VFRDiscussion ARCHIVE / READ-ONLYREAD-ONLY

Totaled the VFR

48 posts Started 14 Mar 2010 Last recovered post 16 Mar 2010 Wayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010

#1
Well the VFR is totaled. I was riding home from work on Friday Feb 5th about 930 pm. I was approaching an intersection and noticed a couple of cars stopped at a light heading opposite direction waiting to turn left. As I got closer the lead car decided to pull out right in front of me. I braked hard and laid the bike down and ended up hitting the car. Thankfully I had all my gear on and didn�t get any road rash. My helmet took a few good hits but kept my brain from any serious damage. I did end up breaking both arms and my femur. I�m not going into too much detail on the accident because it�s going into litigation.

I spent about 2 weeks in the hospital and another 2 weeks in a rehab center before I could come home. I�m working with Geico on the bike. Currently we�re up to $5000 which is close to what I think the bike is worth.

Right now I have no plans to get another bike. My wife never liked me riding and said after this it�s either a bike or her.

I plan on hanging out here for a while and I�ll let you know where the bike ends up in case someone local wants parts off it.

Action
#2
I'm glad you're OK. I've totaled a bike, too, so I know the feeling.

Is the driver saying it was your fault? He's the one that failed to yield the right of way.
#3
I did end up breaking both arms and my femur.

Holy crap! That had to get your attention. It's hard to grab your hurt leg when BOTH of your arms are broken - and then what do you hold your broken arms with? Yikes. This just gets worse the more I think about it. I sure hope somebody has some decent insurance. Med bills + lost wages + lost bike + pain/suffering = more $ than I can imagine. Not as a get-rich-quick amount but a true figure. I wouldn't sign off on anything for a long, long time either just in case complications crop up. I hope the healing goes well.
#4

[image: View Post]EmeraldVFR, on 14 March 2010 - 12:40 PM, said:

I'm glad you're OK. I've totaled a bike, too, so I know the feeling.

Is the driver saying it was your fault? He's the one that failed to yield the right of way.

Drivers making a left turn in front of a motorcycle is one of the most common accidents and is almost always the cage driver's fault, don't buy this for a second. You had the right of way, he pulled out in front of you. He has nothing to stand on here.

Sorry to hear about your arms and femur, that's awful. Here's to a quickish recover! Get well.
#5
Good luck in ur rehab, stories like yours scare the hell out of me!! Hope you get what you deserve!
#6
Action,


Glad to read you live to tell the tale.
Hope you do a full recovery health-wise.

and as for riding again, time will tell.
Riding M/C carries an increased risk over playing a game of chess on a saturday afternoon...
#7
Damn Action, heal quickly and let the VFRD family know if you need anything! Their an awesome group that I can voutch for first hand! :rolleyes:

BR
#8
Been there done that too. The cager is definitely at fault here....hit their insurance hard for all your damages.

I would let the wife cool down for quite awhile after making such a statement. :cool:
#9
Best wishes to you sir, hope everything works out well and in your favor.
#10

[image: View Post]Hobie1dog, on 14 March 2010 - 12:57 PM, said:

Been there done that too. The cager is definitely at fault here....hit their insurance hard for all your damages.

I would let the wife cool down for quite awhile after making such a statement. http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif


Definitely the cagers fault, but what does that really matter?

The rider will brunt all the damage, and this gets repeated over and over.

I suggest all to Learn techniques to engage left hand turners, FORCE A READ , every single time. Or one day you will get BIT. IT works and entering a left hand scenario, without a solid read your Gambling your Health to the wind. http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/lobby.gif
#11
Damn. Sorry to hear about the crash, your bike and especially your injuries. Thank God you were wearing full gear, most importantly your helmet.

Hope you heal quickly and sue the hell outta that idiot cager. :angry:
#12
Sorry to hear about your crash friend, - I wish the best for you.

MD
#13
Sorry about your accident. I hope you heal fully and quickly.
C
#14
Hey Spud,
you mind explaining what you meant with your comment about learning how to "force a read"? Maybe I misunderstood but any training that may help avoid an accident is interesting to me.
C
#15
Sorry to hear about your crash but luckily you are alive to talk about it. I hate riding at night. I probably slow to an annoying (for the other drivers) speed if I've got to go through an intersection alone with opposing turners.
#16
really sorry to read your message Action - no good whatsoever - 'cept you're able to tell us about it - get well soon.
#17
One of the things I do like about the laws here in Australia (particularly my home state), is the full coverage of all medical expenses from any vehicle accident - the insurance is included in every vehicle registration fee. You may not get your vehicle covered but it's nice to know your health always is.

Our public healthcare system covers the majority of costs mind you, but the accident insurance fills the gaps. Not sure what happens if your vehicle is unregistered or you are unlicensed when you crash though... hmmm!
#18
Not that it helps any, but the number one cager/bike accident is a cage turning left in front of a bike! :mad:

BTW I think you hit you head harder than you think as you posted you totaled the YFR, I corrected that for you too! :rolleyes:

BR
#19

[image: View Post]PolarBear, on 14 March 2010 - 01:56 PM, said:

Hey Spud, you mind explaining what you meant with your comment about learnign how force a read? Maybe I misunderstood but any training that may help avoid an acvident is interesting to me. C Getting a Read at night is more difficult, cause of limited vision a more agressive approach may force an itchy tigger fingered left hand turner(which is fine prior to danger zone entry), but Day tactics are still usable to gain attention(dangerzone is where you've entered into the area that you can not brake or adjust in a safe manner) Its key to have your read prior to entry of this. Thats really all your after is to gain attention, Day time, a much higher detail of Read can be obtained. Anyone who's experienced (close up fine detail) eye degrade, can appreciate how you lose quickness in tracking, Meaning its harder to catch a fly up close? Or walking down a Busy sidewalk, people going by on both sides of the sidewalk, normally your just looking ahead at your direction, and utilzing your perifial vision. Not till something looks like it could enter your path, do you take a more direct notice. That type of Notice is what a Motorcycle rider wants, especially with Left hand turn scenarios. Now it comes to employing strategies. Distance is key, too far or to close can be useless. But fiquring out where the dangerzone actually begins, is key. Thats where you want your read decision, just prior to Dangerzone entry. Thats either Green for go or Red for Battle Stations. Keep in mind slowing down is not strategie to get a Read, thats something to do when getting a bad read(a defensive manuver). Keep in mind that slowing down can also create more decision time for the left hand turner. You want to come in, engage , get your read and move forward. It takes time to learn the Read and engagement tactics, But you'll come to understand reactions to safe left hand scenarios. The scenarios vary on engagement (which is related to front wheel placement/ tracking in regards to your potential threat), but maybe this provides something to think about. Sometimes a gracefull snake is proficient , others a more rattle snake strike is needed. BUT never let a left hand turner go by without a read , or engagement tactic EVER!
#20
ouch! get well soon! hope the missus lets you keep a bike.. if not.. thats what a storage unit is for! bill it to a pals house!
#21
Damn, Action, that is horrible. As you know, I had a minor "off" last week and fractured 3 ribs and I'm in a world of pain. I can't even begin to imagine what you life must be like with those sort of injuries. Heal up soon, lay low and the good lady will come around eventually.

Oh, and, by the way, "You should have taken that left toin at Alberquoiky!"
#22
Sorry to hear about it Action. Heal up quick.

Unfortunately, if it goes to a jury, don't expect much sympathy. Records of jury trials in motorcycle cases usually indicate not much sympathy for the rider due to the "image" we motorcyclists have.... :rolleyes:

But, a jury trial is pretty useless if the cage driver has no assets which is usually the case.
#23
Harsh luck Action
Good to see you posting
Mend up mate :fing02:
#24
Good luck with the whole mess Action.
#25
All the best.
Most importantly, may you heal quickly and well.
The rest will take care of itself.
#26
Sorry... That blows... I hope you have a speedy recovery!
#27
Glad that you are relatively ok. Heal quickly.
#28
Heal up quick and don't settle until you get a good settlement. Best of luck.
#29
hi there,sorry to hear of your accident heal quick bro. :unsure:
#30
Really sorry about your mishap.
Find some good doctors and therapists to take care of you.
This makes all the difference in the quality and speed of recovery.

Oh, and a good lawyer too.

Good luck with it!
#31
PS get in a Pool ASAP as soon as they clear you for it, amazing PT results on any body part. Had awesome results with my two broken legs! :fing02:

BR
#32

[image: View Post]BaileyRock, on 14 March 2010 - 04:31 PM, said:

Not that it helps any, but the number one cager/bike accident is a cage turning left in front of a bike! :mad:

BTW I think you hit you head harder than you think as you posted you totaled the YFR, I corrected that for you too! :rolleyes:

BR

Thanks BR, I did hit my head pretty hard. My RSR2 has 2 spots where it took hits, one of them hard enough to crack it. I'd like to put in a big plug for Shark Helmets, it saved my life. How ever my vision is still a little jacked up. Its getting better but the computer screen is still hard to see.

Action
#33

[image: View Post]Action, on 15 March 2010 - 01:08 PM, said:

[image: View Post]BaileyRock, on 14 March 2010 - 04:31 PM, said:

Not that it helps any, but the number one cager/bike accident is a cage turning left in front of a bike! :mad:

BTW I think you hit you head harder than you think as you posted you totaled the YFR, I corrected that for you too! :rolleyes:

BR

Thanks BR, I did hit my head pretty hard. My RSR2 has 2 spots where it took hits, one of them hard enough to crack it. I'd like to put in a big plug for Shark Helmets, it saved my life. How ever my vision is still a little jacked up. Its getting better but the computer screen is still hard to see.

Action

WOW, Cracked Helmet! :ohmy: Thank god you didn't outrun your guardian angles that day! So glad you are still with us! :)

PS hope the driver of the second car in line will be a good witness for your suit! :fing02:
#34
I'm wishing you full recovery. Hope everything will get resolved in your favor.

Alex.
#35

[image: View Post]Action, on 14 March 2010 - 12:31 PM, said:

Well the VFR is totaled. I did end up breaking both arms and my femur. I�m not going into too much detail on the accident because it�s going into litigation.

Right now I have no plans to get another bike. My wife never liked me riding and said after this it�s either a bike or her.
Action

Sorry to hear this, Hope you heal quick. I wrecked mine in Nov last year (front tire blow out on sweeper at high speed)I too was in full gear and tried to keep it on the road, lucky the bike slide down the 50 degree slope of grass with only minor scratches, bent brake pedal and broken off mirror. Me: broken Scapula, shattered clavicle and 3 broken ribs. ended up with a metal plate and 10 screws on my clavicle. had new Arai within the week and bike is ready to ride. I understand the dangers and do everything I can to make me visable at night (LED's inside faring; sides bottom and back, reflective tape around rims "black magic" and a 100db horn.

anyway, good luck
#36
As I said before, if you need any help you know where you can reach me.

So have you decided on which you are keeping? The wife or the bike? :goofy:
Just kidding. Take your time and get well.
#37

[image: View Post]TexVet, on 15 March 2010 - 03:01 PM, said:

[image: View Post]Action, on 14 March 2010 - 12:31 PM, said:

Well the VFR is totaled. I did end up breaking both arms and my femur. I�m not going into too much detail on the accident because it�s going into litigation.

Right now I have no plans to get another bike. My wife never liked me riding and said after this it�s either a bike or her.
Action

Sorry to hear this, Hope you heal quick. I wrecked mine in Nov last year (front tire blow out on sweeper at high speed)I too was in full gear and tried to keep it on the road, lucky the bike slide down the 50 degree slope of grass with only minor scratches, bent brake pedal and broken off mirror. Me: broken Scapula, shattered clavicle and 3 broken ribs. ended up with a metal plate and 10 screws on my clavicle. had new Arai within the week and bike is ready to ride. I understand the dangers and do everything I can to make me visable at night (LED's inside faring; sides bottom and back, reflective tape around rims "black magic" and a 100db horn.

anyway, good luck

DAMN Dude the scapula is the hardest bone to break, we call it the Bucky bone after Buckminster Fuller.

Da Muffer!
#38

[image: View Post]vanion2, on 15 March 2010 - 03:05 PM, said:

As I said before, if you need any help you know where you can reach me.

So have you decided on which you are keeping? The wife or the bike? :goofy:
Just kidding. Take your time and get well.


Keep the wife. Since they got the vote and started calling us by our first name its been downhill..... :laughing6-hehe:
#39

Quote

Getting a Read at night is more difficult, cause of limited vision a more agressive approach may force an itchy tigger fingered left hand turner(which is fine prior to danger zone entry), but Day tactics are still usable to gain attention(dangerzone is where you've entered into the area that you can not brake or adjust in a safe manner)

Alright, the "Danger Zone" I understand, I think... Once you're in the "Danger Zone" it's too late to safely maneuver out of the situation.


Quote

Its key to have your read prior to entry of this. Thats really all your after is to gain attention, Day time, a much higher detail of Read can be obtained. Anyone who's experienced (close up fine detail) eye degrade, can appreciate how you lose quickness in tracking, Meaning its harder to catch a fly up close? Or walking down a Busy sidewalk, people going by on both sides of the sidewalk, normally your just looking ahead at your direction, and utilzing your perifial vision. Not till something looks like it could enter your path, do you take a more direct notice. That type of Notice is what a Motorcycle rider wants, especially with Left hand turn scenarios.

By "Read" do you mean your reading of the pending situation? As in: "my read is that the car will likely turn in front of me"


Quote

Now it comes to employing strategies. Distance is key, too far or to close can be useless. But fiquring out where the dangerzone actually begins, is key. Thats where you want your read decision, just prior to Dangerzone entry. Thats either Green for go or Red for Battle Stations. Keep in mind slowing down is not strategie to get a Read, thats something to do when getting a bad read(a defensive manuver). Keep in mind that slowing down can also create more decision time for the left hand turner. You want to come in, engage , get your read and move forward. It takes time to learn the Read and engagement tactics, But you'll come to understand reactions to safe left hand scenarios.

Some examples of the strategies, Read and engagement tactics, etc. or a place to find them would be appreciated.

Quote

The scenarios vary on engagement (which is related to front wheel placement/ tracking in regards to your potential threat), but maybe this provides something to think about. Sometimes a gracefull snake is proficient , others a more rattle snake strike is needed. BUT never let a left hand turner go by without a read , or engagement tactic EVER!

This is where you get real cryptic and lose me completely. What does "front wheel placement/ tracking&nbsp" mean? "nbsp" in particular - don't have a clue what you're talking about here... :comp13:

Also, the "graceful snake", or "rattlesnake strike" - are these tactics or just metaphors for the intensity of your reaction and tactics you should employ?

Sorry if these are stupid questions, just trying to learn here, as the Left Hand Turner scenario is one of the scariest I encounter on a regular basis. Many thanks...
#40

[image: View Post]Action, on 15 March 2010 - 11:08 AM, said:

[image: View Post]BaileyRock, on 14 March 2010 - 04:31 PM, said:

Not that it helps any, but the number one cager/bike accident is a cage turning left in front of a bike! :mad:

BTW I think you hit you head harder than you think as you posted you totaled the YFR, I corrected that for you too! :rolleyes:

BR

Thanks BR, I did hit my head pretty hard. My RSR2 has 2 spots where it took hits, one of them hard enough to crack it. I'd like to put in a big plug for Shark Helmets, it saved my life. How ever my vision is still a little jacked up. Its getting better but the computer screen is still hard to see.

Action

If I can help in any way IM, email, or call!

I hope you heal quick and well.

Zia
#41
Dayum - best of luck healing up and make sure to thank your guardian angel if you haven't already.
#42
[quote name='creggur' date='15 March 2010 - 07:43 PM' timestamp='1268703829' post='690689']

Quote

Getting a Read at night is more difficult, cause of limited vision a more agressive approach may force an itchy tigger fingered left hand turner(which is fine prior to danger zone entry), but Day tactics are still usable to gain attention(dangerzone is where you've entered into the area that you can not brake or adjust in a safe manner)

Alright, the "Danger Zone" I understand, I think... Once you're in the "Danger Zone" it's too late to safely maneuver out of the situation.


Yes, your understanding what the Dangerzone is , your goal is to get a confirmed read prior to entry. This is subjective to each rider and why I didnt mentioned further, maybe an Art. What your acheiving is the focus and respect of the left hand turner , a simple abrupt manuever at proper placement can be sufficient to get that Read 99.9 % of the time.

Lets say your on a 50 mph multlane road, and coming up to a major intersection where you have Left Hand turners looking for bolt opportunity. How do you know they see you in the flow of traffic? This is where your going to FORCE a READ.

Every heard of a stale Green light, the same thing applies to left hand turners. So how much distance do you have to the Target, that effects the tactic.

The first step is a Left Hand turner never goes BY without a Read(thats a Key mind set to train yourself for). Sure there may be those times, where you know the left turner is no threat, but thats because you've already read them. The key is in that read, but in most cases you need more confirmation.

Are you looking for eyes like many say? Well, I cant see someones eyes at 50/70 mph prior to the DangerZone, and I doubt anyone else can either.

Here's where you engage a Forced read. If there's alot of distance, you might butter up potential threats with a mild snake manuever . The mild snake might cause a sniff from the left Hander , it might also force their hand early, but thats okay, cause we arent near the dangerzone. So lots of distance, buttering up at high speed is usable.

In closer quarters prior to danger zone, and this can be done very suttle. your in the lane closest to the left hand turner. Take a mild drift to the right side of that lane, and cut back towards the target , then veer off all in a suttle but direct manner. That should happen just short of DangerZone entry.

Remember Suttle, you can create heart attacks to aggressive, jaws drop, eyeballs pop out.

Now your hitting the entry to the dangerzone, is it green light or caution?

Typically, I look at the over all vehicle in the process, but that manever will generally get a Hold tactic from the Left hand turner(you'll see it). If you dont get that feed back, then slow way down cause something aint right. Such as a vehicle wanting to inch or looks flakey.

Play with it, it does work


Just to add, if your following vehicles which are encoutering left hand turners, stay to the left side of the lane and expose your self to them.

Sometimes vehicles dont see the bike behind the line of cars , and see an opportunity to make a quick cut.

and there you'll be if that happens


















#43
Glad you're still with us Action. I too wish you the best in what lies ahead.
#44
[quote name='spud786' date='15 March 2010 - 07:34 PM' timestamp='1268710481' post='690729']

[image: View Post]creggur, on 15 March 2010 - 07:43 PM, said:

Quote

Getting a Read at night is more difficult, cause of limited vision a more agressive approach may force an itchy tigger fingered left hand turner(which is fine prior to danger zone entry), but Day tactics are still usable to gain attention(dangerzone is where you've entered into the area that you can not brake or adjust in a safe manner)

Alright, the "Danger Zone" I understand, I think... Once you're in the "Danger Zone" it's too late to safely maneuver out of the situation.


Yes, your understanding what the Dangerzone is , your goal is to get a confirmed read prior to entry. This is subjective to each rider and why I didnt mentioned further, maybe an Art. What your acheiving is the focus and respect of the left hand turner , a simple abrupt manuever at proper placement can be sufficient to get that Read 99.9 % of the time.

Lets say your on a 50 mph multlane road, and coming up to a major intersection where you have Left Hand turners looking for bolt opportunity. How do you know they see you in the flow of traffic? This is where your going to FORCE a READ.

Every heard of a stale Green light, the same thing applies to left hand turners. So how much distance do you have to the Target, that effects the tactic.

The first step is a Left Hand turner never goes BY without a Read(thats a Key mind set to train yourself for). Sure there may be those times, where you know the left turner is no threat, but thats because you've already read them. The key is in that read, but in most cases you need more confirmation.

Are you looking for eyes like many say? Well, I cant see someones eyes at 50/70 mph prior to the DangerZone, and I doubt anyone else can either.

Here's where you engage a Forced read. If there's alot of distance, you might butter up potential threats with a mild snake manuever . The mild snake might cause a sniff from the left Hander , it might also force their hand early, but thats okay, cause we arent near the dangerzone. So lots of distance, buttering up at high speed is usable.

In closer quarters prior to danger zone, and this can be done very suttle. your in the lane closest to the left hand turner. Take a mild drift to the right side of that lane, and cut back towards the target , then veer off all in a suttle but direct manner. That should happen just short of DangerZone entry.

Remember Suttle, you can create heart attacks to aggressive, jaws drop, eyeballs pop out.

Now your hitting the entry to the dangerzone, is it green light or caution?

Typically, I look at the over all vehicle in the process, but that manever will generally get a Hold tactic from the Left hand turner(you'll see it). If you dont get that feed back, then slow way down cause something aint right. Such as a vehicle wanting to inch or looks flakey.

Play with it, it does work


Just to add, if your following vehicles which are encoutering left hand turners, stay to the left side of the lane and expose your self to them.

Sometimes vehicles dont see the bike behind the line of cars , and see an opportunity to make a quick cut.

and there you'll be if that happens




Quite interesting Spud. Thanks for the additional details. Just adds to my common feeling of not being seen on the road--looking to buy one of them yellow safety these days in an attempt to being seen and alleviate this feeling.

C


#45
Heartfelt condolences, best wishes in your recovery and whatever course you take from here
#46
I take it VFRD is picking up right where we left off from last autumn? Another new batch of wreckee's? Seems we need to collectivly get in some rider training and refresh our riding skills or we will end up on the pavement or in a ditch somwhere?
#47
[quote name='spud786' date='15 March 2010 - 10:34 PM' timestamp='1268710481' post='690729']

[image: View Post]creggur, on 15 March 2010 - 07:43 PM, said:

Quote

Getting a Read at night is more difficult, cause of limited vision a more agressive approach may force an itchy tigger fingered left hand turner(which is fine prior to danger zone entry), but Day tactics are still usable to gain attention(dangerzone is where you've entered into the area that you can not brake or adjust in a safe manner)

Alright, the "Danger Zone" I understand, I think... Once you're in the "Danger Zone" it's too late to safely maneuver out of the situation.

Yes, your understanding what the Dangerzone is , your goal is to get a confirmed read prior to entry. This is subjective to each rider and why I didnt mentioned further, maybe an Art. What your acheiving is the focus and respect of the left hand turner , a simple abrupt manuever at proper placement can be sufficient to get that Read 99.9 % of the time.
[/size]
[size="4"]Lets say your on a 50 mph multlane road, and coming up to a major intersection where you have Left Hand turners looking for bolt opportunity. How do you know they see you in the flow of traffic? This is where your going to FORCE a READ.

Every heard of a stale Green light, the same thing applies to left hand turners. So how much distance do you have to the Target, that effects the tactic.

The first step is a Left Hand turner never goes BY without a Read(thats a Key mind set to train yourself for). Sure there may be those times, where you know the left turner is no threat, but thats because you've already read them. The key is in that read, but in most cases you need more confirmation.

Are you looking for eyes like many say? Well, I cant see someones eyes at 50/70 mph prior to the DangerZone, and I doubt anyone else can either.

Here's where you engage a Forced read. If there's alot of distance, you might butter up potential threats with a mild snake manuever . The mild snake might cause a sniff from the left Hander , it might also force their hand early, but thats okay, cause we arent near the dangerzone. So lots of distance, buttering up at high speed is usable.

In closer quarters prior to danger zone, and this can be done very suttle. your in the lane closest to the left hand turner. Take a mild drift to the right side of that lane, and cut back towards the target , then veer off all in a suttle but direct manner. That should happen just short of DangerZone entry.

Remember Suttle, you can create heart attacks to aggressive, jaws drop, eyeballs pop out.

Now your hitting the entry to the dangerzone, is it green light or caution?

Typically, I look at the over all vehicle in the process, but that manever will generally get a Hold tactic from the Left hand turner(you'll see it). If you dont get that feed back, then slow way down cause something aint right. Such as a vehicle wanting to inch or looks flakey.

Play with it, it does work


Just to add, if your following vehicles which are encoutering left hand turners, stay to the left side of the lane and expose your self to them.

Sometimes vehicles dont see the bike behind the line of cars , and see an opportunity to make a quick cut.

and there you'll be if that happens

Many thanks for the additional information, Spuds! :fing02: Anything to stay safe out there!! :wheel:
#48
Action hope you heal soon and well.

when wealth is lost nothing is lost

when health is lost something is lost

when character is lost everything is lost

Keep your good attitude and your spirit up and we'll pray for a speedy recovery John
End of thread · 48 posts recovered Wayback Machine snapshot 10 Apr 2010