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

**Ghost Lemur** · 3rd August 2004, 12:04

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** · 3rd August 2004, 12:14

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** · 3rd August 2004, 12:29

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** · 3rd August 2004, 12:40

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** · 3rd August 2004, 12:42

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** · 3rd August 2004, 12:43

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** · 3rd August 2004, 12:44

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** · 3rd August 2004, 13:18

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** · 3rd August 2004, 13:56

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 --->

<--- leason learnt

**Milky** · 3rd August 2004, 15:03

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** · 3rd August 2004, 15:08

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

**wari** · 3rd August 2004, 16:17

GOod to see youre' ok mate ..

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 ...

...

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

:spudwave:

**scumdog** · 3rd August 2004, 17:47

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!!!

**mangell6** · 3rd August 2004, 18:20

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