Down

[Desmostro]

Oh Crap! That sucks!!!!

Le Piou,

"Fair market value" - That means TOW YOUR BIKE TO DESMOTO SPORT and let them "analyze" it's value.  You get to choose who looks at it, NOT any insurance company. It's against the law for them to tell you what mechanic will evaluate it. Though they will look it up in the blue book and want to go see it most likely. You can say yours was a bit special, and Desmoto will help you explain why. Make sure they know it was a FOGGY S4RS (for example) 

You may have to argue a little to get the numbers up to what you think is fair. Be very polite and very firm. Don't ever get angry with the insurance people. At least don't let them know you're angry. Stick to your guns man. They'll want you to get angry, tired of arguing, and then settle for what they're first offering. Just be polite and firm every time. Its going to be a while so be patient. Also - you want to see if you have any permanent physical damage. That driver is responsible for that if you do. DON'T settle right away on that. Careful what you sign.

I had a bad crash last year. I took many months to convince the girl friend I was going to ride again. You might want to give it a little time to let her nerves settle.

Jimminy christmas, you're so lucky you're just worrying about gear.

[sugarcrook]

Very sorry to hear about the bike but at least you're okay.  Mend quickly. 

[mostrobelle]

How hard is it to turn your head for a split second before changing lanes?

This and using turn signals is among the most difficult of driving skills to master.  It's a rare and wondrous thing...much like seeing Bigfoot, a UFO and a unicorn...all at the same time...typing War & Peace...in German...underwater. 

[Michael Moore]

Sorry to hear your news, but very glad it wasn't worse. Bikes and gear are replaceable.

[707soldier]

Thats bad news, I hate to hear when someone goes down.
I've been down multiple times, its sucks.
All thing happens for a reason, anyway I hope all will work out with your insurance.
Heal up soon and get back on the saddle.
I'm sure your wife will understand, take care of yourself.

[jimboecv]

First, glad you're well enough to post!  Gear is cheap compaired to skin grafts, etc.  Money well sepent. 
Get through the depression of the crash, then get angry.  Yeah, nice guy bounced you off you bike, injured/cost you $$, not to mention the stress with the S.O. (been there). 
Glad you're good, the rest will fall into place.

[Drunken Monkey]

Glad you're (reasonably) okay, glad the guys stopped, more glad he admitted fault.

Honestly, beyond the few weeks of pain, this should turn out okay.

And a Big  to having Desmotosport look at it.

[duqette]

I highly recommend the Nolo Press book on suing for personal injury. I used it after my accident when I got hit by an SUV. (I wasn't riding, just minding my own business on the sidewalk.) Step by step instructions, good advice, when to call a lawyer, etc etc.

[Duck-Stew]

So sorry to hear about your get-off man.  As mentioned above, so glad you're going to be ok, the guy stopped, admitted guilt, etc...

I only post to add that wrist injuries are a total beyotch.  Be sure to get a wrist/joint *specialist* to look at what you've got going on.  I broke my L wrist in '93 in a get-off.  I can still forecast the weather with the damn thing and it make the beast with two backss with my riding too...

All the best mate!  So glad you're still around...

[MendoDave]

Im glad you didn't get hurt any worse than that.

This guy died this morning.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_10598930?source=rss

[Desmostro]

Geez, we're a salty bunch aren't we. We'll all have to get together one day and compare battle wounds 

Le Piou, I hope you PM folks who've had experience with this sort of thing if you need help. Good luck. In the mean time, 

[thunderpuppy]

Sorry to hear about your crash. I just now am getting over my broken ankle. At least your wrist isn't weight bearing. Best of luck with your recovery!

[duckwrench13]

Im glad you didn't get hurt any worse than that.

This guy died this morning.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune/localnews/ci_10598930?source=rss

That was my good friend "Norton" Aaron. I got "the call" on my way to work yesterday. 

Le Piou, glad you're ok. Bones will heal, and machines can be fixed. People can't be replaced.

I think I'm hanging up the hat for a long while this time. Don't want to reach in for a rabbit, and come up empty handed.

[Le Piou]

Just an update on my story, and also to thanks everybody here for your support.
So:
- I am NOT at fault. The CHP report finds the other driver at fault for unsafe speed and unsafe lane change. So my insurance finds me not at fault for this loss.
- My wrist is not broken. I "just" have a very bad, bad sprain, so I'll keep my cast for a little while.
- My bottom/ right hip is still painfull, but I can now sit.
- My burns/abrasions on the legs are healing well.

Thank you again for your support and advices.

Le Piou

[ghostrider]

Great to hear your your on the road to good health.