My Season Is Officially Over. Pictures Added.

Wow, folks.
This year I have been noticing a significant increase in the number of accidents amongst our group. While commiserating with the fallen, I have been subconsciously wondering when my turn would come... Well, my turn has come.

This morning, while commuting to work, I was traveling on a 4 lane road (2 lanes each way) in Brooklyn, just a few blocks from my house. It is a busy time and there was a good number of cars going my way. I was following a mini van with about 2 car length between us, when the said minivan had decided to make an illegal u-turn across the double yellow. In addition, he probably did not want to attract any unwanted attention to himself and thus did not bother to show a turn signal either.
Basically, by the time I realized what was happening, I had nowhere to go. Since I was traveling in the left lane, I wanted to avoid him on the right, behind him, but there was a car there at my side. The only other option was to try to go around him on his left, but he was heading that way and I couldn't see oncoming traffic. So, I figured that I'll be better off slamming into his side at an angle, which was what I did.

As an aside, this thought process has taken about a fraction of a second, while I was hard on the brakes and knew that there ain't no stopping me now. Human brain is an amazing instrument :fing02: . Even my brain :blink: :laugh:

Upon impact of the bike, I superman'ed off into the minivan's side, then bounced back and landed on my left shoulder. Sometime during all this, I managed to hit pavement with my helmet. Hard. And to add insult to injury, his rear wheel drove over my right hand. I ended up lying on my back with my head resting on the bike (the last service my lovely Viffer would perform for me).

Lots of people had stopped to help and to comfort me and I thanked them for their efforts. It was dangerous business to stop like that in the middle of NYC rush hour. way to go New Yorkers :fing02: In the meantime, I was worried that someone would drive over my feet as I laid on the ground :blink: . Probably shock.
The police and ambulance were at the seen immediately.
Ironically, and luckily for me, this happened right across the street from the volunteer ambulance garage and I was well taken care of.

At the hospital, I was attended by the most angelic looking Russian doctor Anna :wub: , who took excellent care of me and spared no Percasets to keep me comfy. If only I wasn't married.... :rolleyes:

The responding POs came to visit as well. They told me that it was entirely the other guy's fault according to all accounts of the guy himself and of the numerous witnesses. They have issued him a ticket for an illegal u-turn, which according to them, will mean that his insurance co. will not be able to blame me and get out of paying into the VFR1200 fund ;) Yep. You've heard me. If I can persuade HIS ins. co. to contribute to my VFR fond, I'm buying the 1200 or... whatever.
I also asked the POs about the bike. Both said that it was toast :sleep: - Both bikers as well.

And now for the customary praise for the gear. A.K.A. Preaching to the quire.
I've been wearing an HJC helmet, A-Stars heavy textile jacket, A-Stars gloves and Puma riding shoes.
The jacket took the brunt of the abrasive impact. It has scars on the left shoulder and sleeve, but held up admirably. i probably would have been injured much worse if not for the impact foam.
The helmet has done an amazing job of protecting my instrument. I distinctly remember a huge impact and the helmet shows the scars. However, my head felt like hitting a goose down pillow.
Gloves have kept my hands from any abrasions. However, did nothing to prevent impact, so the damn hands hurt. This is most unfortunate, b/c I'll need them now more than ever after my SO learns what had happened :ohmy: :ph34r: .
Now, the more detail-oriented of you may ask; Wait a minute. What about pants? Is that how they ride in NY?
To answer. Some do, but not I. I've been wearing black jeans. My knee got scuffed (no hole in the jeans) and there was a hole in the back pocket where the wallet is. Leather will protect against abrasion, but in this case, there was just smack and fall, so jeans did well enough.

So, my riding is over for now. Unless I can get $ from the guy's ins., I won't be buying bikes any time soon. But, I am an optimist and hope that rather than an unfortunate ending, this will be a new beginning.

May this be the last such post I see on VFRD.
Amen.

Here are some pictures of the aftermath.
This is the corner that hit the side of the van:
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0248.jpg

Right radiator got bent into a wave pattern and the right ferring is toast:
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0251.jpg

The rest of the right side is untouched:
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0252.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0249.jpg

Left side. lots of damage here:
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0250.jpg

Radar's slider took the brunt of impact. It's quarter ground down, although I don't recall sliding much. Must have passed out momentarily.
It had also bent upwards, which is a sign of how strong the impact was. Everything behind it is undamaged, including the gas tank. All in all, it did its job admirably.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0259.jpg

Rear left is untouched as well except for some minor scrapes on the pass. foot peg bracket.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0260.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0253.jpg

The forks appear to be straight just by looking at them. I don't want to take anything apart before adjuster sees it. However, the tops of the forks appear to have twisted in the tripples? I can't quite figure this one out yet.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0254.jpg

This is the view that concerns me the most. It appears that something is twisted here. Look at the relationship of tank to seat. It could just be the shifted bra though.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0256.jpg

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0257.jpg

A mirror that someone stuck into the open fering
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0258.jpg

Some gear shots.
Helmet impact crater
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0261.jpg
Other side
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0262.jpg

Jacket. Shoulder and wrist areas show impact. No abrasions on the body though. Just trauma.
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk125/milmand/VFR%20Accident%209-09/PICT0263.jpg

After a visual inspection, I don't see any "terminal" damage. It almost feels like I can tweak the forks and handle bars back into position, duct tape the hanging bits and go for a ride :cool: .
The motor runs perfectly and even all the lights work.

In truth though, I would not want to ride this bike again. Not because I am superstitious, but because I will be forever "finding" (in my head) something wrong with this and that, knowing its history. This will take away from the fun factor and thus defeat the purpose for me.
I hope that the ins. co. agrees to pay its KBB value plus my farkles, so I can move on.

Sorry to hear that, brother. Heal up quick.

Let me guess. It happened on 278. I used to HATE riding on 278. Every minute of the day was rush hour traffic on 278.

Dimitry that's a drag,glad you are able to walk away and the new model are coming out you can be the first to get a 2010 VFR. :fing02:


Hows the bike?

It's not a real accident without PICS.

Sorry Rice,
I rode from 95-06 every day(other than snow or ice on the road) in the city and it be quite an adventure gettin to your destination.Your 2 car gap probably gave you that little extra time you needed to scrub off just enough speed.Glad you had good gear on , sounds like nothing serious happened to you.Can't believe he ran over your hand and it's not broken.Are you Wolverine?
Hope others learn from your experience,good gear may make a difference.Not just abrasion resistant gear, but GOOD armor will save your bones and joints.don't leave home without it,
Heal up bro,see you in the spring

So sorry to hear that Dmitry!! Hope you heal up quick! If you need a ride fix between bikes, you can come up north for a day. I'll put a plate on the CBR for ya!

Hey,
Sorryabout your mishap. I will say however that your helmet must have done a great job cause it protected your sense of humour. You seem to be taking rather well, considering. I wish you the best and a quick recovery.
I will add one thing: about the doctor, she does not exist without a pic!! :blush:
Good luck man!! :fing02:
PS prices are so good right now, you should be able to score another nice bike.

Dimitry, that sucks!! You can call this a win, since you are walking and talking and posting. ATGATT is my watchword too. I hear the new VFR is gonna be really nice too.

Dang, that sucks! At least it wasn't your fault, and hopefully he has insurance....if he does they WILL pay, what with him being at fault and all....make sure you get a good settlement, just keep reminding them of his illegal left turn that if not for your reactions could have been much worse! Oh yeah, and back/neck pain.....

The bike can be replaced, which I would of course suggest. This might have to be done sooner than the 1200 if your SO is anything like most....gotta keep the motorcycle allowance active and grandfathered into the relationship.

Heal up well!

Jeez, there must be something in the air, so sorry to hear that man and as my post on the weekend explains I know all too well the pains of going down !

Man...that SUCKS!! Real sorry to hear that...but glad you're okay.

+1 Rice that suck being in three accidents that I (thank GOD) kinda walked away the worst is seeing my bike wreck!
Get well soon and there will be other bikes out there....

I don't know you personally but I am very happy that you are okay. So many things could have happened to you so a trashed bike is absolutely nothing.
Yes, his insurance company (if he has one) will be buying you a new V-4 and some sweet gear (go get fitted for your custom jacket).

I hate to be the first to say it but you may want to check with a lawyer. I don't believe in unnecessary lawsuits but you really could have some long term effects that might now show up for a while (soft tissue damage, never damage, back/neck issues etc.) You don't want to accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. No, you don't HAVE to sue anyone but you do need someone to advise you. (And NO, I am NOT an attorney)

Heal quick Rice!

eek! Dmitry, sorry to hear about you "joining the club", but by your concern for your hand(s) shows your brain was not damaged :laugh:

i look forward to seeing your new V1200 at Tmac next year.

Sorry to see this. Hope you heal well and soon.

Glad that you are alright.

Thanks, guys.

Its moments like these when I am reminded yet again of the true value of our community.

You are the best :fing02:

Aww crap, dont hesitate suing the insurance company if you have to! Get well soon!

Yikes....not another!! Hang in there bud and hope it all works out in your favor. :fing02:

Dimitri sorry to hear about the accident, if you need me to take care of anything for you I am in the nieghborhood just give me a call.

That stinks, Rice. Very sorry to hear about it, but also very happy you're OK. Bikes come and go. Yours is apparently gone too soon, but thankfully you're alive and in good shape to ride its replacement soon enough. :)

Crap Rice. That sucks!

Sounds like you fared pretty well. No major injuries? Just some bruising and soreness? :ph34r:

I guess this puts a damper on the October ride... :mad:

Ouch! Rest easy and heal up quick. :blink:

What is it with those ER doctors? When I was hit by a minivan I ended up with a very fine female doctor as well. It sure made the long process of getting patched up more bearable. ;)

And good luck with the VFR1200 route. If you pull it off you might even beat Skutter to the ride report. :fing02:

Dimitry!!!!

Thank God you were wearing all your gear!! Bummer about the bike, but it will all work out in the end. Hopefully it is one of the larger insurance companies.
I sent a pm to you,
Tim aka tc rides

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 15 2009, 06:19 PM, said:

Wow, folks.
This year I have been noticing a significant increase in the number of accidents amongst our group. While commiserating with the fallen, I have been subconsciously wondering when my turn would come... Well, my turn has come.

I agree with your first comment, the past two months or so have not been nice for VFR riders.

I'm going through the same thing as you... Aug 17 cager pulled out in front of me.. totaled my '06... cager got a ticket. Keep calling the other driver's insurance as soon as you find out who your adjuster is to get your property damage $$ in a respectable time frame. Medical reimbursement and final pain / suffering settlement is usually at the end of the whole ordeal. DON'T SIGN ANY CHECKS IF YOU AREN'T HAPPY WITH THE AMOUNT.

Good luck and heal up fast! :fing02:

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 15 2009, 07:32 PM, said:

Thanks, guys.

Its moments like these when I am reminded yet again of the true value of our community.

You are the best :fing02:


I think we are all glad you took the time to post up about your accident. It makes us all the more cautious. Yeah, there's something about mini vans that just makes me nervous. Get healed up soon. What, is that three crashes in this last week? No more folks.

Damn Dimitry sorry this happened to you but glad to hear your still alive. I would suggest talking to a lawyer, not one of the DB's you see on TV but a good one. Word of mouth is the best way to find one. It wont cost you a dime and they will get you what you deserve. After my crash last fall I thought I might not ride again on the street ever. That lasted about a month. I dont commute to work near as much yet but I do really still enjoy riding on the street. Good luck man and heal up fast.

Stephen

Glad you're alright (relatively). Just keep reminding the boss that the settlement was to replace your bike with... Not to repaint the living room.

Luckily enough for you, that 1200 should be available for pre-orders pretty soon.

Glad your okay. Leave your selves an out guys. Lane position and following distance may have been a factor here as well as the Mini-vans bone headed move. Just putting that out there.

Hope you get that 1200. I may be getting one too. Sort of liking some of the details so far.

Only reason I mention the factors above is because I'd rather say something and hope it helps to prevent a repeat accident than to be PC and say nothing. Nothing personal

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 16 2009, 12:19 AM, said:

This is most unfortunate, b/c I'll need them now more than ever after my SO learns what had happened :ohmy: :ph34r: .



Messing up your day
Spoiled all your plans?
Say to yourself
"I can still use my hands...." :cool:


Sorry to hear your riding season is over, glad you are unhurt

Wow, really sorry to hear. Very glad you're ok. Sounds like it could have been WAY worse. Look forward to seeing the new VFR real soon.

[image: View Post]EmeraldVFR, on Sep 15 2009, 06:29 PM, said:

Sorry to hear that, brother. Heal up quick.

Let me guess. It happened on 278. I used to HATE riding on 278. Every minute of the day was rush hour traffic on 278.


Isn't 278 a divided highway which doesn't run way out east in Brooklyn... U-turns are nasty stuff in NYC and people seem to not care if a cop is right there.

Bad crash. Nice post. Get well, pal!

D,

Holy crap. I'm glad that you're okay enough to tell the tale. Hope you heal up nicely and ins pays up soon. Give the nurse my number, won't ya?

-Pat

Great to hear you are ok and I'm very very sorry mate.

... but do us a favour...

post up a review of that 1200 when you get it will ya :biggrin: :cool:

Close call... the humour means everything is OK...

Please eveyone take care... seems like we're letting our guard down...

The best news is you're (relatively) unscathed...

there are easier ways to meet nice russian doctors you know. If you get board, come to DC and I we'll drink a few.

at least now you will have a new avatar. (Use the crash pics for a while)

[image: View Post]CrazyInNYC, on Sep 16 2009, 12:50 PM, said:

[image: View Post]EmeraldVFR, on Sep 15 2009, 06:29 PM, said:

Sorry to hear that, brother. Heal up quick.

Let me guess. It happened on 278. I used to HATE riding on 278. Every minute of the day was rush hour traffic on 278.


Isn't 278 a divided highway which doesn't run way out east in Brooklyn... U-turns are nasty stuff in NYC and people seem to not care if a cop is right there.

Yes, it is divided. It's not only divided but I remember (on at least certain sections of it), the northbound (or eastbound depending on how you look at it) was elevated while the opposing lanes weren't. What I most definitely remember is that I hated riding on it.

Not to make excuses, but I sort of just skimmed over his post. Time is luxury I simply don't have much of lately.

Glad the injuries were not as bad as they could have been, considering the location/circumstances. We'll shoot for you to be the first one here to owner test the new VFR1200!!
Maybe the name "Dimitry" helped you snag the super angelic Russian doctor :rolleyes: . Reminds me of when I was signed up for a job at Kaiser Permanente about seven years ago, in their Oakland CA offices where one of the most beeeautiful woman I ever saw in my life interviewed me at their HR department, and she was Russian....it was like seeing an angel in heaven......I was floating in air for the next two weeks just thinking about her..... :goofy:

Beck
95 VFR

Rice,

Good job staying alert! I am glad that you are ok. Let us know how the healing progresses and of course news of the settlement and subsequent bike. Make certain that not just the bike is covered but all of the gear as well.

let uus know if you need anything.

carver

OOof!! That sucks!! :blink:

Glad that you've got such a good attitude about it and that you had lots of caring responders to help you out.

Take care, heal quickly and get back onto two wheels as soon as you can! :wheel:

Pics added.

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 18 2009, 08:26 PM, said:

Pics added.


Where is Anna???? :blink:

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 18 2009, 02:26 PM, said:

Pics added.


So you're looking to sell that Elka and those fork components real cheap, right? :491:

[image: View Post]Dutchy, on Sep 18 2009, 02:29 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 18 2009, 08:26 PM, said:

Pics added.


Where is Anna???? :blink:

http://www.absolutvision.com/gallery/gallery/th/3I9195.preview.jpg

I must say though that she looks 100X better in person. :fing02:

Rice, seems like it was a hell of a crash. Glad you are safe and relatively not damaged . Relax, stay strong and get the new VFR :biggrin:

Alex.

the forks twisting was prolly where you flew still holding on to the right bar. Dont forget to add the cost to replace all your gear and also ask the insurance co what they want to buy it back afterwards. usually about 1500-1800 bucks. if you dont want it after all is said and done some of us would prolly take it off yer hands or at least buy it for parts.

good that you are doing well though, thats whats important.

[image: View Post]CrazyInNYC, on Sep 18 2009, 02:47 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 18 2009, 02:26 PM, said:

Pics added.


So you're looking to sell that Elka and those fork components real cheap, right? :491:


.....Glad you're ok D...........so yeah I'll vulture in on this too.........I just want the rear. :biggrin:

I'm thankful you are still with us... now get back up at have another go...

Dmitry, Wow - had to be a hard hit. Hope all is going well with the insurance company and you are treated right. I also hope my friend Anthony was able to get you pointed in the right direction on all this. Either way, heal fast, and I am sure lots of us here will help you shop for that new VFR1200. Keep us posted. Tom BTW, no surveillance cameras at all. Just timing. Honest. :laugh:

Glad you are still around I know you will hurt for days but most of the time we lose fights with mini vans. The insurance company may try to settle fast don't be to impatient it was his fault. You have the man gene for sure hurting on a stretcher lucky to be alive and did I mention my doctor was smokin hot. glad your still around bikes are easy to replace. Hope you heal soon

what about the nurse?

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg262/redrider826/lovesicknurse-l.jpg

Wow man that sucks. I am glad you are relatively ok. I hope everything is going to be sorted out in your favor. I hope to see you at the next Tmac again!

Man, this sucks.... but glad you are alive to tell about it. Get well soon.

[image: View Post]Kevin2007VFR800, on Sep 19 2009, 01:20 AM, said:

Man, this sucks.... but glad you are alive to tell about it. Get well soon.


Dimitri. Sorry for your misfortune. I am so glad you had your gear on and that
apparently you are OK. I'll look for you at T-Mac 2010.
wrestler

Dang bro, sorry about you joining the club. I'll second what Timmay said about your gear. The insurance company is resonsible for all damages incurred in the incident, and that includes not just your bike and medical, but your gear as well. They shouldn't fight it, but if they do don't hesitate for one second to call a lawyer and go big on this. Insurance companies make millions off people who never have claims and save millions by cheating people who do have claims.

George

I am really sorry this happened, but glad you seemed to have escape realatively unharmed.

Dimitri I am so glad you are OK. :( So sorry about your crash though.

Update.

Just spoke with the other guy's Ins. Co.
The adjuster has determined that the bike is a total loss and they are getting ready to write a check for just under 4K. I get to keep the bike.
Just out of idle curiosity, since Ins. Co. was not negotiating...

Is this a good deal?

Other property damage, like gear and farkles will be discussed with them separately, so I still have a chance to get reimbursed for that later.

I'm toying with the idea of buying another 6th gen. With ABS this time :rolleyes: , although God knows, no ABS would have saved my a$$ in that crash.
I'll probably transfer some of the goodies, like the seat, rear shock, Ohlins valves and other small bits onto the new bike over the winter. The rest of it will be up for sale/grabs later on.

Glad to hear your ok. $4K plus keeping the bike is fair to me.

Lots of good parts still on there. I know I could buy several items if it helps you out.

I hope it all works out.

Sounds good and even better if you get gear money out of it too! Good luck with the rest of it!

[image: View Post]SEBSPEED, on Sep 25 2009, 05:30 PM, said:

Sounds good and even better if you get gear money out of it too! Good luck with the rest of it!


Oh yeah, gear money. Very fair price.


6th gen or wait for a 7th? If you get another 6th you would have lots of parts and a good engine to torocharge. :idea3: :beer:


Bikes can be replaced you sir cannot. Gear seemed to work great. Hooray gear, and lots of luck.

Very Glad you're coming out of that ok.

Insurance settlement seems reasonable. Even better if they replace your gear.

4k plus keep the bike? That sounds like a pretty fai outcome from a pretty sucky situation. Hope it all works out, man.

Wow, I can't believe I missed this thread Dimitry, sorry to hear about the accident, but real glad to hear your okay, enjoy the new 7th gen.

[image: View Post]Dutchy, on Sep 16 2009, 12:46 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Rice, on Sep 16 2009, 12:19 AM, said:

This is most unfortunate, b/c I'll need them now more than ever after my SO learns what had happened :ohmy: :ph34r: .



Messing up your day
Spoiled all your plans?
Say to yourself
"I can still use my hands...." :cool:


Sorry to hear your riding season is over, glad you are unhurt
sorry to hear that.....

I feel your pain, literally, (leg brace and crutches from a Sept. 5 mishap). Glad you're able to sit up and take nourishment and share it with us. Very glad you're already making plans for the future. My hat is off to all you guys that ride in the city. Spent the last 4 yrs. in an 18 wheeler and refused to even enter NYC other than the occasional midnight jaunt over the cross-bronx.

Hoping my season isn't completely over yet, soon as I lose the crutches planning on at least a short ride on my new 07 which is waiting patiently for me in the shed. Heal well and enjoy the next bike! :biggrin: :biggrin: