My accident
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 533
Likes: 2
From: Oak Creek, WI
My accident
Well, I am finally in the right mind to write this. 2 weeks ago I was on my way to work when a cager decided to move from the middle lane quickly into the right lane (where I was). There was no shoulder in the area, and I could not get out of the way. I hit the burb as he hit me, dropped the bike and rolled clear. Spent 4 days in the hospital - Ruptured spleen (I kept it), a collapsed lung (healed in a few days), a cracked left ankle and a lot of bruises on my chest and back. I was wearing boots, full leather, and helmet. The doctors in the trauma center said "good job" it would have been a lot worse without that stuff. I did not have a scratch on my skin. They said the ankle would have been a LOT worse without the high top boots. I am now a real fan of protective gear.
I got a lawyer after reading on the forum. The police report was clearcut, the driver admitted full fault and was ticketed. There was even another eye witness that gave a statement saying the cager was at fault.
I am feeling a LOT better and am back at work. The bike has 13,000 in damage (07 FLHTC).. I have about 21000 in it - I told them to fix the damn thing.
Now for the question - I have been riding for years and love it. Several people have asked if I will ride come spring and I say yes. My wife never even asked. The reality is that I AM a little nervous. Damn accident scared the crap out of me. I am 45, and my kids are grown by the way. The question is to those who have had major accidents - how do you get back on the bike and ride without thinking about the accident - and really enjoy it again. I am sure that by the time March comes and it is time to ride, I will feel a lot better, but right now, I have to admit to being nervous.
Any advice and encouragement you guys can throw out there, I would really appreciate it.
I got a lawyer after reading on the forum. The police report was clearcut, the driver admitted full fault and was ticketed. There was even another eye witness that gave a statement saying the cager was at fault.
I am feeling a LOT better and am back at work. The bike has 13,000 in damage (07 FLHTC).. I have about 21000 in it - I told them to fix the damn thing.
Now for the question - I have been riding for years and love it. Several people have asked if I will ride come spring and I say yes. My wife never even asked. The reality is that I AM a little nervous. Damn accident scared the crap out of me. I am 45, and my kids are grown by the way. The question is to those who have had major accidents - how do you get back on the bike and ride without thinking about the accident - and really enjoy it again. I am sure that by the time March comes and it is time to ride, I will feel a lot better, but right now, I have to admit to being nervous.
Any advice and encouragement you guys can throw out there, I would really appreciate it.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 911
Likes: 3
From: Venice, FL
It happened, and you're here and OK. The chances of it happening again are extremely remote. You're probably gonna have butterflies for the first few rides, and that's normal. They'll pass and you'll be "back", and smarter and tougher than before.
[Raises glass...]
[Raises glass...]
have to get back on the horse! this wasn't your fault, you were just at the wrong place that time. you'll probably leave more room next time riding next to a car.but get healed 1st and 100% before you make that move.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 1
From: NC
Like Anubiss said, just do it. Get back on as soon as possible. I was back on mine 3 days after with a cast on my foot (and them open toes were cold in January). I had to do it. I did'nt want to let fear get in and have time to fester. It was easier to ride the scoot then driving my truck actually. Sucks you went down and glad you are alive to tell us about it. I also did not have a scratch on me thanks to the leather and boots and novelty helmet(nyukk nyukk)...but had 3 broken foot bones,a couple cracked ribs and a torn up (inside) shoulder that had to get surgery. Crashing sucks but the ride makes it worth the risk.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,172
Likes: 0
From: WI/ The State of Harley
I used to race Moto-X in my youth.......been down LOTS & LOTS of times, broke a bunch of bones too..........I do agree w/ you 100%, Protective gear works !!
All I can say is "GET BACK ON DAT HOG & RIDE !!!!"
Best of Luck in a speedy recovery ! WD
All I can say is "GET BACK ON DAT HOG & RIDE !!!!"
Best of Luck in a speedy recovery ! WD
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Virginia, USA
Glad you made it through. A ruptured spleen can kill you. I lost mine about 10 years ago (sports, not riding) and almost didn't make it to the ER in time. When I woke up an resident was standing over me. All I remember him saying is, "I've never seen that much blood in a human being before."
I recommend you take from it what I took from that accident -- life is a wonderful, fragile, finite thing. You've got a second chance at it. Live it to the fullest!
I recommend you take from it what I took from that accident -- life is a wonderful, fragile, finite thing. You've got a second chance at it. Live it to the fullest!
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Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 533
Likes: 2
From: Oak Creek, WI
Thone, I have to say, you are right on. One thing that I will say is that getting back to ROUTINE is the best feeling ever. Just getting back to work and seeing all the people I work with was awesome.
You know the other thing I learned is just how many friends I have. I was completely overwhelmed by all the people that emailed, called, sent cards, came to the hospital. It was really quite overwhelming to be honest. I can also tell you I have the best wife on earth. She was there the whole time, never said ANYTHING negative about me riding, just that she wanted me to get well. In fact, in the middle of this she asked me for the HOG schedule for next year so she could make sure she was not on call those weekends.... hell of a women that one.
You know the other thing I learned is just how many friends I have. I was completely overwhelmed by all the people that emailed, called, sent cards, came to the hospital. It was really quite overwhelming to be honest. I can also tell you I have the best wife on earth. She was there the whole time, never said ANYTHING negative about me riding, just that she wanted me to get well. In fact, in the middle of this she asked me for the HOG schedule for next year so she could make sure she was not on call those weekends.... hell of a women that one.