need advice and reassurance

[Scotty1991]

Right i was involved in an accident today. What happened was i was on the main road indicating with my hand to the right, as soon as i turned i heard big screeches of tires behind me but not right up my arse. He skidded sideways towards me when i looked behind before turning so i pedalled so hard to move of to the right to get out the way. He must of turned his 4x4 the other way and it went on to wheels and flipped into a ditch. I called am ambulance and he got out fine. He lit a fag like nothing has happened and wasnt injured. Also apologised to me. The ambulance and police turned up checked me over and ask what happened also giving over my name and address.
Now even though i dont think it was my fault its going around in my head it was because if i didnt turn it wouldnt of happened. Im really shaken up and worried in case for some reason its my fault. I not sure what happens as i have never been in an accident.

Im so keen on cycling but im so afraid to get back on the saddle as it was so close to being my death.

 

[bpsmith]

Difficult to say, without witnessing but, by your description and the fact that they guy apologised, it appears that you have done absolutely nothing wrong.

Totally understandable that you feel shell shocked though. Take it easy today and get back out there ASAP. These things aren't an everyday occurrence!

 

[BrynCP]

Assuming you didn't pull out in front of a vehicle causing it to take action, it doesn't sound like you contributed whatsoever based on your description?

The driver is on control of their vehicle, and if they had to brake suddenly to avoid going into the back of you then they were likely too close (for the conditions), not paying attention or some mechanical issue. Again I assume you didn't make a sudden movement, which appears to be backed up by the apologetic driver.

I'd go back out and ride, these things happen rarely. In my car and on my bike I've never even witnessed an accident.

 

[CopperCyclist]

Assuming (that's going to be a common word in these replies I think!) you were signaling for a decent amount of time prior to turning, and didn't just 'wave and go' then it's on him. He should have seen, anticipated, and stopped safely.

That said, I'd ask and advise two things from a safety point of view for you:

1. Were you in primary while signaling? Helps to get yourself seen and control the traffic behind you better. Shoulder check, get into primary in advance of the turn, and then give a clear strong signal.
2. Did you shoulder check? Sounds like you didn't, and is something you really need to do when moving out into the path of traffic. It's perfectly possible to do everything right and have some idiot run you over - a lifesaver look before you go is both aptly named, and also another strong indicator to drivers of what you are about to do.

Just to be clear - you don't NEED to do the above to have 'done nothing wrong', but I don't think anyone would recommend against doing them to increase your safety.

Glad everyone was OK!

 

[Scotty1991]

Well i had my arm to indicate right about 7 seconds before the road split to make a lane to turn right. Usually i indicate look then go it was at the point of looking is when i heard the screech

 

[Profpointy]

You did right. And though the driver is obviously at fault for going to fast and losing control, at least he avoided you rather than ploughing into to you.
I'd have been shaken too though, but really nothing has changed since the day before, so there's no reason for losing your nerve - it's just lucky / unlucky for some things. Losing one's nerve is perfectly understandable though, and I'd guess it'll take a while to full get it back

 

[Scotty1991]

Never seen anything like it. But he was fine no injuries or any bleeding and was laughing a bit. I was a bit confused.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Never seen anything like it. But he was fine no injuries or any bleeding and was laughing a bit. I was a bit confused.

Glad you're ok, driver was probably having a fir of hysterics, hence the laughing.
No wonder, a shaking experience for you both.
Try, in future, for your own safety, to look behind, signal, then look again before turning.
Sometimes drivers want to be in front at all costs.
Don't let this incident put you off cycling.

 

[summerdays]

By your description you aren't at fault for the accident but as it has been said always do that Look before committing yourself to turning as I've seen cars overtake in that situation far too often, and even had a cyclist overtake me too (who know why considering the size of the space to my left at the time). Hope you are starting to feel a little better now.

 

[Scotty1991]

Yeah. Feeling a bit better now. Only see this sort of stuff in movies and not been in any sort of accident before it took a great affect on me. Going to take it slow now

 

[Jon George]

Perhaps a beer, later?

Glad you're okay.

 

[4F]

Sorry am I reading this as you indicated and then looked and not the other way round ?

 

[Mobytek]

glad you're OK. Reading the aboves it seems that yes there might have been something you could have done differently, but you seem to be a regular confident rider so this should go in your favour. Driver didn't seem to have blamed you, and would be difficult for insurance to prove you caused it, what could they calim back from - nothing really.

remeber, we are here today due to a billion to one chance of things happening - from our ancestors living through wars, plagues and disease, and down to wich lucky boy got there first, farless what you have lived through your lie with so many "What if 5 seconds later" so dont beat yourself up about it, get some cake in!

 

[Racing roadkill]

Right i was involved in an accident today. What happened was i was on the main road indicating with my hand to the right, as soon as i turned i heard big screeches of tires behind me but not right up my arse. He skidded sideways towards me when i looked behind before turning so i pedalled so hard to move of to the right to get out the way. He must of turned his 4x4 the other way and it went on to wheels and flipped into a ditch. I called am ambulance and he got out fine. He lit a fag like nothing has happened and wasnt injured. Also apologised to me. The ambulance and police turned up checked me over and ask what happened also giving over my name and address.
Now even though i dont think it was my fault its going around in my head it was because if i didnt turn it wouldnt of happened. Im really shaken up and worried in case for some reason its my fault. I not sure what happens as i have never been in an accident.

Im so keen on cycling but im so afraid to get back on the saddle as it was so close to being my death.

These things happen, don't let it get to you.

 

[Katherine]

Glad you're ok. Don't let it put you off, put it down to experience.