I'm OK. Yesterday I had my first motorcycle accident. A taxi decided to make an illegal U-turn from the right hand lane. I was in the left lane and he apparently didn't see me, because he turned right into my path and I ploughed right into his door. Ugh. I was able to walk (well, limp) away (was only going about 25 mph), and other than some stiffness in my right wrist and knee and some cuts and bruises, I am OK. Nothing permanent it appears. However, I need a new bike, as it will cost more to repair the bike than it's worth. What an experience ... tls

What a bad experience!! Be thankful you were able to walk away from the accident... I had a cousin who wasn't.

So very glad to hear you were able to walk away from the accident, a special angel was on your shoulder! And good for you for wanting to get another bike!
For the past 4-5 years hubby and I were the motorcycle safey educators for the Gold Wing Road Riders Association in our state. We lost several friends to accidents such as yours, people just don't seem to "see" motorcycles like they do cars.

See!!! You *are* safer in an airplane than down here on the ground...

(Said in jest of course...)

Glad you are OK.

It's absolutely true that motorcycles just don't register w/ drivers the way cars do - I've been on motorcycles so many times when a car pulled right out in front of us. It was like they made eye contact, but didn't register it was a vehicle to wait on.. so strange. Defensive driving takes on a whole new meaning on a bike.

I won't ride them anymore on streets for that reason.. yes, I know cars are risky too. But .. well - my reasons are my own. And I'm glad you're safe and relatively sound.

Glad you're OK

I drive mine with the High Beam on at all times.
I once had the twin headlights and found they were noticed significantly more. Since switching to a single headlight, I find the High Beam to work well (never get people flashing my thinking my high beam's on, but it makes me more noticed)

I ride a '80 250 single. A big switch from the GSX-R 11 of years ago. I don't look the same on it, but I have just as much fun as I'm still riding.

If I was in an another accident, I'd feel happier knowing I could walk away and simply buy another one. Bought this one for $650. last one was $7000 (long ago).

Had same type of accident, went into the side of an SUV, not going very fast, thought I only sprang wrists and ankles because I ragdolled, turned my handlebars to the left, as I flew over um to the right, ending up just limping away.

Thought that was it, just an ankle injury plus the strains, but ended up needing $10,000 outpatient surgery on rt wrist and making sure I got the expensive MRIs and other tests needed to prove I was 100% so, for next accident, the next ins co. can't say any percentage of my injuries were from a previous accident providing themselves with an excuse not to pay all my bills.

Ended up fighting State Farm, without a lawyer, got the full six-figure amount of the policy.

Plus, I got them to pay my medical expenses and wages as I incurred them i.e. right away, because I was on a motorcycle and, as you know, we don't have (actually can't get) medical as part of our ins plans.

Plus, I got them to pay for my bike which they tried to say was totalled and worth less than repairs (so they could pay me less and get the bike for themselves to sell as scrap), but I got around this and they had to pay me for the "cost of repairs and storage" and I got to keep my bike and sell it myself.

Your injuries can easily be more than you think they are. Don't sign anything with the cab's ins co., until you know for sure, and get all your MRIs and tests done with the various docs (neurologist if there was a helmet impact, etc.) signing you off at 100% to make sure, for next time.

There's alot to do to protect yourself, email me if you want.

Lisa




[This message has been edited by lisamcgu (edited 03-12-2002).]

Phew, glad you are OK!!

I remember my first and only motorcycle accident each time I look at my left arm.

Gee, I guess this is a community topic if we're all sharing.

Glad your ok..... remember loud pipes save lives


Regarding drivers not "seeing" motorcycles, part of the problem is our mind judges closing speed in relation to mass. Since we are most used to seeing cars, we have difficulty judging the speed of smaller objects.

When I was 21 I had a 600 Ninja that top'd out at about 115mph. One night after drinking a lot I passed out while in 6th gear/full throttle. When I woke up I was surrounded by people saying, "is he okay?"

My polo shirt and light jacket evaporated, my top siders had disappeared, but my Levi 501 saved my legs and my helmet had serious scrapes and grinds on all sides (I must have rolled for quite a while). I got back on the bike and road to the hospital.

I've taken that to be my one freebie and I have learned my lesson. To jump back to your topic, I had several slight encounters with cars while riding. The stupidest one was when I was stopped at a light and the car behind kept inching forward until it hit me. It didn't knock me off the lady driving was speaking with her passenger and didn't even see me?!

Ah, the horrible choice: impact or lay it down.

The first time I laid it down. The second I took it on the front wheel. I prefered the latter....

I spent four years (1985-1989) as a despatch rider in London. Truly a cowboy job, but great experience for a 20 year old.

Lots and lots of amusing and sometimes frightening stories about coming off. No avoiding it but being blessed enough to be around to discuss it is something I am grateful for on a daily basis. At a FT Do (i.e offline) if anyone is interested in discussing it I would love to share stories. I truly love bikes and riding, and wish all car drivers had a mandatory period on motorcycles before being issued car licenses.

And as far as loud pipes go, I agree and like Norton pipes on anything.

Mike

Glad to hear you are OK, tls. I escaped a major car wreck in January myself...

Thanks for all the well wishes. It was somehow reassuring to read everyone's stories, and I will be getting myself checked out. Turns out a local dealer holds a used bike auction next month. Think I may check that out to see if there are any good deals. tls