Motorcycle Accident...Quick Thinking Luckily

[bpsmith]

Just on my commute to work this morning, on my motorbike, and filtering slowly and carefully on my regular route. I was filtering past stationary traffic, but in my own lane.

A car was parked on my left side and saw a break in oncoming traffic and pulled out quickly, without doing a final check my side and knocked me clean off. I had nowhere to go, as the oncoming traffic was closer than the guy though, so I had to brace myself for the impact.

Third party witnesses watching reckon that I looked to swerve, but couldn't go anywhere, then proceeded to lift myself up onto the seat of the bike to avoid my leg getting jammed between car bonnet and bike. I actually remember it all in slow motion and that was my thought process too. I am amazed that I thought so quickly.

It was at low speed from both vehicles, but the short acceleration from the Fiesta Van was probably what made the sock through the bike.

I am very lucky indeed that I haven't damaged my leg badly, but got stiffness in knees, hips and lower back. Not sure if I need to check it out or just have a warm bath.

My first thoughts were, I know I have clip-less pedals, but I still need that left leg!

Edit: Added that I was on my Motorbike. Forgot to add that earlier.

 

[ianrauk]

Go get checked out at the hospital or your GP, just to get the accident and any injuries recorded.
Is there damage to your bike?

 

[bpsmith]

I don't actually know if there are actually injuries at this moment. No physical broken bones or even abrasions, as I where the right gear, but just a tiny bit stiff.

Bike has more damage to it than you would expect for the speed. It's a CBR250R ABS, so all plastic at the front. Both sides damaged, as impact one side and landed the other side. Still awaiting a callback from insurance to arrange collection, but managed to get it home so it's no major issue at the moment.

Edit: Off work today now, so tempted to go for a cycle, but doubt it's the best thing to do with potential stiffness.

 

[ianrauk]

As I said, get your injuries checked out, even if they find nothing it will be recorded for insurance purposes.
Get on to the CTC, LCC or BC or whoever you have your insurance with. sounds like you have a good claim.

 

[w00hoo_kent]

Only you know what level of problem the stiffness is, if you really think it's just a baths worth then have one and see how you feel but Ian is right, getting checked out now isn't a bad call. I'd definitely have the bath before going out on the cycle to loosen up the joints (see, it's all medicinal :-) ). Bike plastic is never cheap.

Doesn't sound like there was much you could do differently, being a van it's not so easy to tell that there's a driver in it (although it's always worth being out on the edge of the door zone just in case which also gives you some room) in slow traffic you can sometimes tell a car is going to move so a blast on the horn to let them know can be handy. My biggie was a minicab U turning out of traffic (came from about two car lengths in front of me) and I'm not sure there was much difference I could do there either. Seeing the gaps start and waiting for someone to be a numpty I guess...

 

[bpsmith]

Where's best? GP or Casualty?

 

[ianrauk]

Where's best? GP or Casualty?

Which ever can see you quickest.

Just seen this a motorcycle accident.

 

[bpsmith]

Yes, that's right. Not really suited here, but it's my only regular online haunt and I needed to vent.

@ianrauk Just edited original post, to include that it was on my motorbike, as missed that initially in the thread, although title was motorcycle.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Where's best? GP or Casualty?

Ring 111 and ask them. I really do think it's a great service. If they think you don't need A&E but need a GP visit they book it for you there and then, and tell you when to turn up at the GP's - in the case of my daughter we've had that twice, and they made an appointment within the next 30 mins for the GP - a lot faster than A&E and stops it getting clogged up! Best wishes on your recovery

 

[bpsmith]

I have rung my GP and the Duty Doctor is going to give me a call back. Might give 111 a call too. Thanks for the info.

I totally agree, I don't want to use up any appointments in either the GP Surgery or A&E if I can help it. Don't think there's much wrong, but my back, neck and shoulders are getting stiffer as time passes. Spine feels painful when I twist. That cycle I fancied is the last thing on my mind right now.

Was going to cycle to see Stage 3 of Tour of Britain tomorrow too. Gutted.

 

[bpsmith]

GP advised to attend A&E. X-rays at A&E showed no damage to bones or spinal cord, which is great, but they believe that I have torn threads from the muscle at the mid to lower back. Stiff and painful when I twist, but the Dr advised me to make sure I keep mobile as if it stiffens more then will take weeks to get back to near normality.

Asked about cycling and he said it was ideal to start with, but don't overdo it. Result! The only good part of my day!