jon.ragsda..@comcast.net
I was in Portland at NE Hoffann (it has a different name on the north side, just don't remember what that is) and NE Airport Way. I was going straight and a truck turned right in front of me. He pushed me into the mud but I didn't fall, but he yelled at me that he's got the right of way turning right since he's in a vehicle. Sounds like the same mindset.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Steve Scarich"
To: "obra"
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2014 11:31:37 AM
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Right Hooks
I'll try to keep this brief. I live in Bend. I have had two conversations with police officers in the past year, where I was right hooked (forced to slam on my brakes and/or swerve) and the police saw the incident. I flagged downed the officers and they both told me 'you, as a cyclist, have to yield to a right-turning car that has/or is in the process of passing you and making a right turn. No matter what I said to them would shake their opinion. So. two weeks ago, I was hit by a car doing a right-hook from two lanes away. True story.
I was lying on the pavement, and within 3 minutes five, yes five, cop cars were there, and shortly thereafter, two emergency vehicles. Here's what I learned from that incident:
-Do not count on the police to represent your interests. Two different officers took a complete report from me, don't know why. I asked for a report, and the driver's info. They refused, and said they would 'bring the report by my house'. They never did, but they did give my info to the at-fault driver, who proceeded to call me within two hours, and every day thereafter, and try to talk me into not calling his insurance company. I was stuck. I did not know this guy's name, had no insurance info. I ended up having to go to the police records dept four days later, where luckily, there was a report on file with the guys insurance info.So, do not leave the scene of the accident without, at a minimum, the driver's complete info, and a picture or two if you can manage it, of the scene and the car, with license number visible, and the police officer's business card.
-I also learned that you should go to a doctor immediately if there is the least chance you are injured. I refused the ambulance on the scene, because I thought it was just road rash and bruises. Get documentation of any injuries immediately.
-I called the guy's insurance company after four days when I had his info. Guess what, he had not reported the accident. I told them the story.
-Do not play your own doctor and settle immediately. My neck did not hurt until three days after the incident. My bruised hip was later diagnosed as cracked. Do not settle with the insurance company until your doc tells you that you are OK and that he/she foresees no future complications.
-Get written shop estimates on anything that might need to be replaced, carbon bars, clothing, helmet, etc. My estimate did not say that they were ruined, just gave replacement cost.
-If you do get hit by a car, choose a State Farm customer. I used to be in the industry, and State Farm has a reputation has being more than fair when their customer is at fault. In my case, I received more than twice as much as I could possibly have expected, and I was pretty low key in my negotiations, not demanding a lot. They would definitely have given me more if I was demanding.
Steve Scarich
Bend
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