beloved Selle Italia Genuine Gel Ti Flite saddle is scarred up.
Overall, things could have been much worse. I got lucky.

 

[SnakeCharmer]

Holy crap, really sorry to hear this. You got all of her info and filed a police/accident report, yes?

 

[Danimal]

Hate hearing this, that Sucks, Healing vibes to you! and I really hope nothing shows up later or lingers on. I try to be pretty careful when on the road, but so many cars are F'in clueless and there's only so much you can do. Did she stop, render aid and give here insurance info?

 

[Oaken]

Holy crap, really sorry to hear this. You got all of her info and filed a police/accident report, yes?

Yes to both. Contemplating a lawyer, we’ll see how her insurance responds.

 

[blixet]

That's terrible to hear. I hope you aren't too jacked up.

 

[Runs with Scissors]

I hope she - not the insurance company, but SHE - pays out the nose.

She won't, because we cyclists are lower than dirt on this chain of reality, but one may hope.

And you should definitely pursue criminal charges also. Glad you got out of this relatively unscathed.

 

[da big hills]

I normally got to the front of the line so the cars behind can all see me. when the light turns I am first and make my turn then get to the right.
Hope you heal well and the bike gets fixed

 

[SnakeCharmer]

Yes to both. Contemplating a lawyer, we’ll see how her insurance responds.

You'll get lots of money with an accident lawyer and not much from an insurance company.

 

[DangerDirtyD]

Dang. I feel for you @Oaken . I’m glad it wasn’t worse. Take your time with the negotiations and recovery, and I hope you can get back out there soon.

Any chance there can be car-free Fridays or car-free 4 o’clocks or something like that? Driving sucks. Except road trips are cool. But I’d rather ride.

 

[herzalot]

Damn that sucks. Like others have said, I am glad it wasn't worse. Car v Bike is often fatal. Heal up quickly and stick to dirt.

Call Jacob!

Or Sweet James.

 

[Oaken]

Just got the bike replacement $ from the lawyer. FWIW - lawyer takes nothing from this, just from the injuries.
I can’t say I’m disappointed.
I went through a series of acupuncture and massage therapy sessions. It was interesting. Far from my home, in the heart of Anaheim, so that kinda sucked.
No word on the injuries response yet. It’s a process.

Lawyers have been very good overall. I stumbled upon them after watching some YT videos on injuries. I do recommend them. Bicyclists representing bicyclists.
https://www.bikelegalfirm.com/

 

[Cyclotourist]

Hope you're mending up well, regardless of the legal outcomes!

Thanks for the rec, those are always good to have!

 

[Tom the Bomb]

Major bummer. Glad things seem to be working out. Good call on the Acupuncture and massage. I would stay on that. Get some PT for that shoulder too!
A buddy of mine was riding past the entrance to Kaiser on his way to the Greer trails . A lady in a minivan pulls up looks rt and turns left right into him. Busted up his carbon Evil pretty good and he got a scraped up knee but that was about it. He saw her coming and swerved to miss bodily impact. Ins took care of him.
Be careful people!

 

[da big hills]

I used to road ride pretty much every day. I had rules, ride into the sunset first while the sun in high (higher) in the sky.
always go to the edge of the bike lane on sweeping right turns, because people cheat the right turns and drift into the bike lane. You can tell by the tire marks on the bold white line. Most people drift right on right turns, just human nature I guess.
Happy trails with no cars to ruin your day

 

[scan]

I'd rather take my chances on dirt vs road Everytime