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2013-04-01 8:43 AM

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Subject: hit by car

This weekend I was hit by a car for the first time.  It was a very surreal experience.  I am not going to get into the details about who was at fault or the situation, but I do have a few observations.

1.  Carbon fiber is tough!!!  Not one crack.  Damage was in the bar tape and pedals.  Nothing scratched on the bike.

2.  It was like the Truman Show.  Everyone stopped at a very busy intersection, got out of their cars and just stared at me on the ground.

3.  Drivers (here in Florida anyway) seem horribly entitled to the road and seem put off that I was hit by them (yes it was their fault not mine).

4.  Actually getting hit and falling to the pavement happened so fast I really don't have any details about how I ended up on the ground at all. 

5.  When 911 is called they send everything.  I had a small scrape on my knee and there were 2 paramedics, a fire truck, and 3 police cars.  Better too much than too little I guess.

Just lucky there was no damage to me or my bike, and everyone went on their way. 



2013-04-01 8:45 AM
in reply to: #4681592

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Subject: RE: hit by car
Yikes, well glad the damage was minor.
2013-04-01 8:49 AM
in reply to: #4681592

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Subject: RE: hit by car

Carbon Fiber FAILS; it may look "OK " but you should make sure it is "OK"...

Glad you're not injured too badly... Did the drive get ticketed?

2013-04-01 8:53 AM
in reply to: #4681592

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Subject: RE: hit by car
Take the bike to a bike shop and have them check the frame out. It could look just fine but, you need to have a pro check it out.
2013-04-01 9:01 AM
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Subject: RE: hit by car
The frame is toast. Toss it. The only way to tell for certain is to get it X-rayed and you probably don't have access to it.

Someone's insurance will pay for the damage; 99+% certain it will be the driver's insurance. Be sure to budget in a new helmet and anything else which was damaged.

there is no standard pricing for a used bike. They can't depreciate the milage you already have on your bike and set a total / salvage value and give you that. With a car; sure. You know the price of used. But not a bike.

You deserve new equipment with simialr features and quality to what was lost in the accident.

Also, NEVER say that your health is OK. NEVER! Until you have closed the case to your satisfaction.

I hope you're OK. One piece of advice is to get a CAT scan today. If you have gaps in memory of what happened, there could be an issue which needs addressed ASAP.

Edited by pitt83 2013-04-01 9:02 AM
2013-04-01 9:03 AM
in reply to: #4681592

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Subject: RE: hit by car
Wow, really glad you are ok! I would be really shaken up by tgat experience. Did anything happen to the driver?


2013-04-01 9:33 AM
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Subject: RE: hit by car

The important thing is that the bike is Ok.

 

 

... and that you're still here and able to post about it, I guess ;-)

2013-04-01 10:38 AM
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Subject: RE: hit by car

Bevie - 2013-04-01 9:53 AM Take the bike to a bike shop and have them check the frame out. It could look just fine but, you need to have a pro check it out.

First, glad you're OK, just stay on top of anything memory related.


For the frame, composites can be tough, but damage may not be visible.  One thing that can happen is what called a delamination; the fibers and glue get separated from the stress caused by the impact or bending force.  If the delamination happens on the inner surface, you won't see anything on the outside.

That's where x-ray or ultrasonic inspections can find problems. 

A quick and dirty way to check for delaminations is to tap suspect areas with a nickel or quarter.  Something hard but relatively lightweight.  Listen for changes in the sound as you tap around various areas.  You will hear changes as you get close to intersections, but if you're in the middle of the downtube, the sound should be pretty consistent.

I don't know what you LBS may be able to check for, not everyone has access to ultrasonic equipment, or an xray machine, but they may know someone.  Ultrasound machines take training and in some cases certification.

Here's a paper on composite repair and inspection:

2013-04-01 11:28 AM
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Subject: RE: hit by car

Scarey.  I'm glad you are okay.

2013-04-01 12:16 PM
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Subject: RE: hit by car

pitt83 - 2013-04-01 10:01 AM The frame is toast. Toss it. The only way to tell for certain is to get it X-rayed and you probably don't have access to it. Someone's insurance will pay for the damage; 99+% certain it will be the driver's insurance. Be sure to budget in a new helmet and anything else which was damaged. there is no standard pricing for a used bike. They can't depreciate the milage you already have on your bike and set a total / salvage value and give you that. With a car; sure. You know the price of used. But not a bike. You deserve new equipment with simialr features and quality to what was lost in the accident. Also, NEVER say that your health is OK. NEVER! Until you have closed the case to your satisfaction. I hope you're OK. One piece of advice is to get a CAT scan today. If you have gaps in memory of what happened, there could be an issue which needs addressed ASAP.

I'm surprised they didn't do a CAT scan. That was the very first thing they did when I crashed and they saw the cracked helmet. In fact, they would not even give me painkillers until they had assessed for possible brain trauma.

To the OP: heal up quickly!



Edited by BrianRunsPhilly 2013-04-01 12:31 PM
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