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Duane, hope you're doing well and are no longer in pain.
I just read your story few days ago and kept thinking about it every day. I'm new to ridding, so don't have much experience yet and try to learn from stories of others.

Duane wrote:...when a truck in front me decides to make a quick right...

Did you not have enough distance in front of you to stop on time and decided to change lanes instead or did you have enough time to slow down but just didn't feel like breaking?

Aragorn wrote:

Duane wrote:...when a truck in front me decides to make a quick right...

Did you not have enough distance in front of you to stop on time and decided to change lanes instead or did you have enough time to slow down but just didn't feel like breaking?

I probably had enough time to stop but it was warm out and I was enjoying the breeze so I switched lanes. We were going 30mph and I braked a little before changing lanes. So I don't know what that put me at for speed wise. I honestly don't remember seeing the guy pull out of the gas station. I switched lanes, passed through the intersection, looked to switch back to the right lane because I had to turn soon and thats when I noticed him stopped in front of me. Applied both brakes, skidded a little and then the next thing I am looking in his window. So somewhere in between passing through the intersection and checking behind me he pulled out and stopped. This all took place in a matter of seconds.

I guess what I could have done on my side to have changed the out come some is not look to change lanes so soon after crossing the intersection. If I had kept my eyes forward, even for that one second glance, that may have given me an additional second of braking. Who knows what that could have done. I doubt I could have avoided hitting him but may have lessened the damage some. He said he didn't see me, I'm guessing he saw the truck turn, focused on oncoming traffic and bolted out when he thought he could make it.

Be safe, keep your distance and try your best to be seen!

hmm interesting that I just now saw this thread. Here in Michigan we have gay no fault insurance which means it doesnt matter who is at fault each person involved has to pay. Meaning if I was the rider in your situation I would still have to pay my $100 deductable and hope the insurance company sues the other insurance company so I can get my $100 back.

Thanks for sharing your story, Duane. I hope you get back to riding soon!

ofblong wrote: Here in Michigan we have gay no fault insurance which means it doesnt matter who is at fault each person involved has to pay.

Hmmm. Not sure if I fully understand this one. Does this apply if only one of the drivers is gay, or do they both have to be.

flynrider wrote:

ofblong wrote: Here in Michigan we have gay no fault insurance which means it doesnt matter who is at fault each person involved has to pay.

Hmmm. Not sure if I fully understand this one. Does this apply if only one of the drivers is gay, or do they both have to be.

lol guess I didnt type that one right. I just found out I misunderstood our insurance though as I was rear ended today. (I wasnt riding I was in my cage) I only have to pay IF there is no way to determine who was at fault for the accident or IF it was deteremined to be my fault. Kinda hard to say I was at fault though considering the person who rear ended me fled the scene. Either way my insurance company is gonna sue the others insurance company to get the $$$ they spend fixing my van back.

Hello everyone...

I am new to the site, but not to riding. We have our bikes insured through Geico and also snowmachines here. They have always done real well by us. I would recommend them.

We have a Goldwing and a 900 Kawasaki Vulcan.

Alaska has an uninsured motorists option that we have purchased. Costs a little bit more, but worth it in the long run.

Sorry to hear about your accident, but you did mention something that I do also and that is changing lanes right after an intersection. So that is something that I will pay more attention to. Thank God you weren't going any faster, otherwise you might have been in the car WITH him. Glad to hear you were wearing gear. Good for you...

Praise the lord for being ok.

No harm. But it happens. Ride safe

It's time to sue the bustard , the insurance only pays for whatever they feel they should pay (which is the least possible amount), from your account it seems clear that the guy pulling out of the gas station ignored you completely and broke the law, time to hire a personal injury layer, you have the loss of the remaining payment for the bike, pain suffering lose of income (time of from work) and you will have future problems with that “slight” injury. I believe you have up to a year to file a complaint with the courts, so you still have some time.

Duane,

Sudden pullouts are such a danger for riders. I am returning to biking after 30yrs and suddenly remember how I used to watch every intersection, forecourt and driveway like a hawk, but when it happens it comes so fast. I think the car drivers just don't see us sometimes. Yes, I've been over the bonnet of a car in similar circumstances to yours.

Good luck with the recover, man, and hope you'll be on the road again before too long.

C.