Wreck update
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
Wreck update
Hey all,
A few weeks ago I posted a note of my wreck in Oklahoma City. I was on a ramp to get on I-44 eastbound. The ramp emptied onto a service road, not the interstate but I didnt recognize this. This service road looked like the 100 yard run-up normally used to speed up and merge into traffic. OKC lane dividers in this interstate area are nothing more than unpainted sidewalks. Vehicles speeds on the service road and the interstate were very close 65-70mph. That said, I accept full responsibility for what happened. I saw what I expected to see, what I was looking for not what was there.
Long story short, I remember being shocked to see a blue car off my left, closing fast. I was determined to miss that car. I locked the brakes, the bike fish-tailed, off the brakes when I was sure we were clear. As the bike squared up, I saw the curb 10ft away and knew I was going down. I remember hitting the curb but not being thrown off the bike. My RKC slid some 65 yards down the interstate/service road. I landed on my left side and it must've been a hard hit. Seven broken ribs, collar bone, collapsed lung and road rash.
Anyway, I wanted to bring you up to date Ribs seem to be getting better, no longer hard to breathe. With all else going on, the road rash was barely noticeable; I wish that was all I had to deal with. My lung is still collapsed but it'll come along. Tomorrow I see a bone Dr who will almost certainly put a pin in the collar bone. One bones sitting atop the other. Cat-scan on Wednesday and the GP on Friday. Things are finally moving right along.
The bike took minimal damage. The custom paint (spiritual theme; see my album) took no damage, but lots of other stuff will need attention. You all talked me into filing a claim with Progressive Insurance. I still cant believe how accommodating those people are! Theyre positive, reassuring and quick. My feeling is so long as their adjusters keep that attitude, Progressives going to be a leader in motorcycle insurer! I hope to get the bike back by the end of next week. I cant ride yet and will get a friend to bring it home. I love that bike!
Im still on pain killers and they wont let me drive. Hurts like hell getting out of bed. Even doing things with my right arm/hand affect my left side. Ouch! This is my first and hopefully last major wreck on a bike. I know someone was watching over things. How do you explain an area of road-rash clearly burned in the shape of a cross <g>. Thats one example of many.
Things couldve been so much worse, its humbling. No neck pain, no back pain. Alls fine below the waist, all fine on my right side. No other vehicles were involved, no property damage (except OKCs precious curb). Im convinced Ill come out of this a more confident rider. Im no one to tell anyone what to do, but I feel I must ask all who dont wear helmets to consider doing so, every ride. This incident would have had a different outcome had I not had mine on. Seriously. Dead or paraplegic. What a burden on my family, makes me sad thinking about it.
Were so fortunate to have a family we can share things like this! I appreciate every one of you!!
A few weeks ago I posted a note of my wreck in Oklahoma City. I was on a ramp to get on I-44 eastbound. The ramp emptied onto a service road, not the interstate but I didnt recognize this. This service road looked like the 100 yard run-up normally used to speed up and merge into traffic. OKC lane dividers in this interstate area are nothing more than unpainted sidewalks. Vehicles speeds on the service road and the interstate were very close 65-70mph. That said, I accept full responsibility for what happened. I saw what I expected to see, what I was looking for not what was there.
Long story short, I remember being shocked to see a blue car off my left, closing fast. I was determined to miss that car. I locked the brakes, the bike fish-tailed, off the brakes when I was sure we were clear. As the bike squared up, I saw the curb 10ft away and knew I was going down. I remember hitting the curb but not being thrown off the bike. My RKC slid some 65 yards down the interstate/service road. I landed on my left side and it must've been a hard hit. Seven broken ribs, collar bone, collapsed lung and road rash.
Anyway, I wanted to bring you up to date Ribs seem to be getting better, no longer hard to breathe. With all else going on, the road rash was barely noticeable; I wish that was all I had to deal with. My lung is still collapsed but it'll come along. Tomorrow I see a bone Dr who will almost certainly put a pin in the collar bone. One bones sitting atop the other. Cat-scan on Wednesday and the GP on Friday. Things are finally moving right along.
The bike took minimal damage. The custom paint (spiritual theme; see my album) took no damage, but lots of other stuff will need attention. You all talked me into filing a claim with Progressive Insurance. I still cant believe how accommodating those people are! Theyre positive, reassuring and quick. My feeling is so long as their adjusters keep that attitude, Progressives going to be a leader in motorcycle insurer! I hope to get the bike back by the end of next week. I cant ride yet and will get a friend to bring it home. I love that bike!
Im still on pain killers and they wont let me drive. Hurts like hell getting out of bed. Even doing things with my right arm/hand affect my left side. Ouch! This is my first and hopefully last major wreck on a bike. I know someone was watching over things. How do you explain an area of road-rash clearly burned in the shape of a cross <g>. Thats one example of many.
Things couldve been so much worse, its humbling. No neck pain, no back pain. Alls fine below the waist, all fine on my right side. No other vehicles were involved, no property damage (except OKCs precious curb). Im convinced Ill come out of this a more confident rider. Im no one to tell anyone what to do, but I feel I must ask all who dont wear helmets to consider doing so, every ride. This incident would have had a different outcome had I not had mine on. Seriously. Dead or paraplegic. What a burden on my family, makes me sad thinking about it.
Were so fortunate to have a family we can share things like this! I appreciate every one of you!!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 9
hate to hear that but greatful it wasnt as bad as it could have been. we had 2 guys go down on a ride in south eastern oklahoma 3 week ago. i think it hurt thier ego more then them though! get better soon.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: La Vernia (San Antonio), Texas
Glad you're doing better and on the road to recovery. Get back on the road as soon as you can! 
Prayers from Jeff & Laurie
Prayers from Jeff & Laurie
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 64
From: El Paso, TX
Ouch, I hope you heal quickly! I had similar injuries from a motorcycle wreck about 7 years ago. Reading this account brought back memories of all the pain and discomfort I experienced. Do not wish to repeat those events.
m.a.c.
m.a.c.