Hit and Run Last Night

[Proteus]

I was on my way home from finishing an exam early on the road I always take to and from school, which goes through one clusterf@ck intersection at Grand/Milwaukee/Halsted.

I was going through a green light at about 35mph and there was a guy waiting to turn left in front of me. I always pull back a bit in this situation and assess if the car is going to wait or not. He waited.

Once I was about 6 feet from him he turned in front of me and clipped my front left while I was braking and swerving right. I lowsided and slid a bit.

I got up to move the bike and the guy is leaning out his window saying "are you OK." I tell him that I'm not sure and to pull over. While I'm pushing my bike to the side of the road he takes off and leaves down Halsted. I didn't get his license plate as it all happened so fast.

Not one person in this intersection came over to see if I was OK or needed help. There were tons of cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. I called 911 and a fire truck and ambulance were there within 2 minutes.

I was wearing my armored jacket, fullface, gloves, jeans, and boots. The paramedics were complimenting my armor, it took the brunt of the fall and held up well. I have a Bilt jacket and I know a lot of people talk sh@t about that brand but my jacket has served me well and protected me in a spill. It looks good as new.

I'm a bit banged up, road rash on my side/back in the gap between jacket and pants. Scraped my hand a bit, I was wearing mesh/textile gloves. Going to look for better gloves. My calf got banged by the brake lever and my arm is pretty sore. The paramedics checked me out but I didn't want to go to the hospital. I didn't hit my head.

The bike damage is somewhat minimal but likely expensive. The right side fairing is pretty bad, and it extends on the front as well. Bar end and brake lever are scraped up, mirror is scraped, turn signal is gone, maybe a bit of scratching and the muffler is rashed.

The police never showed up, apparently they came after I had been in and out of the ambulance and the firetruck and paramedics left. I went back to the scene to see if there were any security cameras on nearby businesses that might have caught it, and the guy from a very nice Italian restuarant right there sat with me and watched footage for 20 min until we found it on their feed. You could see the accident happen but not make out anything about the car. I called the cops again and they finally showed up and were pissed that they got called again because they said they showed up the first time and I wasn't there. I don't know how I could have gone through the whole thing with the fire department and been in and out of an ambulance before they got there but they calmed down. Took my info and gave me a hit and run report. I have to follow up with the traffic division to see if I can get the footage from the city cameras that are at the intersection.

Not sure what to do. Have to wait to see if I can get the footage, but I don't know how that will go down.

[Proteus]

Here are pictures.

[csmith12]

Glad your good, hit and runs suck.

[subxero]

Yeah, glad you came out in decent shape, hopefully something comes from the traffic camera's and this guy can be held liable

[Roark]

Minus a dill hole driver and some bogus cops, it seems this accident went all right.

Best knowledge of gear comes from experience, and you know not to trust mesh gloves and that Bilt is sometimes okay!

[c-dog]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Glad you are somewhat ok and injuries are not worse. It sucks how irresponsible some people are.

[allanoue]

Sorry to see.
Glad you and the bike are still on the road.
I hope the police find that guy.

Use the SMIDSY manuver every time in that situation.

Link to original page on YouTube.

It will help keep you on the road

[ez12a]

i wear a camera whenever i'm on the streets for this reason. Glad it wasnt worse for you.

[snot]

Glad your OK. I just got my GoPro because of stories like this.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by Proteus

............ I got up to move the bike and the guy is leaning out his window saying "are you OK." I tell him that I'm not sure and to pull over. While I'm pushing my bike to the side of the road he takes off and leaves down Halsted. I didn't get his license plate as it all happened so fast.

Not one person in this intersection came over to see if I was OK or needed help. There were tons of cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. I called 911 and a fire truck and ambulance were there within 2 minutes .............

Very sorry to read this, Steve.

Reading those two paragraphs, I don't see much justice in your immediate future.

It is great that you had the right reaction and protective gear; the rest of the story is just depressing.

[Jason5885]

Pretty much exact same thing happened to me 3 weeks ago in a car park/parking lot. No justice, same damage but on the left side.

I'd let it happen again just to get another chance to grab the guy who drove off..

[Proteus]

I still haven't heard from the traffic division. I have a hit and run report filed so there should be a case and they should be able to get the video footage if it exists.

I'm going to go sit at the intersection tonight at the same time and see if I can spot the guy. People tend to drive the same routes so it's worth a shot.

Feeling pretty sore today, but thinking about my options for the bike. The way I see it here's what can happen:

1. Get traffic cam footage or spot the guy and get the bike fixed on his insurance
2. Pay to fix it myself
3. Sell it rashed up
4. Turn it into a streetfighter

Any idea on what #2 would cost? To make it absolutely perfect again I'd need a new side fairing, front fairing, bar end, brake lever, brake pedal, and muffler.

How much #3 will take off the value? If it was worth $3k in perfect condition what does this take off?

Honestly if I'm just stuck with it I'm leaning towards #4, I've seen some cool-looking 250 streetfighters.

[LittleRedNinjette]

Wow, that sucks! I'm glad it wasn't worse.

Hopefully you can get the footage and get this .

I would go streetfighter.

[Proteus]

Talked to the police department traffic unit today, who said that they don't even get the report for TWO WEEKS. I guess I have to wait until then to figure out what I'm going to do until then. I guess I'll find a turn signal to make it legal and just ride it scratched up for now.

[Proteus]

This just keeps getting better and better. On Friday while I was in class, parked in my normal street spot, someone knocked my bike over on the other side.

It was the kickstand side and there's no damage to the kickstand so it must have been either intentional or from someone sitting on it.

I don't have any pics yet but the fairings on that side are f***ed. Turn signal punched a nice hole in the side, cracks on the top of the side, rash on the front, and the back cracked off. I went home with fairing pieces in my bag. Mirror and bar end scratched too.

Shift lever was bent but I was able to wrench it back to where I could shift.

Everything mechanical seems fine, I've ridden it a few times since then and everything feels normal.

No chance of finding this a$$hat, no cameras around that area and wouldn't do much good anyway.

Not much choice but to go streetfighter at this point, I can't afford all new fairings. It sucks because my bike was pretty much perfect 1 week ago and now all the fairings are toast.

I convinced my wife to let me keep it in our apartment for the winter to work on it. I just have to get it up six stairs in the hallway and then can take the elevator up to our place.

Any tips on getting it up the stairs? They're pretty short, carpeted stairs so I was planning on just stepping it up one at a time with my brother. The bike isn't that heavy so I bet it won't be a problem. Where should I lift from?

[LittleRedNinjette]

Know anyone with ramps? If they are short steps ramps lie what you would ues to get a bike in a truck may work.

That realy sucks though.

[Hero Danny]

If I ever saw a car do a hit and run and the person who was hit seemed alright and was being cared for, etc. Then i'd chase after the car and finally catch up with it and smash their teeth in.... Bastards...

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

If I ever saw a car do a hit and run and the person who was hit seemed alright and was being cared for, etc. Then i'd chase after the car and finally catch up with it and smash their teeth in.... Bastards...

be careful

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/...icle-1.1711176

[MrAtom]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

If I ever saw a car do a hit and run and the person who was hit seemed alright and was being cared for, etc. Then i'd chase after the car and finally catch up with it and smash their teeth in.... Bastards...

Woah there, angry bear.

[Proteus]

I'm trying to just see the positive and think of ideas for my new streetfighter.

[LittleRedNinjette]

Not a good idea Danny. If you can get the plate number that will be more helpful, but chasing them down may have a very bad ending. Not worth the risk.

[LittleRedNinjette]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I'm trying to just see the positive and think of ideas for my new streetfighter.

I'm sure it will look awesome! Streetfighters are so cool.

cant wait to see how it comes together.

[MrAtom]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I'm trying to just see the positive and think of ideas for my new streetfighter.

I'll just leave this here:

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=200238

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

Know anyone with ramps? If they are short steps ramps lie what you would ues to get a bike in a truck may work.

That realy sucks though.

Ramps or a wide piece of lumber. Something to smooth out the steps into just a slope to push the bike up.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by allanoue

be careful

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/...icle-1.1711176

Yeah, I saw that video. The bikers were in the wrong there completely. But if someone hit a fellow brother and then ran away (I understand why the SUV ran away because they were about to get killed) I'd go after him.

[allanoue]

you are missing the point.

bike vs car

who wins

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by allanoue

you are missing the point.

bike vs car

who wins

I've been in several situations where a driver did something dangerous/aggressive towards me and had this thought. You just have to let it go. It's like walking in front of a truck because you have a walk signal. Would you rather be right or dead?

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by MrAtom

I'll just leave this here:

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=200238

Thanks, this is good inspiration! I've been trying to think of what to do with the fairing mount brackets. I was also considering mounting some kind of small storage boxes there.

[LittleRedNinjette]

can't go wrong with extra storage.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I've been in several situations where a driver did something dangerous/aggressive towards me and had this thought. You just have to let it go. It's like walking in front of a truck because you have a walk signal. Would you rather be right or dead?

I do let things go all the time. Even when someone nearly hits me and then beeps at me like it's my fault even though I clearly had the right of way.

But I wouldn't let someone get away with hitting a bike and then running away. Nah, F that. I would just follow him until he stopped to go to a store or home or something (wouldn't even make it obvious I was following him) then i'd confront him of what he had done and it would go from there.

[MrAtom]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I do let things go all the time. Even when someone nearly hits me and then beeps at me like it's my fault even though I clearly had the right of way.

But I wouldn't let someone get away with hitting a bike and then running away. Nah, F that. I would just follow him until he stopped to go to a store or home or something (wouldn't even make it obvious I was following him) then i'd confront him of what he had done and it would go from there.

You take the hero part of your username too seriously.

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I do let things go all the time. Even when someone nearly hits me and then beeps at me like it's my fault even though I clearly had the right of way.

But I wouldn't let someone get away with hitting a bike and then running away. Nah, F that. I would just follow him until he stopped to go to a store or home or something (wouldn't even make it obvious I was following him) then i'd confront him of what he had done and it would go from there.

wrong
You get the licence # and report him/her for hit and run. Then you actually show up in court if called to.

[ally99]

People can be such pricks. I'm sorry that happened. Insurance helping?

[Brother Michigan]

Originally Posted by allanoue

wrong
You get the licence # and report him/her for hit and run. Then you actually show up in court if called to.

All of this. I was driving with my family on I-285 in Atlanta when we witnessed a car hydroplane across two lanes and into the side of a van. The car then proceeded to floor it and run. We caught up to the car after they got off the freeway, recorded the license plate and the location and called the cops. No reason to get in a separate confrontation with someone who is already going to be stressed out and likely irrational.

[NevadaWolf]

Sides, confronting someone, even if you think you can get away with a citizen's arrest, could open you up to even more legal troubles than the original suspect...

http://www.stuffyoushouldknow.com/bl...tizens-arrest/

* The act of arresting a suspect, especially when using physical force to do so opens up all manner of potential violations of the suspect’s civil rights, especially since, remember, you’re not a cop, including but not limited to:

-Charges of sexual assault resulting from a frisk or pat down

-Charges of assault and/or battery resulting from the use of force during arrest

- Charges of assault and/or battery charges resulting from any verbal abuse, especially threats of violence, used against the suspect

- Criminal charges in states where the suspect must be convicted for a citizen’s arrest to be considered legal (if the suspect isn’t convicted)

- A pretty hefty civil suit from the defendant and/or his or her family

[LittleRedNinjette]

Originally Posted by Hero Danny

I do let things go all the time. Even when someone nearly hits me and then beeps at me like it's my fault even though I clearly had the right of way.

But I wouldn't let someone get away with hitting a bike and then running away. Nah, F that. I would just follow him until he stopped to go to a store or home or something (wouldn't even make it obvious I was following him) then i'd confront him of what he had done and it would go from there.

Danny, i think your heart is in the right place BUT you need to use your head. What if its some nut job with a gun, knife or other weapon? What is they decide to turn around and hit you to?

You just dont know. it is ALWAYS best to just get the car info and report it to the authorities. Let those trained to handle this kind of think deal with it.

The last thing you want to do is make a scenario like that worse by getting yourself injured or worse.

Please, please, please think twice before doing something that potentially dangerous.

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by ally99

People can be such pricks. I'm sorry that happened. Insurance helping?

No, Collision coverage was something like an extra $750 a year with a $500 deductible so it didn't really make sense to buy. I wouldn't be much better off with it anyway.

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by MrAtom

You take the hero part of your username too seriously.

hahahahahahah

[ally99]

I'm sorry, my broken thumb hit thumbs down on your post when she meant to click thumbs up. Sorry!

[Hero Danny]

Originally Posted by LittleRedNinjette

Danny, i think your heart is in the right place BUT you need to use your head. What if its some nut job with a gun, knife or other weapon? What is they decide to turn around and hit you to?

You just dont know. it is ALWAYS best to just get the car info and report it to the authorities. Let those trained to handle this kind of think deal with it.

The last thing you want to do is make a scenario like that worse by getting yourself injured or worse.

Please, please, please think twice before doing something that potentially dangerous.

I agree. I'm all talk anyway. I probably would lose interest after about 30 seconds of following. Funny how riding a motorcycle can just calm you down so fast.

You're so right though, people are crazy. I'm going to tell you guys a little story about my road rage and how it may have gotten me killed.

I should probably make a new thread for this story just so more would see it and learn from it, but oh well.

I was driving to pick my mother up at the tire place, my grandmother was with her too (to my surprise). I had to drive her home since she was just dropping the car off. I went the longer way home and was driving slow because my grandmother was with me and it was snowing. I was going about 38 in a 40 and some dude was riding my butt.

This pissed me off, I flashed my tails at him to get him off but he just kept riding, so I slowed down to about 35 to "punish" him. He was angry, I remember his face, he was older looking (50's/60's) had a whitish/grey beard. After about 3 minutes of driving I realized he was FOLLOWING me. This Angered me So I pulled over to the side of the road, hoping he would go by. My window was opened though (for whatever reason). He pulled up next to me and lifted his hands in a motion like "what are you doing?" I looked into his eyes and I just unleashed, I started yelling at him telling him to back the f off and calling him the f word, etc. All with my family in the car, that's how mad I was.

At this moment I could hear a loud beeping, a pick up truck was behind him blasting the horn because the guy is in the middle of the street. The guy gets pissed and pulls over in front of me. I pull out and leave. He starts following me. Tailing HARD, he seriously was about 1 foot away from my back bumper, I remembered kept waiting for him to tap my bumper. My mom said "bring us home!" I told her she's stupid, I don't want this psycho knowing where we live. At this moment I realized. This guy is PSYCHO. I could of EASILY kicked his butt, he was old and at this time I was lifting a lot and taking martial arts, etc. But I had a funny feeling that he had a weapon. I called 911 and as I pulled up to a stop sign he went by me and screamed "get out!" he noticed I was on the phone and turned around and sped off.

I was so scared after this had happened, went around town for 20 minutes and then I went home. I went on the internet and looked up ways to avoid people with road rage and how to protect yourself. I should have pulled over to the side of the road, but left my window up and not make eye contact with the man, just look straight, he would go around me and that would of been the end of it... Next time, that's what I'm going to do.

Lesson learned, people are crazy. You guys are right, get the plate and let the authorities deal with it. Before you get killed.