Ghost Lemur joins the "I didn't see you" club...

[Ghost Lemur]

Yes, it had to happen one day, and unfortunately I got out of bed this morning so it had to be today.

On the way to course this morning on the bike. Going down Manchester St, when this car pulls out to do a u-ie right at the last moment in front of me. So off I went over the handle bars (not forgetting to make sure the tops of my legs caught them on the way) and over the bonet.

No damage to me, except for feeling like someone has wacked me across the legs with a baseball bat a few times. Bike is looking a bit sad, front wheel pushed back to between where the two exausts come out of the engine, and bent front forks.

Normally I'm completely suspicious of cars doing anything, having heard all the storys. But unfortunately The car behind the one that hit me (and in front of me) was indicating and starting to move into a driveway to the left, so the car which hit me wasn't able to be seen till the back car had moved by which time I was already passing and the car was already committed to moving out in front.

Needless to say I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself (not really, serious leasons learnt). So if anyone in ChCh has access to a car and trailer or van and could help me collect the bike from it's current parking spot I'd greatly appreciate it.

Too make matters worse, I'm currently unlicenced. My bad I know, nobody's fault but mine, if I couldn't afford the licence yet I should have walked (or bused, which is what I normally do). Now the cops didn't seem to notice at the scene, or if the did they didn't say anything. They were certainly more interested in the driver, whom one of the officers said would be getting a ticket for "failing to give way" or something.
Just wondering, even though the accident wasn't my fault (not talking in the Motu/Jackrat sense, but rather the he's being done over it sense), how much trouble can I expect to get into due to the lack of bike licence.

The gf isn't to happy either, as up until now she's been cautiously supportive of my interest in two wheel. But even though I'm (realitively) unhurt, it's still her worst fear coming to fruition. Not that I think she'll stop me from getting back on, once I finally have my licence (planned for next week), but more it's going to take some serious talking and comprimising/reassuring to get her comfortable again with it.

BTW - anyone got any suggestions on ways to treat my legs?

[dhunt]

Man feel for yah, it's not a fun way to learn how to fly :( It looks like you got off quite lightly.

I know when I had my accident they didn't even ask if I had a license or what not as I was in the right. Hope you get better quick. How's the bike? Is the bike repairable?

David

[Motoracer]

Damn GL, :(

That's sad to here... I hope you can get back on two wheels with out too many hassels.

Regarding the trouble you are in, my mate was cut off by a van and he ended up T-boning the van.

Since my mate was on a restricted on a 400, he got a fine for that (something like 150-300 I think) I am not sure how deep you are in, if you don't even have a learners though...

On the other hand, if the other driver get's charged with failed to giveway, make sure that his/her 3rd party covers for your damage! (asuming that he/she has thrid party).

[Devil]

Yep as already stated, if it was their fault, then you should be covered by their third party insurance. If they dont have insurance, you can do the small claims thingy.

[Ghost Lemur]

I didn't think I'd be able to claim on his insurance because I'm not licenced.

Haven't had a good look at the damage, but forks are definitely bent. No idea about repairability, etc.

I'll definitely be getting back on as soon as I can. Got the bug and I can't fight it.

Just a case of getting licence, reasuring gf, and fixing/replacing bike.

[Devil]

nah, if they caused the incident, then they're liable for any damage they have caused, even if it was a letter box (they're not licenced!). But if it was your fault, you'd be up shit creek.

[k14]

Yeah that does suck, what was the damage to you? Just some grazes and cuts?

You better be careful with what you say, cause if the insurance co finds that you don't have a licence then they won't pay a cent, anything to get out of paying. How much damage happened to the car? I would say the bike is a write off and they will just give you the $300 or so that you paid for it.

I believe the fine for driving without a licence is $1500. Better get it soon.

[riffer]

Yup. I agree with K14.

YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD UNLICENSED.

Forget about a payout from his insurance company. It's not going to happen. He will still get charged with failure to give way. You may or may not get charged with driving without a licence.

If I were you, I'd be talking to a lawyer around now... sorry GL.

As for the healing of the legs, more bad news - nothing works except time. Your legs are hurting cause you damaged them. Take voltaren for the swelling, and panadol or Neurofen for the pain. Don't exceed the stated dose, or amounts. You just make yourself feel worse.

Have a long bath. That helped me.

I know about getting hassled when you crash. But ultimately your partner has to support you in what you choose or you have problems with your relationship. Gini was cool about my crash as she's been around bikes all her life and knows the inevitable consequences...

If I were your partner I'd be more pissed about you riding unlicensed as that can set you both back financially for a long time.

I guess the best thing you can do for your GF is to get the licence and maybe take an advanced rider course. Show here you're willing to learn from your mistakes and she will come round (I hope).

Good luck fixing the Rodent. There are a heap of bits available for them. Buckets and Bits are wrecking one right now (http://www.motorcyclesnz.co.nz).

[Ghost Lemur]

Thanks.

I know it was a pretty stupid thing to do, being impatient and all. Should have just waited.

Not worried about getting money from his insurance co., was more concerned that maybe they could say "you owe us coz you don't have no licence".

As for the bike it only cost me $450, so if it's not worth repairing I'll recoup as much as I can from the parts and spend the money on getting my licence, with the rest going to saving for a new bike.

Someone just mentioned arnica to me? Think the gf has some, is it good? Legs aren't too bad. Can't even see much bruising. Figure they'll probably come up tomorrow if at all.

My gf is a wonderful girl, and supports me no matter how badly I fuck up (pretty badly this time, but not as bad as it could have been). So I'm sure we'll talk things through and I'll eventually be back on two wheels with her blessing, AND A LICENCE. I was planning on doing an advanced course anyway, but this has reinforced the desire to find the money for it no matter what when the time comes.

I was able to visualize myself going round the front of the car, right until I started staring at the bonet. Definitely reinforces the rules of looking where you want to be and not at the hazard.

On the positive side, rego was due tomorrow and now can wait (be put on hold), which frees up enough funds to at least do the handling cert, with a bit left over to go towards theory test.

me ---> :bash: <--- leason learnt

[Milky]

I have used arnica for shock a couple of times, but i am not sure how effective it was with relation to a placebo, or doing nothing... if anything your body might say 'this is supposed to help me' and feel a bit better, but i guess it depends on the severity of the bruising/soreness. Try it and see...

[riffer]

Arnic rules! Completely forgot to mention this GL. Go for it...

[wari]

GOod to see youre' ok mate ..:yeah:

MUust be the season for U-terners ...

I had two cars doit tome on the way to work both within 30 meetres of each otherr...

THen atthe next setof lights a 4x4 (motu) tried to righthand turning into me ... :mad:

...

SO ... where was motu on the 2nd of augus t at approx 6:15am .... :spudwhat:

:spudwave:

[scumdog]

WHY OH WHY did you not at least have your learners?? easy enought to get and worth it's weight in gold for no hassles from the man - $400 for unlicenced!!! :Police:

[mangell6]

Go and get your legs checked out at a Physio, you shouldn't have to see your doctor first for ACC then head on over. cost me $15 er visit when I did my shoulder in last year. Well worth the money.

Mike

[Ms Piggy]

Sorry to hear that mate. Definitely Arnica on the legs & a hot bath.

But...you BAD BOY!! :rolleyes:

[Zapf]

Ermm. u see if the matter was taken to the courts or small claims. It'll be treated seprately.

1.) the person failed to give way. And caused damage to you (covered by ACC) and caused damage to a property. So they have to repay for them somehow. Either themselves or insurance, if their insurance not willing to pay up its is an issue between them and their insurance. You can still take the driver to court / small claims.

2.) You driving without license. Instant fine of so much so much. End of that matter.

Now I am no lawyer but I think that is how it'll be looked at.

Cheers
Zapf

[Ghost Lemur]

Now now guys, don't feel the need to hold back on pointing out what a silly git I was, will you. :o :first:

I think I'll give things a week to settle down, before deciding on my next step. Except for licence, that's asap now.

My mum seems to have the same opinion as you zapf. She said she was in an accident with someone breaking their learners conditions, and coz she was in the wrong she still had to pay for the damages to the other vehicle, even though that person lost their licence.

Don't know. So leaving it a week, or at least few days is probably best. If I get a fine though I'll have to at least try getting some money outta the guy. If by some miracle I manage to sneak through below their radar I'd probably be inclined to call it even and keep my head down.

Leasons: Learning things the hardway is expensive. Things cost more one way or another when put off/left. Women are amazing beautiful creatures with a nature and tolerance far exceeding that of the male species, and should therefore be showered with appreciation and treaded like the Godesses they are.

*goes and hides back under rock*

[DEATH_INC.]

When you say 'unlicenced' do you mean no licence at all,disqualified or wrong class?
It makes quite a difference on the outcome.....
The cops will prolly send out a ticket in the mail,they don't usually miss these things....
If you get coppers at the scene like I always seem to get,they'll prolly try to stick a careless driving charge on you too,and try to blame you :finger:

[aff-man]

MAn that sucks, luckily you are ok. And yes the understanding missus is a beautiful thing the first secind and third time you crash. :pinch: . As for a bike http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Road-bikes/Sports-tourer/auction-14259682.htm

[Ghost Lemur]

Death - No Licence. Was all set to go, then emergency bills got in the way and I got impatient with the wait (no excuse). Worst part is I was going to have the money next week to do the course, with the theory the following week. Will still do it that way.

The cops at the scene were pretty good. I was feeling guilty as hell, and ready to confess my sins. But managed to keep my mouth shut, then they let me hobble off on my way.

[Zapf]

Death - No Licence. Was all set to go, then emergency bills got in the way and I got impatient with the wait (no excuse). Worst part is I was going to have the money next week to do the course, with the theory the following week. Will still do it that way.

The cops at the scene were pretty good. I was feeling guilty as hell, and ready to confess my sins. But managed to keep my mouth shut, then they let me hobble off on my way.

If their insurance figures out that you have no license, they will most likely drag you out to dry. In that case, just ring up the guy caused the accident and tell them that if they or their insurance don't pay up you will take them personally to court over the accident, and they'll have to pay legal fees / court fees and cost to replace / repair your bike, cost of replacing your helmet.... etc then they might ring up their insurance and cry.

Yes you'll get the fine for driving without license, but you should still come out on top.

and guess what, I think the Police with either represent you or have a free lawyer for you too :)

[jimbo600]

Bloody fuck what's going on. Zed, is your boss having a crackdown on bikes mate? Just kidding dude. Don't want him to come down here and gimmie some hurt. Sorry to hear about your off ghost. Glad that you're well though.

[dangerous]

So if anyone in ChCh has access to a car and trailer or van and could help me collect the bike from it's current parking spot I'd greatly appreciate it.

Mate, what a bugger but it is the nature of the beast.... sometimes. Good to here that your landing tecnec was fairly close to perfect, to land on ya feet after crossing the bonnet is considered good.

Anyway help is on its way as far as picking up the bike goes, a guy by the name of Kevin will ring you soon.

[Ghost Lemur]

Mate, what a bugger but it is the nature of the beast.... sometimes. Good to here that your landing tecnec was fairly close to perfect, to land on ya feet after crossing the bonnet is considered good.

Anyway help is on its way as far as picking up the bike goes, a guy by the name of Kevin will ring you soon.

Cheers dangerous.

He called me a little while ago and is dropping it off at about 8:30.

Bikers are brilliant people. You don't get this sort of support from cagers.