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Bike Related: what to do in an accident

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    seems like some folks here don't know, and since you get pretty panicky you can forget major shit. so lets do up some tips from those who have to those who will (and not to be a dick, but its a matter of time, not riding skill). ill start it off with what i do.

    #1 if yer hurt don't move at all, ask for a 911 call or make it yrself.

    #2 if yer not hurt, but were knocked off yer bike, still do the 911 thang you could have internals

    #3 not hurt, bike seems ok get duders info, ask for drivers lic # name b-day ins co, ins policy number, make model year and plate # of car, and any witness info. thats a lot huh? thats why calling the fuzz is good idea, they do it for ya, specially since you'll be all weirded out after getting bounced of the ground.

    #4 NEVER: admit any fault TO ANYONE! some people think they are being nice by comforting the driver who can be pretty freaked too, but just keep your yapper shut until you talk at a PI lawyer.

    #5 call mark ginsberg, jump thru many hoops for 8 months, heal, then collect money.

    anyone who's been thru this ordeal is welcome to add to anything, but if your speculating save it for later ok thx.

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      CommentAuthorJennx
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     

    #5 is the best. MARK GINSBERG IS THE BEST!!!!!

    he represents nerf, zak, me, and many many others.

    • CommentAuthortepr
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     

    seriously though ask for help ask for help ask for help

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      CommentAuthorJennx
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     

    when I got hit, i had so much adrenaline running through me I didn't even know my head was split until someone freaked out on me when they saw it.

    make sure you always get their information....that's most important, when you do get their info, and they have insurance go to the hospital, it's free of charge to you since their insurance is going to be billed for it. at least if you're not at fault and you know it.

    Another SUPER IMPORTANT THING!!!!

    WITNESSES!!!! they will save your ass when it comes to this and a accident report.

    make sure you get the witnesses info if they can't stay and talk to the cops, by law they have to.
    and technically an accident report has to be filed when there's a bicycle/car involved. Mark was telling me that when I got hit that, that passed back in january

    TAKE PICTURES OF EVERYTHING.
    bruises, road rash, cuts, messed up clothing, blood, bike, anything that wasn't the same from before you got hit.

    I'm happy I got an attorney cause I had no idea where to even start with talking to insurance people and claim adjusters etc etc.

    and never ever like doug said, claim anything to be your fault.

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      CommentAuthorfreebird
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     

    Lie prone and request medical attention.
    Don't move, don't do shit until the cops and the paramedics arrive.
    Pretend you're a POW-- Name rank and serial number and call me a fucking ambulance.
    Then do exactly what they^^^ said.

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      CommentAuthorstumptown
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008 edited
     

    Damage appraisals - if the bike has problems, take it to a shop (preferably where you bought some or all of the parts, or frequent semi-regularly) and ask for a damage assessment. Make sure you tell them you plan on buying replacement parts from them after the payout, and they'll be motivated to hook you up proper. The mechanic should take a look at your bike, including frame alignment (crucial), and write you up a receipt of what is damaged and how much it will cost to replace.

    I've been hit twice, made negotiations with both drivers to write me a check (not on the spot, days/weeks after the fact to make sure I had no injuries/get bike assessed). It's worked out fine both times: first time I got more than enough money to replace everything I needed (taco'd rear wheel, scuffs on bars and seat), second time I got enough money to replace my wheel (knocked 4-5mm out of true) but I was able to ride it out for another 6 months before it died. Going through Ginsberg is likely to have a lot better pay off, though.

    If you are hit and the driver stops to exchange info, you file your accident report with the DMV. If you are involved in a hit and run, you do a police report and if there were any witnesses or you got the license plate number somehow, you are in for some major $$$$$ (contact lawyer immediately).

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      CommentAuthorMIN
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     

    Prepare to wait a long time for a settlement or payoff. My buddy who got hit has not seen anything yet after being hit 18 months ago even with a reputable attorney.

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      CommentAuthorbschultz
    • CommentTimeJul 9th 2008
     

    If you're hurt pretty badly, procure a comfortable couch; they rule.

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    yes, it takes time for the lawyer route, and it hella sucks especially when you are hurt and can not work like what happened to my GF Amy, but the amount she woulda got from the insco if she did not woulda been under five gees and with the lawyer, her bike is already sussed, the medical bills are all guaranteed taken care of and the pain/suffering/lost wages will come to an estinmated 15gees. read it agin..15,000 U$D thats faaar more than she woulda got going it alone, and i urge you to think about that.

    yes it is a hassle, and no i don't got no love for lawyers in general, but only a fool would take $1000 now instead of $15,000 in a year.

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