Got rear-ended.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,351
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From:
Got rear-ended.
Couple of days ago while sitting at a red light I got rear-ended by a Ford Excursion. The impact rammed my bike into and up on the bed of a small dodge pickup truck and I was ejected from the bike. The adjuster is coming to write up an estimate on the damages tomorrow. Any suggestions for handling this guy? He is from the insurance company of the guy that hit me. As far as I can see the damage is to the rear fender, front fender, right front fork slider & reflector, right mirror, right controls shattered. The frame does not seem bent. He hit me square and the alignment still seems fine on the bike. I rode the bike for about 2 miles back to the house after the accident (w.no front brake). I was too shaken to try riding no handed. Before the accident the bike would ride no handed effortlessly. I wondered if this guy is going to know enough to check for stuff like that. Any experience in this department would be greatly appreciated. BTW even though I was ejected 15ft from the bike, in traffic, I was not injured...other than my broken heart at seeing my bike laying there.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 893
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From:
RE: Got rear-ended.
I would NOT sign any paperwork from their insurance company for liability issues. You may have hurt your back/side/shoulder/head/hands etc.
Only time will tell. I would talk to an attorney for further info.
Only time will tell. I would talk to an attorney for further info.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 3
From:
RE: Got rear-ended.
Ditto on the not signing anything. I would also make him deal with my insurance agent. Also, have the bike taken to a couple of reputable motorcycle shops and have it gone over. If it took a hard enough hit to throw you 15 feet and put the bike in the back of the pick-up, there is probably more damage than meets the eye. If the frame is tweaked in any way, especially in the neck area, you are changing the geometry of the bike and will notice it when everything is put back together. I hit a guardrail one time, while avoiding a guy walking from behind a parked car and my bike was never the same. I ended up selling it and taking a huge loss because I couldn't let it go without disclosing the frame problem. I essentially sold it as a parts bike. I am glad you made it out of the wreck alright.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
RE: Got rear-ended.
Andy, like others have said I would not sign or give any extra information to the adjuster. A lot of folks say they don't like lawyers but in your case where it would appear that you are not a fault in any way now would be the time to call an attorney and see where you stand.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,682
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
RE: Got rear-ended.
As others have said, do not sign anything this 'adjuster' puts down. He is looking for the smallest payout. I would have it carted (on their dime) to the shop you trust most and have them do a complete rundown. Anything that hard could have ruined the suspension parts and most of that is not visible from a visual inspection (unless they're out of the bike already).
Great that you were not injured. They need to take that Excursion away from that idiot. Or as I like to say (when seeing the idiot drivers on the road): YADA, YADA, YADA (Yet Another Dumb-***, ...)
Great that you were not injured. They need to take that Excursion away from that idiot. Or as I like to say (when seeing the idiot drivers on the road): YADA, YADA, YADA (Yet Another Dumb-***, ...)
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
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From: Billings,Mt.
RE: Got rear-ended.
I would be complaining of back/neck pain!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,273
Likes: 7
From:
RE: Got rear-ended.
really sorry that you were hit. between your insurance comapny and the other guy's you should get things worked out. regardless of you saying you were not hurt, you should have gone to ER. You were hit, you were ejected, thrown from the bike. Something could occur later.
I have yet to be rear ended. I have been close to being rear ended. Once the vehicle in front of me got rear ended, only because I got out of there first. Rules to prevent being rear ended.
1. Never pull up close to the vehicle in front.
2. Never sit dead center of the vehicle in front.
3. Always have an escape plan in your mind.
4. Always have the bike in gear.
5. Always watch the vehicles approaching from the rear.
6 Don't wait until tha last minute to put your plan in action. If you think they are approaching to fast, they are!
This doesn't help you now, but it will in the future.
I have yet to be rear ended. I have been close to being rear ended. Once the vehicle in front of me got rear ended, only because I got out of there first. Rules to prevent being rear ended.
1. Never pull up close to the vehicle in front.
2. Never sit dead center of the vehicle in front.
3. Always have an escape plan in your mind.
4. Always have the bike in gear.
5. Always watch the vehicles approaching from the rear.
6 Don't wait until tha last minute to put your plan in action. If you think they are approaching to fast, they are!
This doesn't help you now, but it will in the future.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 0
From: Severna Park, Maryland 21146
RE: Got rear-ended.
If your going to take it in to a dealer / reputable shop, maybe you should try and set it up were the adjuster has to me with you at the repair shop along with their tech.