rumpofsteelskin's crash - a tale told in 3 photos

[rumpofsteelskin]

http://137.164.255.112/~morgan/noleftturndammit_export.jpg

http://137.164.255.112/~morgan/impact_engine_header_export.jpg

http://137.164.255.112/~morgan/pissedoff_export.jpg

Yes, the cops made a report. No, the driver was not cited for making an illegal left turn.

That is all.

[SoarAndEnvision]

oh man that SUCKS dude - really sorry to hear it : ( - I live real close to there so I know exactly how retarded people drive.

You're going to file a civil claim right? Or just see what insurance is gonna do?

[Baptistro]

Damn Morgan that really sucks. Let me know if I can help bro. That's two friends this week :(

[introspective1]

Sorry to hear about the accident. People are not looking out for motorcycles but only cars. Oh and they are not looking at signs too. How many people do you see when you're making a left turn and they have the red light and they just roll and make a right turn in front of cars and motos....

[SoarAndEnvision]

Just some advice to anyone reading this that someone told me a long time ago :

"Ride as though you are invisible."

This situation was kind of unaviodable seeing as how the car turning was mentally retarded - but I think it's good advice nonetheless.

[rumpofsteelskin]

I have insurance out the wazoo, including full heath coverage from work that's supposed to cover 90% of emergency room care. We'll see, though. Insurance companies usually figure out a way to wriggle out of things.

My wrist is a lot better today and might just be a sprain after all! :banana Since that's my only injury aside from general stiffness, I'm probably going to be A-OK.

I will say these things:

-don't assume that _anyone_ is going to obey something as inconsequential as a big-ass sign telling them not to do something.

-even if you feel OK after an accident, GET CHECKED OUT. It's true what they say about adrenaline masking your injuries. 2 hours after the accident I was going bonkers with pain waiting inthe emergency room lobby.

-although the EMTs in the ambulance were very nice, I politely declined their offer of a ride to the hospital and had someone drive me instead. Just in case things go wrong with your insurance, this could save you a lot of money.

-I normally do ride as though I'm invisible, but allowed myself one second of inattention on a rainy, cold night. Look what happened. :(

[Valgar]

You need to rent a monkey to take care of common household chores now.

And if not, you can always eat the monkey.

[petehed]

damn man... I know that intersection well... and I hate it. glad you're not too banged up. is there any recourse for the SFPD totally botching the accident report? like can you contest it (it seems pretty obvious that the driver should be cited for an illegal left turn)

[pepperell]

damn man, that sucks. i know right where that is. and cops didnt find the driver negligent?? BS!

from what i've seen those "no left turn" go largely ignored in sf.

[brichter]

Get a lawyer, have him contact the PD.

You really don't need to care whether the other driver was cited, as long as the SR1 states (s)he was at fault.

Glad you're still alive! :thumbup

[MackeyStingray]

how can the driver not be cited for making an illegal turn??

[brichter]

Originally posted by MackeyStingray
how can the driver not be cited for making an illegal turn??

Ever gotten off with a warning for speeding? It's always officer discretion to cite or not, AFAIK.

[Zerox]

That sucks man. That guy should be cited....look closely at the photo, the light is red! ;)

Doesn't the ol' "turn left in front of an oncoming bike" put the "hurt" in the Hurt Report?

[azl]

And that sign isn't even one of the hidden hard-to-see ones.

I hope you financially decimate your assailant.

Am I mistaken -- what does it matter if YOU have insurance in this case? The person that ran you down should be concerned whether HIS insurance will cover it, and not drop him the instant it's settled?

What is that, a mid 90's Ninja? Looks totalled to me ;)

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ Heh. It's a 2003 ZX6E, so yeah, pretty much a mid-'90s sprotbile.

Here's an update: I have called my moto insurance company's claims number twice in 2 days and have been sent to voice mail each time. Is this typical? Based on their non-response, I may soon be shopping for a new company. It's McGraw/Pacific Specialty.

[paladinnorcal]

That totally blows. I think a legal beagle is in order. I know that intersection all too well. People ignore that sign all the time. Of course we are talking about a city where half the people think a stop sign is a suggestion to slightly slow down..or not, and where every red light has at least two to three people coming across on a stale red.

If you are thinking of switching insurance you should give my State Farm agent a call, Carlos Bermudez. State Farm's motorcycle insurance is based on your driving record plus the cc's of the bike, the bigger the bike the more you pay. They don't charge more because it is a sport bike like some insurance companies do.

If you stick with them for awhile they will go to the mat for you. I had someone sue me for 100k when my liability was only 50k. They fought them in court for two years and the person walked away with 17k, 1k over what State Farm orinally offered them. Because I had been with them over 10 years, it was freebie, my rates did not go up.

[SoarAndEnvision]

he probably didn't get cited cause there is no way to "prove" the guy took a left turn - like it didn't happen before an officer's eyes.

but who cares about the criminal penalty - a civil action is the way to go. 100 bucks says they'll settle out of court anyway - they aren't gonna pay a lawyer 60 an hour to fight for 500-1000 in damages to your bike plus medical bills.

[mercurial]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
^ Heh. It's a 2003 ZX6E, so yeah, pretty much a mid-'90s sprotbile.

Here's an update: I have called my moto insurance company's claims number twice in 2 days and have been sent to voice mail each time. Is this typical? Based on their non-response, I may soon be shopping for a new company. It's McGraw/Pacific Specialty.

you need to get a lawyer because you are injured. otherwise you will get screwed on pain and suffering compensation.

a lawyer will certainly take this case on contingency.

[MackeyStingray]

he probably didn't get cited cause there is no way to "prove" the guy took a left turn - like it didn't happen before an officer's eyes. well if he hit a car head on in his lane, that'd kinda make it obvious IMO

[CykoKlr]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
^ Heh. It's a 2003 ZX6E, so yeah, pretty much a mid-'90s sprotbile.

Here's an update: I have called my moto insurance company's claims number twice in 2 days and have been sent to voice mail each time. Is this typical? Based on their non-response, I may soon be shopping for a new company. It's McGraw/Pacific Specialty.


Get a lawyer fast McGraw/Pacific is going to do nothing for you but take 6-12 months to get you nothing for you 03 bike.

[brichter]

Originally posted by MackeyStingray
well if he hit a car head on in his lane, that'd kinda make it obvious IMO

Especially if the damage is to the right front or right side of the car.

[rumpofsteelskin]

Damage is to the left side of the bike as viewed by the rider. Damage is to the left headlight/ front fender of the car as viewed by the driver. I got photos of the car's damage, but it was dark and i was using a camera phone. Haven't looked at them yet, but if i need them it'll be handy.

Thinking about the damage pattern, it seems that he really did turn into my left side as i was riding through the intersection.

Update: my insurance company called back and got all the relevant data. Apparently an adjuster will be calling soon. I called the witness and thanked him for coming forward.

I also voluntarily went to work yesterday (all the lawyers wince) because my crew needed me. I won't be going in again until Tues, though.

Wrist is feeling better and better, and I have a big manly-looking bruise. :banana

I'm going to wait and see what the adjuster has to say before I consider lawyering up. I can't get a copy of the police report for another week, too, and the presumed inaccuracies in that report will probably largely determine the need for a lawyer. I'm patient, though, and I'd much rather let the insurance companies duke it out if at all possible.

[wazzuFreddo]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
I have insurance out the wazoo, ....

I don't have anything to do with your insurance. :confused :twofinger

Sucks to hear about your accident, just after you upgraded the suspention too :cry. If you need anything next week I have the whole week off.

[antipathy]

Glad you made it through without further injury, Morgan! Hope you heal up soon & that we can play tennis again this spring when your wrist is better!
-Alicia

[rumpofsteelskin]

Thanks, everyone, for the condolances and offers of help. I don't think I'll be needing to borrow any bikes or anything - as soon as my wrist is healed enough I'll just ride my bicycle to work.

Alicia - you're on for more tennis action in the spring. :cool

[Maiden 4EVA]

Dude, that completely SUCKS!! I can't believe the guy wasn't cited for the ILLEGAL turn. ??? Thanks GODS for the witness. Hope you heal up QUICKLY.

Man, what HAPPENED to your face??

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ My face has always been horribly deformed like that. :laughing

The nails are for pickin' mah geetars, son. I never did learn me to use a pick.

It's in the hands of the insurance gods now. I'm going to pop a percocet and chillify. Drugs, take me away! :cool

[scootiePuff]

Originally posted by afm956
look closely at the photo, the light is red! ;)

i got the impression that the incident happened at nighttime, and that the posted photos were taken during the day (or more) after the incident? :

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
-I normally do ride as though I'm invisible, but allowed myself one second of inattention on a rainy, cold night. Look what happened. :(

but perhaps afm was just being sarcastic (hence the smiley)..

[Trogdor]

Originally posted by SoarAndEnvision
he probably didn't get cited cause there is no way to "prove" the guy took a left turn - like it didn't happen before an officer's eyes.


He didn't get cited at the scene because cops CANNOT cite for infractions not committed in their presence. If the violator gets a ticket out of this, it is because the officer, upon concluding the accident investigation, determines a cite is warranted. In that case, the violator gets it in the mail after the fact.

There is no way for you to know if he got cited or not unless you get a copy of the CHP 555 accident report. It will state right there whether either party was cited or not.

[brichter]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
Damage is to the left side of the bike as viewed by the rider. Damage is to the left headlight/ front fender of the car as viewed by the driver.

Damn! So, you were already into the intersection before he even began his turn? That would almost rule out the "I didn't see him" defense, because you were right next to him!

[CHICKenstrip]

Hope you're feeling better, Morgan. I dunno...that photo you're all mad in and shit looks pretty hawt! :love

Just curious, the first photo, it looks like there's something written on the sign, under the no left turn symbol. Is it one of those, "no left turn between 9 am and 5 pm, M - F" type o' signs? If so, it might have been "legal" for him to turn but certainly, the investigation should still show it was an unsafe turn, als an infraction. Of course, I don't know what time of day this happened, so...

If I'm just seeing things, ignore me.

[rumpofsteelskin]

:blush

Thanks, Barbara. I know you ladeez love it when I'm grouchy and irritable like that.

The sign says "EXCEPT MUNI," so I think this should be a slam-dunk for the insurance people. Even I can figure out that this guy did a big no-no.

Adjuster called me at 8:45 this morning :wtf. I'll make my statement later and we'll see where that gets me. Somehow, I don't think any fat checks are going to be mailed out any time soon.

[CHICKenstrip]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
:blush

Thanks, Barbara. I know you ladeez love it when I'm grouchy and irritable like that.

The sign says "EXCEPT MUNI," so I think this should be a slam-dunk for the insurance people. Even I can figure out that this guy did a big no-no.

Adjuster called me at 8:45 this morning :wtf. I'll make my statement later and we'll see where that gets me. Somehow, I don't think any fat checks are going to be mailed out any time soon.

Thanks for clarifying - I gots horrible vision. I think it'll be like whoever said, once they do an investigation, the guy will get cited for the illegal left. Hope he had insurance and your company goes after as much as possible!

[rumpofsteelskin]

Update: the guy admitted liability to my claims person this morning, so I am now taking up the issue with AAA. Apparently the guy's insurance policy is legit, too, so that's good. Wow - an insured driver who admits fault. :shocker

[brichter]

Glad to hear you're on the good end of things!

Better than the woman who rearended me.:mad

Not sure what her story is, but I got the witnesses.


BTW, I won't be having State Farm after this is over. The woman who hit me is also insured by SF, should be a slam-dunk easy case, right?

Wrong! I've spent over 12 hours on the phone with various and sundry SF personnel regarding this (crash happened 12/28/06) and they still don't have a clue what's going on. I've had 4 claim representatives now, and had to go through my statement with all 4 (Geez, doesn't anyone take notes any more? :wtf), and the OP has had 5, along with me having to give statements to each one of them about what happened.

I've decided after this claim and the windshield claim (took 1 1/2 months to get it fixed, after the place they recommended I go screwed up the job), it's worth the $175/yr I'll spend by not having to deal with the BS.

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ Oh, my god. :|

I really hope I don't have to go through crap like that. I'm trying to keep my expectations low so I won't be disappointed.

I'm on hold with AAA right now...

waiting...

waiting...

:zzz

[brichter]

Ah, shit.

AAA was who I was going to take my business to! Lemme know how they work out for you.

[rumpofsteelskin]

I spoke to a human after about 20 minutes and they gave me the name and number of the guy's adjuster. Can't call her 'til Monday, though, so that's when I'll update you.

[Valgar]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
my crew needed me.

You rollin' 10 deep dawg?

[rumpofsteelskin]

Ten deep? :confused

I can only fit 5 fingers in at the moment - my other hand is all messed up, yo.

[com3]

:( sounds like a cager needs to be punted.

[jb]

I think Valgar can handle a stump or the cast just fine..

[wackyiraqi]

Sorry to hear about this, Morgan.

[JMack]

sorry to hear about this too, morgan.

i hope it turns out way to your favor!

[edwinhome9]

oh my god McGraw is awfull.

i had them before and they try and get out of everything... similiar accident happen to me on a similar bike (95-zx6)

had car make left in front of me and only had two choices...
hit the car or hit the ground.

i bailed and the bike hit the car, flipped three times, pretty much totalled. totally the car's fault. no sitation cause "light was green" on both sides? (that's what cop said when i asked why the f**k no ticket)

anyways, it took three months of calling them everyday two - three times a day to finally get a check for my totalled bike. and they low balled me after all the sh** they put me thru...wait forever on hold. and if lucky enough to talk to someone, it usually was - "let me get an anwser and i'll get back to you tommorrow".

sorry to hear about your spill, glad your okay, but i think the worst part is still ahead of you. dealing with your insurance. :-(

[Meter Man]

Sorry to hear Morgan, Get a GS Adventure when you heal up.:teeth

[rumpofsteelskin]

Originally posted by edwinhome9
i think the worst part is still ahead of you. dealing with your insurance. :-(

Yes.

*begin cheezy PSA muzak*

Hi, kids. I'm rumpofsteelskin. I know it seems glamorous and exciting to get whacked by cars. After all, your friends are doing it, so why shouldn't you? Yes, it may seem like a lot of fun to be flung onto the ground in front of horrified onlookers, and it does get you a lot of chix, but there's a down side, too.

Insurance companies.

I was once a healthy, happy, carefree sort of dude. Now I've been reduced to an ashen-faced zombie, a craven, withered, bitter old man. All because of insurance companies. If you're thinking of getting injured just to "fit in" with the cool kids, think again. You'll have to spend hours on the phone explaining the same thing again and again, listening to recorded messages claiming that your call is very important, and asking people to spell their names.

DON'T DO IT!

*PSA outro*

[zanshin]

Sucks, Morgan. :(


(psst, want my ZX6-D heap for parts?)

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ Sure - if I can strip the parts I need and leave the rest at your house. :p

So far, the obvious crucial bits that need to be replaced to get the machine running are:

-radiator

-left crank case

-Muzzy 4-into-1 stainless headers :cry

I will also need a right footpeg bracket (again, since it broke off before)

[brichter]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
^ Oh, my god. :|

I really hope I don't have to go through crap like that. I'm trying to keep my expectations low so I won't be disappointed.

I'm on hold with AAA right now...

waiting...

waiting...

:zzz

Update:

A month to the day and 13 hours (!) on the phone, they finally agreed it was the fault of the lady who rearended me. :banana

Why it took them a month to figure that out is beyond me. :wtf

Any word on yours yet, or do you have to wait another 3 weeks like I did? :cry :laughing

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ Well, it's been 2 weeks to the day and I've made my statement to AAA's medical adjustor, who said it did seem that the guy was at fault and that she'd get back to me. Yesterday I sent in a confirmation form to my insurance company providing corrections to the written account of the statement I made to them. I still haven't heard boo from AAA's vehicle damage adjustor and instead made my statement with her manager.

Meanwhile, I've had 2 sets of x-rays and no can can tell me whether my wrist is fractured or not. UCSF Ortho referred me to MRI, but then my primary care physician said that only he could make that recommendation, so I had to cancel. Today I'll be making an appointment with the HMO's officially-approved othopedist, who will probably refer me to the exact same MRI dept at UCSF, but a lot later than my original appointment. :thumbup

[rumpofsteelskin]

Tedious update: a 3rd round of x-rays and now they think it's a motherfuckin' scaphoid fracture. In a cast now awaiting the call from the CT people so they can do a CT scan to verify. :| Mutherfuckin' fuckitty fuck.

[Baptistro]

Sorry to hear that Morgan. :(

It's never easy dealing with insurance.

[CHICKenstrip]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
Tedious update: a 3rd round of x-rays and now they think it's a motherfuckin' scaphoid fracture. In a cast now awaiting the call from the CT people so they can do a CT scan to verify. :| Mutherfuckin' fuckitty fuck.

:( Sorry, Morgan. Hope it isn't too annoying healing up. If you come to Maggie's next movie night, all the girls said that we would feed you grapes and stuff. :teeth

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ Oh, pshaw! 'Tis but a scratch!

Wait, cancel that.

I like seedless dark grapes, peeled and chilled to 45 degrees.:x

[brichter]

Sheeeeit, brah! It ain't the grapes you should be interested in, it's the "and stuff''!! :banana :laughing

[rumpofsteelskin]

Stuff!!11349poopedy!4009111!!! :banana :love

[rumpofsteelskin]

Update: I have now talked to everyone at both insurance companies and we're all waiting for the police report. If the report is inaccurate and AAA tries to avoid accepting liability, I will be forced to use a lawyer. AAA is sending an appraiser to look at my motorcycle on Monday to second-guess the estimate provided by the dealership. Whatever.

I forgot to mention how nice people were to me at the accident scene. Folks ran out into a very busy intersection in the rain and helped me lift my bike and pick up big pieces of fairing.

Also, here's a funny story for you: a barista working at the Canvas Cafe brought me a huge cup of coffee while I was talking to the guy who hit me. She said she crashed her scooter recently and knew what it was like. I thanked her and took a few sips of the coffee, and then I put the cup on a newpaper machine. A few minutes later, I turned around and...the coffee was gone! Mothafucka! Someone stoled my coffeez! That's a San Francisco moment, people.

I realize that most of this thread is not really about crash analysis - there's nothing to analyze in a sudden 3/4 frontal impact from a car. I think what I'd like to convey to folks who haven't experienced a crash yet is that even in the best circumstances (light injury, an insured motorist who doesn't run, a witness who follows through), the aftermath is protracted and irritating. I know it should be obvious, but cage/bike crashes really suck even in the best cases.

[NorCalBusa]

Originally posted by MackeyStingray
how can the driver not be cited for making an illegal turn??

If I understand it right, LEO's can only cite for an Infraction committed in their presence. Get a copy of the police report- I suspect there is a recommendation in their for the violation to be filed (by the DA).

[rumpofsteelskin]

Update: appraiser checked out the bike today. Total loss.

[wazzuFreddo]

That sucks dude. :(

[rumpofsteelskin]

Time for an update.

The good: the police report was sent to AAA, but not to me. :| Anyway, AAA reviewed it and then called my witness. Today I verified that they are accepting liability for all medical costs and vehicle damage. :banana

The bad: it took 6 weeks to get a doctor to declare that my wrist is broken.

The ugly: I've discovered a method for keeping the stench of my cats* down to a minimum.

1. douse interior of cats with 91% isopropyl alcohol

2. insert 120 PSI air compressor hose into cats.

3. avert eyes to avoid having filthy flesh-imbued alcohol flung into them

* I'm dyslexic, so this word looks like "cast" to me.

[wackyiraqi]

Morgan, you have to go down to your local CHP office and request a copy of the report. It's $10.

[Valgar]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin

1. douse interior of cats with 91% isopropyl alcohol

2. insert 120 PSI air compressor hose into cats.

3. avert eyes to avoid having filthy flesh-imbued alcohol flung into them


I'm SO turned on right now.





Poor Burton.

[rumpofsteelskin]

Originally posted by wackyiraqi
Morgan, you have to go down to your local CHP office and request a copy of the report. It's $10.

SFPD, yo.

Anyway, Triple Ay is sending a copy to me.

If I don't get it, maybe I'll start creepily hanging around the Keepers of The Reports Wing at 850 Bryant while I'm doing jury duty next week.

[wackyiraqi]

Oh, in that case:

Morgan, you have to go down to your local SFPD office and request a copy of the report. It's 10 fajitas.

[rumpofsteelskin]

Originally posted by Valgar
I'm SO turned on right now.





Poor Burton.

:laughing It's so wonderful that there are always new sins to discover. Life is beautiful.


Originally posted by wackyiraqi
Oh, in that case:

Morgan, you have to go down to your local SFPD office and request a copy of the report. It's 10 fajitas.

:laughing No, mang! SF reports come from the Grand Central Ministry of Police Misinformation at 850 Bryant. Why you make a scrambal in my signal?!!11

[Flimsy Slowham]

[i] 100 bucks says they'll settle out of court anyway - they aren't gonna pay a lawyer 60 an hour to fight for 500-1000 in damages to your bike plus medical bills. [/B]

WTF?? Show me a lawyer who only charges $60/hour, and I'll show you a court case you're gonna lose. Hell, Starbucks baristas make $60/hour in that city...

[Slowmofo]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
^ Heh. It's a 2003 ZX6E, so yeah, pretty much a mid-'90s sprotbile.

Here's an update: I have called my moto insurance company's claims number twice in 2 days and have been sent to voice mail each time. Is this typical? Based on their non-response, I may soon be shopping for a new company. It's McGraw/Pacific Specialty.

I hate Mcgraw /PSIC or what ever its sister company is called. They took 5 months to get my freaking claim finshed. Downed my bike back in 05aug and claim was finshed in 06 feb. I called them every day untill it was resolved.

[antarius]

Originally posted by MackeyStingray
well if he hit a car head on in his lane, that'd kinda make it obvious IMO

Unless we are specifically trained in accident reconstruction (not just accident investigation, which all/most are trained in), we cannot write a cite (for an infraction) for a crime that did not occur in our presence.

In fact, when I write a traffic accident report, it's merely my "opinion" as to what happened, based on the evidence at hand. Granted, that's usually what the insurance agrees with as well.

In my department the only officers who can cite after the-fact are the motor officers (as they've been to Accident Recon school). That may be why a cite wasn't issued.

[Nemo Brinker]

Feh, sorry this happened to you.
It's a bit like that Brazil flick, isn't it?

I got left-turned in Oakland last year by an uninsured driver, and I am still fighting with my own insurance company (State Farm) to get claim $.

The motor officer at the scene of my wreck noted that the driver was in violation of Vehicle Code § 21801(a)...she failed to yield the right-of-way. But he didn't cite the driver, either, dammit.

Hope you climb out of your bureaucratic hellhole soonly.

[rumpofsteelskin]

^ :laughing Well, I did notice that the police report called me "Mr. Tuttle" in one paragraph and "Mr. Buttle" in another.

I actually seem to have made it out of this whole deal OK. I gots my check from AAA, my medical expenses are covered, my arm isn't in a cast any more, and I have all the parts to get my bike running again (thanks to Z3n). :banana

May your claim be fulfilled swiftly.

[Nemo Brinker]

Isn't that moment of getting a cast off fascinating? It cracks off, and you have this momentary feeling of liberation when the air hits your skin; then, you look down at your (insert affected limb here), all smelly and hypersensitive like it's been under a rock, and it feels rubbery and not quite part of you.

Anyway, congratulations on getting it off and getting stuff slowly straightened out.

[mrslug]

Originally posted by rumpofsteelskin
^ :laughing Well, I did notice that the police report called me "Mr. Tuttle" in one paragraph and "Mr. Buttle" in another.

Whoa, funny Brazil reference. Did you make sure to obtain an 87b-6? :laughing

[nweaver]

Its a 27B/6
(27 B Stroke 6)

[mrslug]

opps my bad. I stand corrected.

[brichter]

Change your tagline under your username, Mr. Corrected!!

[mrslug]

Originally posted by brichter
Change your tagline under your username, Mr. Corrected!!

Quiet U! No comments from the peanut gallery!

[brichter]

:twofinger :laughing