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Hey Guys, Look What I Did To Today!

54 posts Started 1 May 2009 Last recovered post 7 Jun 2009 Wayback Machine snapshot 12 Apr 2010

#1
Well, I just typed this long ass post about this and it disappeared when I tried to submit it, so I will do the short version this time.
I was heading to lunch when a Fire and Rescue truck pulled out of a cross road. He had his lights and sirens on, but he didn't seem like he was gonna wait to see if cross traffic would yield. The car in front of me was braking hard and I guess she wasn't too sure about them stopping either so she swerved into my lane. I caught the right rear bumper. It was all in slo mo. I watched our two vehicles kinda mesh together and then bam! I was surrounded by metal and plastic. My front tire caught in her wheel well and that snapped my bars to the right and yanked them out of my hands. The bike then kicked out to the left and according to the witnesses, I did the Superman over her car. I didn't see that as I had my eyes closed waiting for the impact. I hit helmet first, then dragged along out into the middle of the intersection on my leather.

Here are some pics:


http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_665883.jpg
Front End

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_604509.jpg
Side View of Damage

As you can see, it's mostly cosmetic except for the radiators, oil cooler, and a bunch of torn out electical connectors and wires. Not sure what this is below, don't think it's the main computer, but it's ripped apart and was laying about ten feet from the bike.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_475215.jpg
What the hell is this?

So, I am okay, but the bike is trashed and I am pissed off at myself. I should have still missed her, but I target fixated my ass right into a crash. I don't know if I am gonna try to fix it or part it. I only had liability on her, so I don't know. Gonna sit on it for a while and think about it. Anyway, so that's my day!
#2
MOST importantly - you are alive tonight to share this!!!

Really sorry to see you had this happen. Again - glad you are here tonight to talk about it!!!

BTW - I think that is in fact the main computer though.....
#3
Can you say, "unsafe lane change" on her part? There was a police report, right?

WOW, dude. I don't think I've ever seen a rad that mangled but it should buff right out! :) Of course, the good thing is you are OK and live to ride another day.
#4

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

So, I am okay, but the bike is trashed and I am pissed off at myself. I should have still missed her, but I target fixated my ass right into a crash. I don't know if I am gonna try to fix it or part it. I only had liability on her, so I don't know. Gonna sit on it for a while and think about it. Anyway, so that's my day!

Sorry to hear about the bike. Glad to hear you are OK.

If she changed lanes into you, why wouldn't her insurance take care of it?
#5
OH MY GOD... that sucks. I'm glad you made it through OK.
I can't imagine what you just went through, but you seem to be safe now. Sorry to hear about your crash.
#6
Major suckage.
Glad you're OK though.
Depending on your finiances, you may want to try restoring it. Damage looks cosmetic, although pretty pricey bits got torn there.
Or you could go for an 06+?

P.S.
Had an opportunity to bite it myself this morning... Missed the biatch by a hair and soiled my undies.
#7
Those pics are painful Jov, sorry for your loss..

P.S. that decal on the front is awesome, be sure to add it to your next Viffer
#8
So, are you going to get the fire dept to pay for the accident, seeing as they caused it, sorta?
#9
hey, at least you're okay. we've been there. wipeouts are nasty business.
the bike looks okay - with a few parts you'll be back in business. be thankful that nothing happened to you.

take care of yourself.
#10

[image: View Post]FotoMoto, on Apr 30 2009, 07:31 PM, said:

Can you say, "unsafe lane change" on her part? There was a police report, right?


:+1: :+1:
#11
Glad you were able to walk away from this one. Check youtube I think there is an old Red Green show that covers electrical componets and duct tape.

Muff

PS I think the girl is at fault... Push the issue
#12
There will always be more bikes but legs, arms and skulls are so much harder to come by. Consider the bike a small sacrifice. Glad you are okay and that your helmet did its job.
#13
Glad you are okay, any pics of the leather?
#14
Glad to hear you came out ok, :+1: on it being her fault, her insurance should pay. I would also look to the Fire Company, pulling out into traffic is still their safety responsibility, right?
#15
Glad You're ok..........You've got two other insurance claimes.......The woman that pulled in front of you,and the fire truck.....Just because they have their lights and sirens on doesn't mean they can "TAKE THE RIGHT-OF-WAY"....Those devices are to alert people to move out of the way.....doesn't mean they can cause accidents......Monk
#16
ok so once more damn glad to see your ok... the hell with the bike it can be fixed or part it out... time for a new bike I'd say.... Aloha
#17
I was just saying this morning that helmets save lives....sorry you have to be the one to prove me right :blush:

If you got up and walked away, everything else is replaceable....

Sound like things will get messy with who's fault it was...but get an attorney if no one offers to take care of you...w/out one you'll get screwed. Be ready for some MAJOR headaches !

Glad your on posting this and were not hearing about it :biggrin:
#18
Like everyone else said, sucks about the bike but I'm glad you're OK. That's obviously the most important thing. :)

And as said above, why wouldn't the cager's insurance cover this? She made the unsafe lane change, even if you did target fixate. Unless it can be proven that you had time to stop but failed to, I don't see how this can be on you.
#19
Glad you're ok. Thanks for sharing. Your experience might save someone else in similar situation.
#20

[image: View Post]trekman5, on May 1 2009, 12:25 AM, said:

Glad you're ok. Thanks for sharing. Your experience might save someone else in similar situation.
:+1:
#21
Those cagers can be tough to avoid :) Glad you walked away!!
#22

[image: View Post]Tightwad, on Apr 30 2009, 11:27 PM, said:

Glad to hear you came out ok, :+1: on it being her fault, her insurance should pay. I would also look to the Fire Company, pulling out into traffic is still their safety responsibility, right?

In NY and MA, if the lights and sirens are on, the ambulance driver is AT FAULT for ANY MVC. A coworker is an EMT in NY (well, he was up until about 3 months ago, when he moved to CT, but I digress), and he told me he RARELY puts on the lights & siren just for that reason.

Lights & sirens do not mean disregard all traffic laws, in fact, they (ambulance) are liable. Ensure you follow up with the LEO for the report.

I guess my point is, check with an attorney, or your insurance company. Let them (your ins company) do the legwork, and make sure to get new gear too, at least your helmet should be replaced by _*someone's*_ insurance policy.


Glad to hear that you are (mostly) ok. I'm sure today you'll be sore, take it easy and slow...
#23
Man, that really sucks. Thank god you were able to walk away, seem to be in pretty good spirits considering too. Keep it up, and take that chick to court. :)
#24
Glad you were wearing a helmet! You might not be telling us your story if you hadn't been.

I cringe at every helmetless rider I see around my area.

Sorry about the bike....
#25
Yikes! I saw those pics and it made me wince. Glad to hear your gear did it's job and you are doing good.

As for the accident itself, go for a personal injury lawyer. I hate unleashing the hounds of money but they do a good job of squeezing every penny out of everyone involved leaving you with a check when it's all said and done. You do a paper work session with them and they take care of the rest.

In the meantime see if there is a motorcycle salvage yard near where you live and check it out. You will be surprised what expensive goodies you can pick up there in good condition if you know what you are looking for. That and a nice roll of duct tape and you will be good to go! ;)
#26
Hey guys, thanks for all the kind words. Everyone was telling me that I was going to feel it this in the morning, but other than my thighs being sore, I feel great. It's great to be alive and healthly! As far as who is at fault, I mentioned this a little in the first attempted post, but I will say a little more now. First, no one was faulted. At the time, I did not believe that the cage driver swerved. But as I thought about it later on into the evening, I am pretty sure she did. But she moved her car pretty much right away. Second, I have been told by more than a few people that the Fire and Rescue could be in the wrong. Even the LEO who responded stated that he was putting in his report that they might have been overly aggressive in pulling out as they did. He also wondered out loud if they were trying to make the buffet somewhere and weren't responding to a call. So, who knows. I will be contacting an ambulance chaser, er, I mean lawyer today.
As far as photo's of the leather I will take a pic and add it to my gallery. I did put one pic of my helmet there. I have to say after sliding on the ground in leather, I will never settle for mesh or textile again. My leather barely shows any sign of damage, just a little rash that I can probably buff out. Mesh in that situation probably would have come apart.
So now I need to decide what I am going to do. If I can get some money, I will probably part it out and buy a newer one. If not, I might have take a break from riding for a while. A long while if the wife and family have any say....
Anyway, thanks for all the comments. I wish I had video of me flying over her car.... :goofy: That would have made a good keepsake!
Be safe out there and ATGATT!!!!!!!
JB
#27
I just looked at the picture of your helmet. I'm sure you're really glad that you had it on. That should be a lesson to those who don't wear gear. Try walking away from that one without some basic protection.

I'm glad you're OK. Like others have said, it's a lot easier to get another bike than a body part.
#28

[image: View Post]y2kvfr, on May 1 2009, 07:15 AM, said:

In NY and MA, if the lights and sirens are on, the ambulance driver is AT FAULT for ANY MVC. A coworker is an EMT in NY (well, he was up until about 3 months ago, when he moved to CT, but I digress), and he told me he RARELY puts on the lights & siren just for that reason.

Lights & sirens do not mean disregard all traffic laws, in fact, they (ambulance) are liable. Ensure you follow up with the LEO for the report.

I guess my point is, check with an attorney, or your insurance company. Let them (your ins company) do the legwork, and make sure to get new gear too, at least your helmet should be replaced by _*someone's*_ insurance policy.


Glad to hear that you are (mostly) ok. I'm sure today you'll be sore, take it easy and slow...

That seems to be the opposite here in PA. Emergency vehicles 'Always' have the right-of-way without question, and Municipal services (not private Ambulance services) are not financially responsible for damage from a traffic accident.

By Boss recently was side swiped by a local Police SUV, the cop swung wide at an intersection making a turn and took out the drivers side of my Boss Grand Cherokee and his Insurance had to cover the repairs - BS if you ask me especially since the cop was NOT responding to a call, just poor driving skills.

Hope everything works out for you!
#29

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_images/light/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

Front End


First: I am glad to hear that you are ok!

Second: Take a good look at the front end upper section. If you could find a way to make this functional and safe that would be a great look for a "two-face" or "terminator" look to a bike!!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Two-faceEckhart.jpghttp://www.moviesmackdown.com/images/2007/07/07/term2_2667a.jpg

Just a thought.
#30

[image: View Post]JHKolb, on May 1 2009, 09:40 AM, said:

[image: View Post]y2kvfr, on May 1 2009, 07:15 AM, said:

In NY and MA, if the lights and sirens are on, the ambulance driver is AT FAULT for ANY MVC. A coworker is an EMT in NY (well, he was up until about 3 months ago, when he moved to CT, but I digress), and he told me he RARELY puts on the lights & siren just for that reason.

Lights & sirens do not mean disregard all traffic laws, in fact, they (ambulance) are liable. Ensure you follow up with the LEO for the report.

I guess my point is, check with an attorney, or your insurance company. Let them (your ins company) do the legwork, and make sure to get new gear too, at least your helmet should be replaced by _*someone's*_ insurance policy.


Glad to hear that you are (mostly) ok. I'm sure today you'll be sore, take it easy and slow...

That seems to be the opposite here in PA. Emergency vehicles 'Always' have the right-of-way without question, and Municipal services (not private Ambulance services) are not financially responsible for damage from a traffic accident.

By Boss recently was side swiped by a local Police SUV, the cop swung wide at an intersection making a turn and took out the drivers side of my Boss Grand Cherokee and his Insurance had to cover the repairs - BS if you ask me especially since the cop was NOT responding to a call, just poor driving skills.

Hope everything works out for you!

Yes, PA is a different world unto itself. I can say that because I live in PA. Same with the Port Authority (Public Transp.). They can pretty much do what they want. What sucks is that if your insurance company pays for your damages, your rates may go up regardless of fault. Call your agent, that's what he/she is there for.
#31
So sorry but thank God YOU are ok and that's more important, as others have said, Bikes can always be replaced... A bad day for sure but something good will come out of this for you... maybe a brand new Viffy?
#32
REALLY glad that you are OK!!!

keep us posted.
#33

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_images/light/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />1976Mike, on May 1 2009, 09:46 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

Front End


First: I am glad to hear that you are ok!

Second: Take a good look at the front end upper section. If you could find a way to make this functional and safe that would be a great look for a "two-face" or "terminator" look to a bike!!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Two-faceEckhart.jpghttp://www.moviesmackdown.com/images/2007/07/07/term2_2667a.jpg

Just a thought.

Man, it's so funny that you said that! I have been saying that to everyone since the crash! Especially the pictures of Arnie from T3 when the CGI makes it so you can actually see thru his head!
#34

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on May 1 2009, 06:25 AM, said:

Anyway, thanks for all the comments. I wish I had video of me flying over her car.... :goofy: That would have made a good keepsake!
Be safe out there and ATGATT!!!!!!!
JB


Believe me there's a flying video in all of our minds...

you really need to go easy on the Rads.

(Seriously, Sorry for that "Start of the Season")

Should there be a separate "Crash" Category or is that tempting fate?

Do you think you were in her blind spot or if her phone call may have gotten interrupted :(
#35
Looks like a good candidate for a 6th gen street fighter! That would be my direction if I didn't have full coverage and no one else pays out. That is ofcoarse, if the wife would ever let me ride again!

BTW - I'm glad you're safe and healthy. It sucks to lose the bike, but the appreciation you have for everyday moments will more than make up for it. Time to go hug the wife and kids, and then go verify the life insurance policies are up to snuff.
#36
Damn. Sorry to hear of your crash. Hope a good lawyer will be of help to you, along with any witnesses and the police report.

Glad to hear you survived pretty much ok, though obviously the bike didn't. Looks totalled to me (front end damage).

Glad you were wearing decent gear or you wouldn't have been able to report your own crash.

Hope you're back riding soon.
#37
sorry to hear your ride out ended as it did.as a fellow rider im pleased to hear you are relatively unhurt.i hope you win the insurance battle and get back on 2 wheels asp.rob
#38
Ouch. Sorry man. Glad you are ok. Time for a new VFR
#39

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 07:25 PM, said:

Well, I just typed this long ass post about this and it disappeared when I tried to submit it, so I will do the short version this time.
I was heading to lunch when a Fire and Rescue truck pulled out of a cross road. He had his lights and sirens on, but he didn't seem like he was gonna wait to see if cross traffic would yield. The car in front of me was braking hard and I guess she wasn't too sure about them stopping either so she swerved into my lane. I caught the right rear bumper. It was all in slo mo. I watched our two vehicles kinda mesh together and then bam! I was surrounded by metal and plastic. My front tire caught in her wheel well and that snapped my bars to the right and yanked them out of my hands. The bike then kicked out to the left and according to the witnesses, I did the Superman over her car. I didn't see that as I had my eyes closed waiting for the impact. I hit helmet first, then dragged along out into the middle of the intersection on my leather.

Here are some pics:


http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_665883.jpg
Front End

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_604509.jpg
Side View of Damage

As you can see, it's mostly cosmetic except for the radiators, oil cooler, and a bunch of torn out electical connectors and wires. Not sure what this is below, don't think it's the main computer, but it's ripped apart and was laying about ten feet from the bike.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_475215.jpg
What the hell is this?

So, I am okay, but the bike is trashed and I am pissed off at myself. I should have still missed her, but I target fixated my ass right into a crash. I don't know if I am gonna try to fix it or part it. I only had liability on her, so I don't know. Gonna sit on it for a while and think about it. Anyway, so that's my day!That's the black box recovered from the wreckage. On it are all the control inputs as well as conversations recorded during flight. You've found it. I'll alert the media. :biggrin: When you make it away from a crash like that all you can do is move on with a little good humour. You'll get another bike. Hope you are compensated for her wreckless lane change. As I understand it you are supposed to come to a safe stop and pull safely over to the curb if possible when an emergency vehicle is lit up and howling. Not run over the vehicle next to you.
#40

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on May 1 2009, 08:25 AM, said:

Hey guys, thanks for all the kind words. Everyone was telling me that I was going to feel it this in the morning, but other than my thighs being sore, I feel great. It's great to be alive and healthly! As far as who is at fault, I mentioned this a little in the first attempted post, but I will say a little more now. First, no one was faulted. At the time, I did not believe that the cage driver swerved. But as I thought about it later on into the evening, I am pretty sure she did. But she moved her car pretty much right away. Second, I have been told by more than a few people that the Fire and Rescue could be in the wrong. Even the LEO who responded stated that he was putting in his report that they might have been overly aggressive in pulling out as they did. He also wondered out loud if they were trying to make the buffet somewhere and weren't responding to a call. So, who knows. I will be contacting an ambulance chaser, er, I mean lawyer today.
As far as photo's of the leather I will take a pic and add it to my gallery. I did put one pic of my helmet there. I have to say after sliding on the ground in leather, I will never settle for mesh or textile again. My leather barely shows any sign of damage, just a little rash that I can probably buff out. Mesh in that situation probably would have come apart.
So now I need to decide what I am going to do. If I can get some money, I will probably part it out and buy a newer one. If not, I might have take a break from riding for a while. A long while if the wife and family have any say....
Anyway, thanks for all the comments. I wish I had video of me flying over her car.... :goofy: That would have made a good keepsake!
Be safe out there and ATGATT!!!!!!!
JB



Did I hear you right? You're suffering lower back pain? :warranty: I'm very sorry for your pain and suffering. :dry:
#41
I'm not sure about Florida, but in Colorado you are NOT automatically at fault for hitting the rear of another car. A situation similar to yours happened to my wife in her vehicle when someone else slammed the brakes and swerved into her lane. The other driver was pointing the finger in my wife's direction but witnesses agreed otherwise and the "swoop and squat" driver got the ticket. We had a series of insurance fraud "accidents" here that got the laws changed a bit. Guys with crappy cars would swerve in front of you and then hammer the brakes followed up by huge insurance claims for "back/neck injuries. The insurance companies united and we now have at least one reason to like them now. Check your local laws. I would say their insurance company should be footing your repair bill.
#42
John, glad your okay buddy. I never saw this thread and only checked after your PM. You should really call me about the details of the crash. It sounds like they might be trying to screw you over.

All that matters is that your okay----but do call a brother!
#43
[quote name='Kanadian Ken' date='Apr 30 2009, 10:29 PM' post='608846']
MOST importantly - you are alive tonight to share this!!!

Really sorry to see you had this happen. Again - glad you are here tonight to talk about it!!!

:+1: :+1: :+1: Good words to live by! You're alive and have helped warn all the readers of your error. I honestly believe your being a little hard on yourself. Take care! JD
#44

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

Well, I just typed this long ass post about this and it disappeared when I tried to submit it, so I will do the short version this time.
I was heading to lunch when a Fire and Rescue truck pulled out of a cross road. He had his lights and sirens on, but he didn't seem like he was gonna wait to see if cross traffic would yield. The car in front of me was braking hard and I guess she wasn't too sure about them stopping either so she swerved into my lane. I caught the right rear bumper. It was all in slo mo. I watched our two vehicles kinda mesh together and then bam! I was surrounded by metal and plastic. My front tire caught in her wheel well and that snapped my bars to the right and yanked them out of my hands. The bike then kicked out to the left and according to the witnesses, I did the Superman over her car. I didn't see that as I had my eyes closed waiting for the impact. I hit helmet first, then dragged along out into the middle of the intersection on my leather.

Here are some pics:


http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_665883.jpg
Front End

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_604509.jpg
Side View of Damage

As you can see, it's mostly cosmetic except for the radiators, oil cooler, and a bunch of torn out electical connectors and wires. Not sure what this is below, don't think it's the main computer, but it's ripped apart and was laying about ten feet from the bike.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1240970219/gallery_11104_4614_475215.jpg
What the hell is this?

So, I am okay, but the bike is trashed and I am pissed off at myself. I should have still missed her, but I target fixated my ass right into a crash. I don't know if I am gonna try to fix it or part it. I only had liability on her, so I don't know. Gonna sit on it for a while and think about it. Anyway, so that's my day!

Thank God for gear. Sounds as if she hit you. Get a lawyer and get a new bike and helmet. Glad you are walking straight and tall

wrestler
#45

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_images/light/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />1976Mike, on May 1 2009, 09:46 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

Front End


First: I am glad to hear that you are ok!

Second: Take a good look at the front end upper section. If you could find a way to make this functional and safe that would be a great look for a "two-face" or "terminator" look to a bike!!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Two-faceEckhart.jpghttp://www.moviesmackdown.com/images/2007/07/07/term2_2667a.jpg

Just a thought.


I was thinking the same thing. Terminterceptor. Good luck, and try not to bounce off anything else :laugh:
#46
Glad you're OK bro. You'll be back in no time!
#47

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_images/light/snapback.png' alt='View Post' />JustOneMore, on May 13 2009, 08:25 PM, said:

[image: View Post]1976Mike, on May 1 2009, 09:46 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Jovinski, on Apr 30 2009, 10:25 PM, said:

Front End


First: I am glad to hear that you are ok!

Second: Take a good look at the front end upper section. If you could find a way to make this functional and safe that would be a great look for a "two-face" or "terminator" look to a bike!!!!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c7/Two-faceEckhart.jpghttp://www.moviesmackdown.com/images/2007/07/07/term2_2667a.jpg

Just a thought.


I was thinking the same thing. Terminterceptor. Good luck, and try not to bounce off anything else :laugh:

Those are what the cool HD dudes look like after a crash. Stupid half helmets.
#48
Sorry to hear about the accident. It is scary in traffic. Sounds like the FD guys basically caused it. i woudl miss my VFR if I lost it :( Mainly because
If I lay the VFR down my family will KIA all future motorcycling adventure :unsure: i was already warned by the wife... Especially if I get hit and live and not injured. So I basically ride like everyone is out to kill me...

Although my 2 year old boy looks at the VFR when we get in my M3 and goes brrom brroom and points at it. He thinks its neat to sit on the seat.
#49
So glad you are OK!!!!!!!!!!! I am so sorry about your bike. I only have liablity also and worry about that.. Hope you can get it fixed.
#50
Jovinski, sorry about your crunchy ride. :(

Glad to hear you are with us to share the story, though! Any updates to share??
#51
Dude. You are so frickin lucky to come out in one piece. Liability is the way to go. Collision is so expensive. You can probably pick up some parts on ebay. How about turning it into the first naked VFR? Glad you are OK.
#52

[image: View Post]jinshiyang, on May 23 2009, 08:54 AM, said:

the hell with the bike it can be fixed or part it out... time for a new bike I'd say thread insert helicoil
http://www.xhcljx.com/eng
What's with all the helicoil/threadinsert advertisements here? Keep it up and you will find a moderator putting you on "hold". Check the rules there buddy. ;)
#53

[image: View Post]trekman5, on Apr 30 2009, 09:25 PM, said:

Glad you're ok. Thanks for sharing. Your experience might save someone else in similar situation.


--ditto-- :+1:
#54
Any update?
End of thread · 54 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 12 Apr 2010