Riding in a Pack

[Lulu Connors]

I own Thunder Roads Magazine in Florida and this past summer two of my best friends, and writers/photographers for us, were involved in an accident that caused them to spend a long time bedridden, to end up with huge hospital bills and after much rehab still a slight limp. We were returning from a wonderful day of riding St. Augustine. As we descended the stairs of a beach side pub, Amy said, "This was a great day." Less than 10 miles later her life and that of her husband Shane changed instantly...drastically. They no longer are the proud owners of a beautiful yellow and black bike. They both still have a slight limp from their broken bones that even as young as they are still are taking time to heal. They didn't have health insurance and had to put Amy's rehab bills on a credit card to even get her into rehab, since they wouldn't except the other man's car insurance and they didn't have their bike insured since it isn't required in Florida.

First, let me say that insurance is a must! Riding bikes is a risky undertaking for even the most cautious riders, since most accidents are not the fault of the biker. Don't expect the "cager" to be responsible for your health care if they don't even see you as you ride. We must protect ourselves; not only by driving defensively, by wearing proper gear and by insuring our vehicles and ourselves.

Thankfully my friends are almost back to square one physically, but they still are without a bike, involved in litigation over the accident and not certain if they are either physically or emotionally ready to get back on blacktop on two wheels. This has been lesson for them and for me, in that in one instant your life can be propelled into a reality not of your making.

Ride safe and ride on!
Lulu

[Andrew Kass]

Very well put. It reminds you to always be thankful for your health, friends and family!! I agree though not everybody can ride again after a serious accident that your friends have. It is a personal decision. Hopefully your friends will find enjoyment riding again!!

[Joel Moses]

I hate hearing these stories. I am so glad you shared it though. Your post is a perfect example of why this site exists and what it can be. If one person, gets a perspective on insuring themselves or protecting themselves, it will be well worth it. Thanks for contributing.

[Lulu Connors]

My friends hit a car broadside when the car pulled out into the traffic because "they just didn't see them". One moment in the day of 4 people hurt all four financially, emotionally and in my friends case, physically. They are starting to shop for a new bike and hopefully will be up to "Ride Again"! WISER and insured!

Joel Moses said:

I hate hearing these stories. I am so glad you shared it though. Your post is a perfect example of why this site exists and what it can be. If one person, gets a perspective on insuring themselves or protecting themselves, it will be well worth it. Thanks for contributing.

[Lulu Connors]

They are young and will heal and forget the pain, just like childbirth. Hopefully the fractures will heal strong enough to support the weight of a bike soon.

Andrew Kass said:

Very well put. It reminds you to always be thankful for your health, friends and family!! I agree though not everybody can ride again after a serious accident that your friends have. It is a personal decision. Hopefully your friends will find enjoyment riding again!!

[Donald Charles]

I was insured but i did not have medical on my bike insurance what a dumb mistake. The very next day I went out and got medical. I am blessed that I had health insurance and they are not happy and been bugging me about repaying them. I gave them my insurance lawyer phone no. they have been working on my case about 15 months hopefully they will be able to resolve it soon. The other driver had progressive and they are fighting it all the way. At first I told them all I wanted was my medical, time off work and my bike fixed and thats all I wanted and they refused. That is the only reason I hired a lawyer.

[Joel Moses]

That's what they get for screwing with a nice guy!

Donald Charles said:

I was insured but i did not have medical on my bike insurance what a dumb mistake. The very next day I went out and got medical. I am blessed that I had health insurance and they are not happy and been bugging me about repaying them. I gave them my insurance lawyer phone no. they have been working on my case about 15 months hopefully they will be able to resolve it soon. The other driver had progressive and they are fighting it all the way. At first I told them all I wanted was my medical, time off work and my bike fixed and thats all I wanted and they refused. That is the only reason I hired a lawyer.

[Lulu Connors]

In Florida we are not required to have insurance unless we don't wear helmets. No helmet:$10000 health insurance is required. Which realistically barely covers stitches and a tetanus shot in the ER. My other writer for Thunder Roads was riding down the road, caught sight of a gorgeous girl and allowed his attention to her for a little too long cause him to not have the space to brake and plow into a car. His injuries were minor, although painful...7 broken ribs. His ER visit was $13,000 and a hour and a half of his time. He also was relying on the other guy to have insurance because in his mind he was a defensive driver and an accident wouldn't be his fault. Let's face it we all have moments of lapses in judgment, or things totally out of our control such as a deer running out in front of us. When it is our fault and we aren't insured IT IS COSTLY. At least Donald had health insurance, and thought he was well protected financially. But is still having financial difficulties requiring litigation. Hope you are able to resolve this with the help of your attorney.

Donald Charles said:

I was insured but i did not have medical on my bike insurance what a dumb mistake. The very next day I went out and got medical. I am blessed that I had health insurance and they are not happy and been bugging me about repaying them. I gave them my insurance lawyer phone no. they have been working on my case about 15 months hopefully they will be able to resolve it soon. The other driver had progressive and they are fighting it all the way. At first I told them all I wanted was my medical, time off work and my bike fixed and thats all I wanted and they refused. That is the only reason I hired a lawyer.

[Donald Charles]

I still love to ride and can't wait until spring. Right now we have about 12 inches of snow and another storm predicted for middle of the week. My only problem is I love Ohio so I guess I have to live with it. I will keep you posted on my results.

Lulu Connors said:

In Florida we are not required to have insurance unless we don't wear helmets. No helmet:$10000 health insurance is required. Which realistically barely covers stitches and a tetanus shot in the ER. My other writer for Thunder Roads was riding down the road, caught sight of a gorgeous girl and allowed his attention to her for a little too long cause him to not have the space to brake and plow into a car. His injuries were minor, although painful...7 broken ribs. His ER visit was $13,000 and a hour and a half of his time. He also was relying on the other guy to have insurance because in his mind he was a defensive driver and an accident wouldn't be his fault. Let's face it we all have moments of lapses in judgment, or things totally out of our control such as a deer running out in front of us. When it is our fault and we aren't insured IT IS COSTLY. At least Donald had health insurance, and thought he was well protected financially. But is still having financial difficulties requiring litigation. Hope you are able to resolve this with the help of your attorney.

Donald Charles said:

I was insured but i did not have medical on my bike insurance what a dumb mistake. The very next day I went out and got medical. I am blessed that I had health insurance and they are not happy and been bugging me about repaying them. I gave them my insurance lawyer phone no. they have been working on my case about 15 months hopefully they will be able to resolve it soon. The other driver had progressive and they are fighting it all the way. At first I told them all I wanted was my medical, time off work and my bike fixed and thats all I wanted and they refused. That is the only reason I hired a lawyer.