Pummeled by a Car Door

[bikingshearer]

Originally Posted by John H.

Do a web search for hit by car threads.
Follow all steps.
1.) Police report
2.) See a doc. Pain and injuries can pop up after a violent impact like this. Don't assume you are ok.
3.) Get estimates for repair/replacement of everything. Technically anything carbon is out of warranty after an impact like that.
4.) Follow protocol with insurance company. Don't make a statement over the phone (they may record it and use it against you later). Keep records.

+ a bunch. Excellent advice.

[shovelhd]

5. Delete this thread.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by kramnnim

How did the headset get loose without the stem sliding up the steerer tube?

I'm thinking the lower cup got pulled some out if the frame, I'd check that.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by John H.

Do a web search for hit by car threads.
Follow all steps.
1.) Police report
2.) See a doc. Pain and injuries can pop up after a violent impact like this. Don't assume you are ok.
3.) Get estimates for repair/replacement of everything. Technically anything carbon is out of warranty after an impact like that.
4.) Follow protocol with insurance company. Don't make a statement over the phone (they may record it and use it against you later). Keep records.

5.) Talk to a lawyer

Fify

[hockeybike]

Originally Posted by rwsaunders

Maybe shipping it off to folks like Calfee or Ruckus for a look would give you some peace of mind. Maybe your insurance will cover it as well.

http://calfeedesign.com/repair

http://www.ruckuscomp.com/services/repair

First deal with your insurance company and see what they allow you to do. If you put the frame/fork in the mail, you may nullify your insurance claim.

[laupsi]

Okay so I spoke to a lawyer, told me to see my primary physician and have him go over everything. Luck has it I am scheduled for my annual physical this Friday. Yes, Halloween, very fitting! I

feel okay, really. Other than the obvious; cuts, scrapes, bruises, hole in my lip, etc..., there is no reason for me to see anyone else at this time. By seeing my physician I am covering myself in case something does come up. Again, according to this lawyer; I am showing concern, enough to see a physician, if nothing shows now it does not mean I wasn't injured long term and I have a recored of that concern going forward. I have a police report and all insurance info on the driver, again, it bodes well for me. BTW, not trying to show age prejudice but have to mention the driver of the vehicle is 84 years old.

Was advised to contact the insurance company at once to open a file and start a claim. This I have done.

He also told me to do whatever I need to get the bike repaired/replaced, keep records, all costs will be covered. In his opinion in the state of MD it is a slam dunk; driver opens door, something runs into that door, driver is at fault. Due to the nature of this accident the insurance company is not going to play games just as long as I have detailed back-up of all costs and the cost of the original, all of which I have.

I am sending the bike to Signature Cycles, they in turn are going to contact "an expert" to go over the frame/fork, end to end to verify if all is okay. I have explained the obvious damage to them and taken photos.

I need to add, the folks on this forum are a swell group. I have been contact personally and there is real concern for my well being, that despite I've never personally met most of you. I want to thank everyone for your concern, it's moments of realization like this that even out all the crap we must deal with.

Thanks everyone, I'm a fortunate man

[Hank Scorpio]

Slam dunk and defendant's insurance company should never occupy the same sentence. Probably not even the same paragraph.

[makoti]

Send it to a frame repair specialist, for sure. Even then, do you trust the bike any longer? Even if given a thumbs-up once over? Will you be comfortable on it knowing it took quite a shot?
If not, it's done & needs to be replaced. I'd total any & all carbon. Remember to include any clothing damaged in the crash - your helmet, shoes, shorts, sunglasses if damaged, etc.
Lawyer handles medical claims, you handle property. Don't want them taking 1/3 of your bike replacement funds.

[Joachim]

Originally Posted by makoti

Send it to a frame repair specialist, for sure. Even then, do you trust the bike any longer? Even if given a thumbs-up once over? Will you be comfortable on it knowing it took quite a shot?
If not, it's done & needs to be replaced. I'd total any & all carbon. Remember to include any clothing damaged in the crash - your helmet, shoes, shorts, sunglasses if damaged, etc.
Lawyer handles medical claims, you handle property. Don't want them taking 1/3 of your bike replacement funds.

The lawyer I worked with did not take any cut from the property damages claim. He was instrumental in the whole process. plus....the bike is a Serotta Ottrott, can't be replaced. A lawyer will come in handy with such a property damage claim (ie irreplaceable property).

[atanz]

sorry to hear about your accident and I'm glad you weren't injured.

I just got hit head on by a car turning left in front of me. luckily i wasn't injured seriously either, just bruised a bit. the driver wanted to pay for the damages to my bike himself until I told him how much the bike cost. now i'm dealing with his insurance and hope they pull through.

good advice in this thread though, let us know how it all ends up.

[Tim Porter]

Ouch, Laupsi. You ride all over Europe : ) and get slammed near home. Glad you're doing okay. The bike may be a bummer but you're taking the right course. Feel better, hope to see you in the spring in SPAIN!!!! Tim

[velomonkey]

Your bike is done - at the very very least the fork, headset, stem,bars and front wheels are done. Totaled. The frame too. That stuff gets replaced and insurance ows you the full retail price down to the nipples - trust me it's what I'd did with my ten year old merckx.

As for medical - no joke - you need a lawyer - do not talk to drivers insurance about medical - have your lawyer do that - property - you can handle it.

Bro, you got taken out for absolutely no fault of your own - driver needs to get you a new bike and other stuff..

[OtayBW]

Originally Posted by laupsi

... feel okay, really. Other than the obvious; cuts, scrapes, bruises, hole in my lip, etc..., there is no reason for me to see anyone else at this time. By seeing my physician I am covering myself in case something does come up.

Actually, I think your neck hurts....

[dnc]

Originally Posted by laupsi

Coming back from a training ride yesterday I crashed head on into a swung open car door. According to the bike computer I was at nearly 20 mph when the accident occurred.

Took the bike, custom for me Ottrott, to my local shop and had them do a one over. Premliminary findings show no bent or cracked steerer tube, just a toasted front wheel and handle bar. According to them not even the head set was damaged.

Bike couldn't be ridden after the accident due to the front wheel but the head set was very loose. Any experts out there think I should get a second opinion before moving forward on a claim repair?

http://think.direct.gov.uk/cycling.html

[RonW87]

Only the people on this board would divide bike up into wheel, fork, headset, etc. I'm thinking normal people see a broken bike, period. Bike is broken. Bike needs to be replaced. That is what I would say to the insurance company.