Bushnell, Spencer
the correct response is to report it to the Police and the insurance company, period. I think that this is the most important thing cyclists can do to raise the awareness of cyclists on the road. i feel the best way to do this is via their pocketbook/ rising insurance rates. i found that my own experience with being hit and recovering damages was greatly enhanced by a police report. Even though the judge found me partially at fault (thats another story) the drivers insurance paid me for the accident and to repair my bike. i'm not saying to get "sue happy" or such, just to report the accident someplace concrete, not just on your blog.
i'll now defer to our obra lawyer crowd.
spencer
________________________________
From: obra-bounces@list.obra.org on behalf of Josh Townsley
Sent: Wed 5/27/2009 8:57 AM
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Hit in crosswalk... what's the correct response?
So on my ride to work this morning, I was riding across a cross walk, with a full walk signal, not even blinking, when a guy turned right across my path. I was at a walking pace.
Just a bruised leg for me, and a very small wobble in my front wheel.
It's the crosswalk on Naito, going across Market. Cars are coming off of I-5 here, so they always seem to be ready to turn right as quickly as possible.
Besides the verbal attack he got from me right after, is there anything else I should be doing? I don't really care about getting him in trouble. He was a young kid, running late for school. I imagine after hitting a bicyclist, he'll always double check the crosswalk is open from now on. He did freely give his name and number.
Is there somebody this should be reported to just for statistics? Should I care about that?
Thanks all-
Josh
Josh Townsley - Bike Coordinator
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Oregon Chapter
503.445.8347
Josh@defeatms.com
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