BikePGH Message Board Archive

First bike collision ever, accident report.

Accident report: 4/15/2017 10:34am. Riding with traffic southbound on Negley Avenue just past the Center Avenue intersection. Double green light by Giant Eagle back entrance, driver in black 2015 Ford Mustang GT Convertible from opposing lane turns left in front of my path. Collision with his front bumper to the left side of my front wheel/frame. After a few moments of blackout (not sure how long) I awoke with some pedestrians/nurses attending as EMS and Police arrived. EMS slowly got me stabilized to my feet. Exchanged insurance and license information with driver, filed police report. Left scene by foot, dropped bike off at home, and went to Shadyside ER for CT. No bleeds, minor concussion. See pictures of my helmet, that beautiful piece of plastic was the difference between a basic head injury and a life-changing event. Two questions:

I’m intending on calling the driver tomorrow to ask him to cover hospital charges and a replacement bike, and I’m open to working this out individually or with insurance companies. Right strategy?
Relatively new city rider, but I believe I was following all laws and precautions. I wasn’t going a different speed than traffic, and believe other driver just didn’t see me. Any precautions, recommendations, etc., on how to avoid such an accident in the future?

nicksmarto

2017-04-16 20:14:04

1. Don't contact the driver. Call his insurance company. He can then report what you said to his insurance company and maybe liable to use "alternative facts" if he's not a nice person. Call his insurance, they will get the police info, and go from there. If he hasn't reported to his insurance yet they certainly will call him. Step 2, call your health insurance, report to them that the ER visit was in response to a car on bike crash. They will probably then go after him or his insurance company for reimbursement. Step 3, if in doubt contact a lawyer. Consultations are usually free. There are some that advertise on this website as being bicycle friendly. Also, best not to include many details on this website as it is public and can be used for discovery if it ever goes to court. Glad you are ok!!!

edronline

2017-04-16 20:50:51

Step 4, if in doubt that bike is ok, good to get it checked out at bike store and then fixed, keep all bills. Also may be worth a checkup even if you feel it is safe to ride and then get reimbursed by his insurance. Step 5, buy a new helmet. Keep the old one but it isn't usable anymore. It isn't safe. Keep the bill and send it to his insurance. Step 6, get police report. Call the zone tomorrow. My guess is either the one on Washington Blvd or Northumberland.

edronline

2017-04-16 20:52:58

That's really excellent, complete advice. But see also BikePgh's blurb: http://localhost/resources/in-a-crash/

jonawebb

2017-04-16 21:36:49

If you need info removed from the post above, contact @erok at the Bike-Pgh office.

stuinmccandless

2017-04-17 05:52:50

Take the bike to at least one bike shop even if not planning on having it repaired. They can provide an itemized written estimate of damages. This is how cars accidents are handled too. I've done that in the past and submitted the estimate to my insurance company. They handled everything, getting the driver's insurance company to reimburse me for damage. Some of the components I ended up replacing while others I left alone, pocketing the money rather than fixing the scratches. No matter what the plan is... get at least one estimate!

dfiler

2017-04-20 15:26:44