Car cut in front of me and I smacked into them

[christbennett429]

So my wife and I were driving about 40 miles an hour and a car jumped in front of us trying to turn illegally and I had no choice but to run smack into their driver side door. It fractured my l2 vertabrae in my back, hurt my shoulder, and leg, and I have road rash on my left leg. My wife bit through her tongue and had 4 stiches and is sore. The bike has a bent shifter, the headlight and instrument cluster are shattered. The headlight bracket is busted, and the front fairing and front fender and all cracked and broke. Also the handlebars are broken off. Any advice? I wanna fix it as long as it takes granted the frame isnt bent and the forks are straight. Chris

[Alex]

Youch! It sounds like you are both incredibly lucky to get out of that accident with the just the injuries you received! My hunch is that the forks are bent and the frame is tweaked, anything that breaks the whole cluster and the handlebars off is going to do significant damage in that area around the steering stem. Have someone with experience with these bikes take a peek, but my hunch is you may be better starting off with a replacement ninjette and using this one for spare parts.

[christbennett429]

Thanks for the quick reply, funny enough I was looking at the bike and the forks look straight, the bike rolls straight, and neither the front tire or wheel are damaged. I was in the process of stopping quickly and wonder if the bike lifted from behind alittle and threw us and happened to hit just right to break those items? Also anyone have these laying around for cheap? Chris

[thisisbenji]

Sorry to hear about the crash. Who got the ticket?

[christbennett429]

I assume they did, I was unconcious and didnt wakeup with one, only the other drivers info filled out by apd. I wokeup just long enough to try to take off my helmet and have someone yell at me then next time I was in the hospital.

[christbennett429]

Does anyone know what the bracket that holds the headlight in place and the instrument cluster is called? Also any idea about how much it would run? Also I welcome any other opinions on this project. Thanks. Chris

[dino74]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

Does anyone know what the bracket that holds the headlight in place and the instrument cluster is called? Also any idea about how much it would run? Also I welcome any other opinions on this project. Thanks. Chris

I think its called a front stay. About a year ago, I picked up one for $85

[MikeBudd]

Goodluck getting better, with all the insurance stuff, and fixing your bike.

Triple check that everything is straight on the frame and on the forks before things start getting fixed.

PS: Why isn't their insurance company rebuilding it for you?

[christbennett429]

On the insurance portion there was no company info filled out just a policy number, so I have a personal injury lawyer looking into it. The wreck just happened friday. Also dont they normally damage out older bikes and give a small amount?

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

On the insurance portion there was no company info filled out just a policy number, so I have a personal injury lawyer looking into it. The wreck just happened friday. Also dont they normally damage out older bikes and give a small amount?

The amount you get for the bike will be negligible compared to the personal injury. The photos look like its being held in bike jail somewhere. I suggest you get it back home ASAP. The longer its there, the harder it will be to get it back. They are probably charging you an impound/storage fee of $250/day or some other ridiculous amount.

Because they wont pay you much for the bike, I suggest you concentrate on the personal injury. Since you already have a lawyer, he will likely tell you the same thing. If your L2 fracture is easily visible on an x-ray, then you can expect a substantial jury award. Probably in the $100K to $200K range. As such, I would make them give you the bike back and not even claim it because the amount you get for personal injury will be so much more. Otherwise, you may end up with a salvage title or worse.

Also, since you were unconscious, that means you had a concussion and probably other head trauma. In this case, your helmet probably saved your life. Does it look smashed up?

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

On the insurance portion there was no company info filled out just a policy number, so I have a personal injury lawyer looking into it. The wreck just happened friday. Also dont they normally damage out older bikes and give a small amount?

It should still be enough to replace it at market value.

[Motofool]

I agree with n4mwd; you should make the legal process and the insurance claims your top priority now.
The bike is fixable, but that should be a secondary thing for you.

Regarding the damage, it is very possible that your hypothesis about the position of the bike at the instant of the impact is correct.
Blows to the front tire have enough lever to deform the forks and frame.
If the impact happened on the upper clamps and instruments, those may be straight still.

It may be useful trying to see the damage of the car in order to figure out the impact zones.

Wish you the best outcome and the minimum impact to your wife's and your health

[Nemesis]

My advice would be if you're only riding the street than ditch the 250 and get yourself a bigger bike since the braking power is much stronger than the 250 especially if you're riding 2up.

[christbennett429]

Thanks for all the replies, I am getting the bike out tomorrow as soon as I get my paycheck. ITs going to be 300 but the bike has alot of sentimental value to me, also ive seen you can get a frame for 99.00 on ebay though im sure that has its own legal issues involved.

[akima]

@christbennett429: that's so horrible. Scary situation. Glad you guys are relatively ok. Was it surreal waking up in the street like that and then in the hospital?

Same question as always: the accident didn't sound at all like your fault (the cage driver is to blame), but blame aside: is there anything you could have done differently before or during the situation that would have made it more likely that you'd get out of that horrid situation without a crashing?

[christbennett429]

Unfortunately there wasnt much I could have done differently, I have thought about that so much since the wreck and the sad truth is no. And I always figured my experience would save me even if others were bad drivers. It is a weird experience and funny enough I know to leave my helmet on till help arrives but all I could think about was getting the helmet off lol.

[Jono]

If you are positive the forks and triple tree are straight then the frame will almost definitely still be straight. But take off the front forks and roll them on a flat surface and look for a wobble to see if they are straight. If they are slightly bent then the frame could possibly be tweaked.

I crashed my bike like 3 months ago and my front end didn't look as bad as yours does and I had a bent front fork bent lower triple tree and later discovered that the frame was bent. IT CAN BE VERY HARD TO TELL. Take the front end apart and look at it very closely. It can turn into a money pit very quickly.

Goodluck. Glad you are alright.

[christbennett429]

Thanks jono for that bit of info, I will check it real good and see. Chris

[drac]

If I was intent on fixing that thing for minimum cost the first thing I would do was strip the front end and inspect every weld with a magnifying glass. I would then go to a dealer with a cloth tape measure and take some measurement real quick for comparison. Yes the measurements would be rough but at least something to compare with. Check the forks and stick it back together. Take some REAL easy rides to see how the bike handles and also test out some serious braking maneuvers .......

Not advising you as to your course of action just telling you how I would do it.

I will tell you that I would never FULLY trust a bike that had been smashed up that bad regardless of whether I did the fix or had a mechanic check it over and do the work. Hell I have never FULLY trusted any of the street bike I have had unless I bought them brand spanking new. But that's just me. I am funny like that. Not to say I haven't ridden the piss out of some of the used bike I have owned but in the back of my mind I always had that smidgen of doubt.

Anyway, glad the incident wasn't more serious than it was and I wish you good luck and a speedy recovery.

[psych0hans]

Sorry to read about the crash, Good luck with the insurance case and Hope you and your wife both have speedy recoveries... God bless and Ride safe!!!

[christbennett429]

Thank you, that means alot. Chris

[nickjpass]

I'm just curious? What gear were you wearing?

[christbennett429]

I had a fieldsheer armored mesh jacket on with a dot full face helmet and gloves. unfortunately I had shorts and tennis shoes on because it was a short trip and hot out.

[nickjpass]

I see. Did you collide with the car (your body)? Or did you just fly over it? I just want a visual. I'm can't say you're a-okay, but, I'm glad you're not worse

[christbennett429]

When I wrecked The bike went right into the driver side door of the ford focus and it threw me into the car then I landed on the ground and heard then felt the bike hit the car and slide into me from there.

[nickjpass]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

When I wrecked The bike went right into the driver side door of the ford focus and it threw me into the car then I landed on the ground and heard then felt the bike hit the car and slide into me from there.

Ugh sounds painful...get better.

[Malicious Logic]

Glad to hear you and your wife are ok. Sounds like things could've been a lot worse.

As for your bike, I can understand the sentimental value bit. Let me ask you this though...you brought up finding a frame for $99. If you replace the frame, and from what it sounds like, the whole front end, is it even the same bike? You've got another bikes frame and completely different parts. Just saying...

[christbennett429]

You have a point, I think its just easier for me to go piece by piece to have something to look forward to than to save the money and buy a new bike. Also the frame looks good, no chipped paint or bent metal.

[christbennett429]

Just an update, I checked the frame real good and no chipped paint or broken welds, also no cracks. Forks are straight, and I just replaced the handlebar risers and rebuilt the handlebar setups. I took the bike for a ride through the neighborhood slow at first but gradually increased speed alittle, then went to cornering and all went well. I still need to find a front fairing for the bike and I noticed that the clutch does not fully disengage when the bike is on the center stand and it is pulled in. I adjusted the clutch cable but no luck. Aside from that and minor adjustments the worst is out of the way. Chris

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

Just an update, I checked the frame real good and no chipped paint or broken welds, also no cracks. Forks are straight, and I just replaced the handlebar risers and rebuilt the handlebar setups. I took the bike for a ride through the neighborhood slow at first but gradually increased speed alittle, then went to cornering and all went well. I still need to find a front fairing for the bike and I noticed that the clutch does not fully disengage when the bike is on the center stand and it is pulled in. I adjusted the clutch cable but no luck. Aside from that and minor adjustments the worst is out of the way. Chris

They all do that, or at least mine does and I've been told it's normal. My clutch is actually close to worn out and yet my rear tire spins when on the stand and in 1st gear with the clutch pulled in. I took the chain off while warming it up in neutral and then the front sprocket spins in neutral too! It's probably just fluidic drag or something, like being in a boat's wake and being pulled along slightly.

[akima]

Originally Posted by CZroe

They all do that, or at least mine does and I've been told it's normal. My clutch is actually close to worn out and yet my rear tire spins when on the stand and in 1st gear with the clutch pulled in. I took the chain off while warming it up in neutral and then the front sprocket spins in neutral too! It's probably just fluidic drag or something, like being in a boat's wake and being pulled along slightly.

Damn-it: just did a hunt for a post where someone (maybe @choneofakind or @alex.s) eloquently explained that even with the clutch lever fully pulled in, it's normal for there to still be some contact between the plates. Couldn't find it.

[n4mwd]

Mine does that too, plus it grabs when I pop it into first when its cold. Its just how they work. Nothing to worry about. Congrats on getting it going again.

[choneofakind]

It's in faq.ninja250.org where they talk about that little jolt that you get when you put in in gear the first time after starting it cold.

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/My_bike...this_normal%3F

[christbennett429]

Thanks, im religious when it comes to maintanance and adjustment on my bike but for some reason I couldnt remember if it did that before or not.

Out of curiousity, does anyone know of a good fairingless front turn signal setup?

[choneofakind]

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=82775

This is the headlight wayanlam used when he went street fighter

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

Out of curiousity, does anyone know of a good fairingless front turn signal setup?

Yuck. You should have plenty of bucks from the insurance to pay for the proper plastics. Why parade your bike through town without any clothes on?

[christbennett429]

I had liability only with no uninsured rider coverage and we only got a policy number from the police report so it might be some time before I see any money. I have an attorney working on it now. Chris

[n4mwd]

Originally Posted by christbennett429

I had liability only with no uninsured rider coverage and we only got a policy number from the police report so it might be some time before I see any money. I have an attorney working on it now. Chris

Last I heard, insurance isn't required in Texas on cars, so I don't see any reason for him to lie about it. You should have his contact information. Just call him and ask for the necessary information.

If your attorney hasn't gotten the basics done yet, maybe you need a different attorney. The attorney you select makes all the difference. A friend of mine got a good one and while Allstate refused to pay anything on the claim, the attorney sends them a letter simply announcing that he is on the case, and suddenly Allstate pays the policy maximum without ever having to file a lawsuit. But another friend wasn't so lucky. She got a sucky lawyer and after several years, she barely got enough money to buy the gas to drive to the lawyers office and pick up the check.

I don't know any lawyers in Texas and the good one I mentioned was later paid a huge some of money by the insurance companies to "retire".

[choneofakind]

Originally Posted by n4mwd

Last I heard, insurance isn't required in Texas on cars

[RedOctober]

There is state required minimum coverage here in TX.