Last Sunday I went out for a 60-70 mile ride. I was about 3 miles from home when I had just turned a corner and a Ford Ranger in the oncoming lane turned in front of me. I hit the passenger side door at about 30-35 mph, getting thrown from the bike and hitting the pavement (at least I didnt go over).

I broke both bones in my left forearm, a bone in my left foot, and tore some muscles in my right hip. I had surgery Sunday night and had a couple plates put into my arm. Luckily I had my full-face helmet on and my armored HD leather jacket on, otherwise it would have been much worse.

Turned out the driver of the pickup was drunk; he blew a .19, and they took him to jail. He did have insurance though. I am still having trouble walking, as the injury to my hip makes it difficult to transfer weight.

My bike, an '09 Fat Bob, didn't fare too badly. The front end is shot, and both forks were sheared off. Other than that there were just a few scratches and dents.

I learned a few things though.

1.) My helmet saved me from having much more serious injuries, and the trauma docs made sure to thank me for doing it. I won't try to convince others to wear theirs, but I will never need convincing again to wear mine.

2.) Good protective gear makes a difference too. My jeans and boots, along with my jacket, also prevented a number of injuries.

3.) Always expect the unexpected. He turned in front of me so quickly that I had no chance to even stop. The state trooper said he couldn't find any skidmarks. An accident can happen in an instant.

4.) Make sure you have insurance, and that your uninsured/underinsured limits are adequate. Mine are only $50k/$100k, and I don't know what the driver's limits are. Motorcycle settlements can easily top $100k, and if the other driver only has state minimums, I could be screwed.

5.) Know a good personal injury attorney.

6.) I'm pretty damn happy to be alive right now.

7.) I will ride again. I have to get back on that steel horse, and getting spooked would mean I'm letting that ******* win.

 

sorry to hear about your wrexk..... hope your recovery is quick, and you get tons of cash from the a-hole who was driving drunk. Guess he didn't see your "lights" on your bike when he turned in front of you. Now it's time to get the iron horse in good shape for spring riding. Take care.

 

Glad to here you are OK. Well look at the bright riding season is almost over so you will have a lot of time to get well and fix the bike.

Take you time and take care.

 

Good to hear your up and about. Speedy recovery to you.

 

Glad to hear that you are up and about. Not letting this guy or anyone else keep you off the road is good. take care and heal fast.

 

I hope you have a speedy and full recovery.

 

+1 Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.....
Take your time settling too.
Call one of those motorcycle lawyers..

 

Thoughts and prayers for quick healing coming your way, Station 49.

All the gear, all the time. You're an example of that for sure.

 

Great Attitude man. Glad you survived and will ride again.

 

Glad you are not hurt worse. Forget the bike...make them buy you a new one. I had the same accident 30 years ago...but went over. My helmet & gear saved me too. My best advice:

1. Get a good personal injury attorney
2. Talk to no one. His insurance company will try to contact you. All communication goes through the attorney
3. Sign nothing
4. Get well soon
5. Don't be afraid to wait them out for a full settlement.
6. If his family or friends or even him stops at your home do not talk to them.

I settled for very little and had long term injury that wasn't covered. do not make the same mistake I did.