I got hit by a car today.
I was riding southwest on Tomahawk through Prairie Village this morning when I was hit by a car at Roe. I was going straight and she was turning left. It was her fault; she “didn’t see me” and failed to yield. I was moving at a good clip–about 17–when she hit me. I rolled on to her car, with my back on the hood and head on the windshield, bike still hooked to my feet. Momentum carried me on over as she braked, then on to the ground, landing on my side and back, rolling on to my side as the bike (still clipped in) came down.
I was really pissed off for about 20 seconds as I felt around for body parts, etc. I was on my feet quickly, and once I got my wits about me I started laughing. I was REALLY lucky. As a friend put it, “a few seconds later and she could have killed you.”
Someone in another car who saw it apparently called 911 and the whole EMS department of Prairie Village showed up (three police cars, fire truck, ambulance–great response time!). I sat in the back of an ambulance for about 15 minutes but declined treatment.
I’m pretty much ok; my left ankle, which her bumper hit, is banged up pretty good. I’m icing it to numbness now. Other then that I think I’m ok so far.
I don’t think she got a ticket. I don’t know yet, but I didn’t see one issued. I’m going to call to find out today, but if that’s true then I’m extremely upset. Had I been in a car then it would have been automatic.
I ended up riding the rest of the way in, hoping my ankle would make it. I knew it would swell pretty quickly, and it’s doing a good job of it now. I might have someone take a look at it in a bit.
Stupid cars.
[Update 13-DEC-2006] The Doc said the x-ray on my ankle looks good. Hopefully the swelling goes down quickly so I can get back out there. Woo!
8 Responses to “I got hit by a car today.”
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Random Dude
Said this at 11:51am:Most at-fault motorists who kill cyclists and pedestrians get off the hook. A study by the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition shows that three out of four at fault drivers were never even cited for hitting and killing pedestrians. 22% of fatal pedestrian crashes involved hit and run drivers, yet, none of the runaway motorists were found or charged. In New York, 70-92% of drivers were at-fault in killing pedestrians and cyclists, but 74% didn’t even get a ticket.
Eric
Said this at 1:20pm:Scary stuff my friend. Glad you and the bike survived to ride another day.
Dangerblog » Bad Bike Mojo
Said this at 3:44pm:[…] Then this morning I get to work and learn that Jeff was hit by a car on his ride to work in Johnson County. Fortunately him and the bike are OK, but it’s still a scary thing. Just last week there was a similar accident in Brookside where a clueless motorist turned into a cyclist, only this one went to the hospital and the motorist left without a ticket. Filed under: General, Biking — on 12/12/2006 — […]
Mark
Said this at 4:20pm:Trying to look on the bright side, maybe your sacrifice will save someone else’s life. Hopefully the driver that hit you and everyone that witnessed it will now look a little harder when they drive.
I think a ticket should have been issued in this case. I’d certainly like to hear if one wasn’t!
Glad you’re okay.
Greased Melon » Blog Archive » Insurance companies are the devil.
Said this at 1:41pm:[…] Previous Post:« I got hit by a car today. Dec13 […]
Natalie
Said this at 4:24pm:Maybe you should go get the ankle checked out and make sure there isn’t a fracture… because she needs to pay your bills if you are hurt… a hairline fracture can get worse and put you out for weeks… Glad you’re seemingly okay.
Jp
Said this at 10:20am:I ride that section when I commute…
Sorry to hear. I’m pretty careful going through there now on bike or in my cage.
Going Southwest in my car, I did cut off a few riders one evening after work. I felt horrible. It was dark and I didn’t pick up their lights until I was already turning left. I wasn’t too close to them, but enough that I’m sure they had to slow.
I felt completely embarrassed as a cyclist.
Hope you are recovering with no issue.
Jp
KAt
Said this at 6:41pm:I hav e gotten hit by a car also. Think of it as a good story to tell later.