Posted by Edwin Jackson on August 27, 1999 at 17:57:31:
In Reply to: Close encounter of the 2nd kind posted by Alfred on August 26, 1999 at 08:19:06:
Don't know what it's like in Germany but folks in the US please use this as an example of what NOT to do when you get in an accident. I'm sure you felt like what you were doing was the right thing and I am NEVER an advocate for more stupid lawsuits in this country but you gotta protect yourself. Make sure you (1) Get your bike and self checked out ASAP (less the idiot driver complain that you did not "mitigate damages") (2) Get his insurance info, license number, and make a mental description of him/her in your head. (3)As soon as you can, write down EXACTLY what happened from your perspective with as many details as you can (side of road, mile markers, conditions, your speed, etc.). (4) If anybody else saw the accident get their names as well - they may be needed later.
Why do all this? I have a friend who had a bike accident exactly like this (left turn into him) and although he was only scratched the bike was almost totaled. The van that hit him had some minor fender damage. Lucky right? NOPE. My friend was alone and this guy had his wife with him. If you can believe it they sued HIM and because he had a witness he won. The other driver and his wife basically lied their way through the entire trial and had every detail made up from start to finish. They got damages for the fender and my friend got a nasty fine and points on his record.
It may be a sad commentary but always protect yourself - you never know what kind of person hit you or what they may do.