Rear Ended Today UPDATE

[Valkorado]

What a crappy day!   Could have been crappier.

I have been working on Ruby, trying to iron out some fuel delivery issues.  Had the dreaded gas smell when riding and parked.  First I d8scovered a leaky petcock that I replaced with a new one that I made manual.  Cleaned some yecch from the bottom of the tank.  Popped in a new air filter.  Bought a new slightly longer fuel line and -- you guessed it -- kinked it.  Several trial and error runs shaving off just enough to still get it on without a kink.  Last night put in some new plugs and she was finally running really well!!!

Ready for our annual Darby ride!  Woo-hoo.

Went out to enjoy today, and was at a feet down stop at the Lake City bridge waiting on some oncoming traffic to pass to turn right into Gunnison...

Wham-o!  Knocked the wind outta me, and my hands off the bars.  Holy sheep poop, here comes that eastbound pickup truck at highway speed!  THANK GOD the driver was on top of things and there was no westbound traffic.  He veered left into the westbound lane just enough to miss me.  I guess maybe by a yard or so. I regained composure and control of the bike.

The 21 year old nose ringed kid stopped.  He could have bolted.  His buddy was just waking up.  Apparently they had been camping, tried to hike Sunshine yesterday and ran into heavy snowpack near the top.  Anyway, they stayed up into the wee hours, he said he only had a couple hours of sleep.  At least that's what he told me and the officers.

No phone reception there so I followed him to a nearby RV campground to file a report.  Looks like I'm off to State Farm with the accident report.

The big bummers, this bike color is rare, one of like 160-something made. I'm sure I won't find that trunk. And it had BonS LED taillights built into the trunk that I just loved!  Also has a dented lower fender that may or may not come out.

This bike is truly my pride and joy, but I am glad to be alive.  Still a bit jittery, and definitely whiplashed.

[Squirrel]

That is a shame, Valkorado.  That's such a nice looking Valk.  But like you said, it could have been a lot worse.  I hope it all works out in your favor.

[Daniel Meyer]

Glad you're here to tell us about it!!

[Rams]

As I learned last September, parts and bikes can be replaced, you can’t.  Glad you are okay.

Rams 

[tcblack]

Oh Wow!  I'm glad you're still with us. 

[Jess from VA]

Big bummer.  

It would take a real artist (or magician) to fix that trunk, and it would still need paint.

So unless you have an artist, you'll need a trunk of any color, and paint.  Finding a used trunk that color will be extremely unlikely (and if you did, it's paint probably sucks anyway).  Save the lights out of yours and put them in the new one.  That should not affect insurance one little bit.

Black lower half Valk fenders are all the same, and easiest to find.  That kink looks hard to fix.  I have a black lower half because one of my interstates has enough rust issues I'll eventually need it.  It didn't cost that much.  

Hopefully the impact has not screwed up the rear fender upper half.  And you'll have to eyeball the trunk mount hardware for kinks and bends too.

Maybe you don't like this idea, but you could Supervalk it permanently if you can live without a truck.  Instead of notching the IS fender struts (what people on here call grab rails), and fixing up plug and play trunk lights, you just get Std/Tourer fender struts (without the interstate trunk uprights) and you're done.  You already have the Std tail light.  And rig up a way to carry a big duffel in back for trips. (you don't tell the insurance people anything about this, you get paid for complete restoration, as is)

Make sure the insurance people send an estimator that knows these motorcycles.  You may want to pull the truck yourself so a better inspection underneath can be done.  

This is the only pic I can find on line of my permanent supervalk.


And another.

[larue]

Glad you're here brother, the rest is repairable

[Willow]

I'm glad you survived.  Scary moments.

It appears to be repairable.  It will certainly need paint (and parts).

Don't take the insurance company's first offer.  They will likely total the bike.  Even small motorcycle repairs are expensive.  If they do make them find examples of comparable Valkyries with 100 miles.

Good fortune.  

[baird4444]

WOW... bad day in Gunnison!! I'm going to say that you are lucky. Whiplash can be tough
but you could of been really hurt on this one. This sucks!!

[Valkorado]

Can't tell from the pic, but the smaller right BonS trunk taillight was shattered.

[Jess from VA]

One other thing.  Whiplash injuries often get worse in the days following the initial injury.

If that happens to you, get to the doctor.  And document all expenses. 

Ice and heat can help, or not. 

[DDT (12)]

Seth,

Sure hate this for ya, bro!!! Really sorry about Ruby, too... Mighty glad you're able to tell us the tale, though, and I do wish the best possible outcome for you... and your two-wheeled lady. Thanks for letting us know, and thanks for reminding us how vulnerable we all are!!!

DDT

[Disco]

Sorry for your misfortune, but you were, indeed, fortunate.

I hope the kid has plenty of insurance.  Take advantage of your uninsured/under-insured coverage.  Strongly consider getting an attorney, if only to make sure your medical needs are covered.

So says the voice of experience... 

[MarkT]

Bummer Seth.  Good you didn't get whacked yourself so much.  State Farm has been really good to me.  Didn't total Deerslayer but coughed up $2000 MORE than I paid for the bike itself.  Because I had lots of custom mods and could prove it.  They paid for all the repairs and my labor to repair it.  Had Aurora Honda come up with the itemized bill.  No hassle from SF.

[Chrisj CMA]

Hate it. But glad you will be ok

[cookiedough]

very glad you are o.k. and the other driver reacted to not hit you that hard even though  it may have felt like it at the time.

I am getting a little spooky here myself yesterday a 73 and 72 year old couple from Freeport IL died on their cycle from a truck not stopping for a stopped truck ready to turn on hwy . 69 and coming home tonight  MAJOR accident involving a flipped over large SUV and a honda CRV front smashed in backing up traffic 1 mile, same hwy 69 but other side of my hometown.  Is the only major hwy. in our county that is used the most by far over any other rural country county road.  

I have had 2 somewhat close calls with either vehicles or animals this year as well driving scooter or cycle to work one made my Valk skid sideways locking up rear brake doing 60 down to say 45 mph before I let off the foot brake and straightened up ASAP never did a power slide on pavement before doing 60 mph.  That was an oh crap moment about 1-2 seconds away from slidding on down to pavement.  

One part of hwy. 69 always scares me since heavy traffic daily going to work am always in fear going up a hill and have to turn on top of the hilld off to a county road to the left crossing traffic coming at me and usually cars behind me just hoping they go OVER to the right and see my turn signals since the sun is shining in our eyes as well in the morning hard to see to begin with.  That is a very bad intersection for sure.

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

Glad you were able to come on here and tell us about it, rather than the alternative           

[old2soon]

             NOT a good happening But a Decent outcome. ANYTHING can be repaired iffin ya throw nuff money at it.  As others have stated-glad yer here to relate the story.  Bruce hit the nail on the noggin-we as Riders are Very Vulnerable. Again-GLAD you ain't none the worse fer wear.  And DO NOT shrug off ANY Pain that may develop after this incident. Lawyers Doctors Insurance adjustors. Look for hidden damage BEFORE the adjustor shows up. RIDE SAFE.

[da prez]

You have been informed of most possible scenarios. Do not talk on the phone to anyone. , other than your known insurance agent..  BTW , my last three accidents were rear end hits. Whiplash from two..  Keep calm and only talk with a witness. Been there. Done that.

                   da prez.     

[Valkorado]

THANKS guys,  really appreciate your responses.

I was feeling pretty down in the dumps then I got a call from Troutdude, from all the way up there in the Great White North,  B.C.!  He assured me Ruby ain't nowhere near ready to be put out to pasture!  She will ride again,  in all her glory!  Thanks for your enthusiasm and optimism  Dennis it really helped!

I'm supposed to hear from the kid's insurance estimator within 24 hours.   He's with Progressive.  I've heard bad things about them.  Advise appreciated.

I'm still thinking the kid fell asleep (I think they call them "micronaps") because the back of my bike was lit up like a Christmas tree.  Hard to miss that bike.  Unfortunately,  he didn't.

[Valkorado]

I'm glad you survived.  Scary moments.

It appears to be repairable.  It will certainly need paint (and parts).

Don't take the insurance company's first offer.  They will likely total the bike.  Even small motorcycle repairs are expensive.  If they do make them find examples of comparable Valkyries with 100 miles.

Good fortune.  

Did you mean with or within 100 miles?  Either way,  they're not going to have much luck!

[Disco]

I'm supposed to hear from the kid's insurance estimator within 24 hours.   He's with Progressive.  I've heard bad things about them.  Advise appreciated.

I was hoping you wouldn't say that.  Get an attorney.  I had to sue Progressive to force them to pay when one of their insureds rear-ended me in my Explorer.  Soft tissue damage is hard to quantify and, evidently, fun to argue about.  Herniated cervical disks, however, are no fun at all to deal with long-term.  The accident was 16 years ago and I still feel the effects sometimes.  

They may have great pricing on MC insurance, but they'll never get a dime out of me.  

[Jess from VA]

Regarding insurance.

There are two parts:  1) your bike, and 2) your medical (neck, if that needs treatment).  

On medical, as long as there is medical evidence in support (and expenses normal and reasonable), your neck should be fully covered.  The thing with medical, you don't settle quickly (like hopefully the bike) (and don't let them talk you into it too soon).  You keep them informed and give them any info they request, and you let any treatment and recovery proceed.  You don't settle until you are sure of your healthy recovery.  And you talk to your doctor about this for advice as you go along.  There is no reason that medical and repair have to be settled in one lump sum.  

On the bike, it's possible like Willow said, they could try to total it (in which case, they keep the bike, unless you buy it back for a negotiated price; a set-off against the totaled bike settlement).  I doubt you want that.  So you look at fair market value of Valks in general (and yours specifically which is likely above average).  If you've been following the Craigslist (and other) threads showing what they are selling for (course those are all the best prices people can find), you see prices from maybe 6K+, down to 3-4K.

Now it seems to me that all the parts you need should come in well under a total.  So it's the repair labor (and paint) bill that could drive the complete repair cost higher than the fair market value (total payoff they have in mind).  So, if you can't convince them the bike is worth as much or more than a complete repair, you take payment for all of the parts and paint, and then negotiate the labor bill down to a point where the complete repair estimate is (just) below what they will pay you to total the bike.

[The other way this can work, is to get them to total it for best price, but only charge you small potatoes for the buy-back to keep the bike (now you're they guy arguing it's a 20yo bike).  (the second way to skin the cat)  BUT, depending on your state and state insurance law, that can result in you getting only a salvage title, and you do not want that (unless you will never sell the bike, or not for many years).  And, you better call your own insurance company and ask if they will even insure a salvage title bike. ]

You do the labor yourself (or together with friends).  You still have a right to get as much labor payment from them as they will pay (short of totaling the bike), though it may be less than a professional shop would take.

This is the approach you take, if they try to total the bike.

You may want to get out ahead of the game by looking for trunks and a lower fender half (and any other parts you are sure to need, and a trunk paint estimate).  A good estimator may not need the help, but a guy who doesn't know our bikes may need all the help you can give him.

You might need an attorney if the medical is a problem.  I would not run right out and get one.  The bike repair should not require one.  They don't work for free (if you find one that does, you don't want him). It's always better not to threaten to get one at the beginning of negotiations; that can cause them to go all stonewall and hardball with you.  Only do that if you find you need to.

And when talking lawyers, there are also two ways to go.  1) You hire a guy to represent you (and sign a retainer agreement).  Or 2) you pay a consultation fee to sit down and just go through all the facts and get some good advice (maybe even twice).  I always advise people to take the consultation route first.  You only hire a guy to represent you if he really convinces you hiring him is worth it during the consultation.  

[Oss]

So glad you are able to tell the tale


I can't really add to what others have said


Best of luck with your recovery

[Valkorado]

Great insurance info Jess.   Thanks very much for taking the time to explain this.

[SCain]

Seth,
What a bummer, can't say any more than what has been said. Glad you are OK, the bike will be ok too.
Steve

[Bigwolf]

Seth,
Sad about your misfortune.  But I am mighty glad it wasn’t any worse! 

Thanks for posting this.  To me, it is another reminder to diligently watch and assess what is going on all around all the time.  I remember a time that I would have been ran over at a stop sign had I not seen the SUV zooming up behind me.  I made an abrupt right turn onto the shoulder while she blew the horn and slid across 2 lanes of the road in front of me.  I wish I could say that I was diligent all of the time, but I cannot. 

[Jess from VA]

You're welcome Seth.

Couple more points.

I have no idea if new parts (principally trunk and lower fender half) are even available, and in the colors you want.  Ordinarily, you are entitled to them if they are.  But if they are, cost will be very high, and that will obviously push you closer to a total with new parts.  So good serviceable used parts seem to be the better bet (for the big ticket items, not nuts and bolts and such).  AND in this regard, when dealing with the insurance adjuster/estimator, you tell him in plain English you do not intend for the bike to be totaled, and expect him to work to that end with used big ticket items in his estimate. (This is where your own internet parts searching may come in handy)  (I was able to save my wife's truck from a total a couple years ago simply by using used air bags)

That lower fender half may be repairable, but at what (human labor) cost in bump and paint?  A good used black lower fender may be $250 or so (and only require a good cleaning and a touch of black paint here or there with a tiny brush (since the Interstate rear fender is mostly invisible anyway).

I don't know CO salvage title rules.  Short of a bent frame (or some such), which seems unlikely, your bike should not be even close to totaled from a safety point of view (only from a cost of repair point of view).  In such a case, there might be a way IN COLORADO to total the bike, buy it back, repair it, maybe get it inspected, and NOT get a salvage title.  If so, that can offer another possible way to go.

How's your neck (better or worse)?  Are you going to get it looked at?  Diagnostic studies like Xray or better MRI may be warranted.  As stated above, soft tissue injury can be hard to diagnose.  

 

[Valkorado]

Jerry I am always looking in town at lights and stops, and usually in the country too.  Try to "point" at my escape route, in gear, clutch in, front brake on.  This was on a bridge with guardrail on both sides, and I was stopped at the very busy Hwy. 50 intersection looking mainly to the left for oncoming traffic in order to turn right.  I perhaps should have stopped further to the right and closer to the sign and guardrail,  he might have blown past me and right into the pickup!  I also always stop clutch in and bars straight ahead.  I do think this, and my backrest, were contributing factors to my being alive (along with the alert pickup driver).  Uopn impact my hands were jarred from the grips, and my head neck and upper back snapped backwards violently.  My lower back was firm on that backrest and the bike proceeded forward in a straight line.  I still can not believe that it didn't go down, and I was able to get ahold of tye bars again before hitting the rock cliff on the other side of Hwy. 50.  Had the bars been turned either way just slightly that's the way I would have went!  I can't see either direction working out as good as this did.  I was too discombobulated to boast it was skill, I'm guessing it was a combination of divine intervention and sheer luck!

Ya Jess my neck and left shoulder are hurting worse as you predicted.  I will make an appointment later...

OH yeah.  One more thing I don't like is the State Trooper kid wrote that the the kid he was traveling an estimated 4mph.  His 2018 Ford Escape's metal hood was dented in.  I'm not sure how to guage impact speed using my my neck , but it sure FELT like he was going faster than that.  Knocked the chit outta me (OK, not literally).

Edited above paragraph.
I thought the 4 mph speed was the cop's estimate.  It was the kid's stretching (or actually shrinking)  of the truth.  The cop's official estimate on the Accident Report after seeing the damage on both vehicles is that I was hit at approximately 25 mph.  It hurt me.

[Willow]

Did you mean with or within 100 miles?  Either way,  they're not going to have much luck!

LOL! Sometimes my typing gets away from me.  Within 100 miles.  Their client caused the damage.  They are responsible to replace the damage.

I had a bike totaled by Progressive.  I did have to refuse the first offer and demand proof of value.  Don't give in too easily.  You are in the driver's seat and they must pay enough to put you to a status as if the incident hadn't happened.

He almost stopped before hitting you.  That's good.  Your guardian angel was on the job.

I disagree with the assessment that it's not enough damage to total.  They will total it.  That only applies to how much they will pay you.  Maintain possession of the bike.  Don't let anyone else physically possess it.  In most states if the title doesn't change hands it remains in effect.  That is to say a salvaged title is only for one who has bought an already totaled vehicle.

When they propose to total the bike you negotiate a lower payment to you for you to maintain ownership.  It is at that point only a totaled vehicle to the insurance company that pays you and to no one else.

Walk carefully.  Don't let anyone trick or manipulate you.  You are in control of this situation. 

[scooperhsd]

Seth,
Sad about your misfortune.  But I am mighty glad it wasn’t any worse! 

Thanks for posting this.  To me, it is another reminder to diligently watch and assess what is going on all around all the time.  I remember a time that I would have been ran over at a stop sign had I not seen the SUV zooming up behind me.  I made an abrupt right turn onto the shoulder while she blew the horn and slid across 2 lanes of the road in front of me.  I wish I could say that I was diligent all of the time, but I cannot. 

Sometimes it's better to be more lucky than skilled, other times better to be more skilled than lucky 

And yes - good habits are a good thing - you "normally" do what is good practice.

[Valkorado]

Thanks, more good advice that makes me feel a bit better.  Hopefully all this info may help others too...

More questions from an insurance novice.  IF I can convince them I want to keep this rare and customized bike without taking my title and keeping the bike, what would you guys consider the damages will cost to fix fully?  Ballpark figure, considering I want to pay WHOEVER a fair market price for the used trunk, lights (if so lucky, let's say LED replacements) , fender, paintjob and of course labor.

I also should have mentioned the kid handed me his phone at the RV campground.  His dad was on the line saying that if I did not want to deal with insurance that he will make it right, etc.  MY dad raised me to be a bit suspicious, so I told him I at least wanted to go the legal avenue and file the accident report...

IF I'm not happy with Progressive, should I pursue this?  I  guess at that point I could tell the estimator no go and work with the kids father?

What a can o' worms.

[f6john]

Did you mean with or within 100 miles?  Either way,  they're not going to have much luck!

LOL! Sometimes my typing gets away from me.  Within 100 miles.  Their client caused the damage.  They are responsible to replace the damage.

I had a bike totaled by Progressive.  I did have to refuse the first offer and demand proof of value.  Don't give in too easily.  You are in the driver's seat and they must pay enough to put you to a status as if the incident hadn't happened.

He almost stopped before hitting you.  That's good.  Your guardian angel was on the job.

I disagree with the assessment that it's not enough damage to total.  They will total it.  That only applies to how much they will pay you.  Maintain possession of the bike.  Don't let anyone else physically possess it.  In most states if the title doesn't change hands it remains in effect.  That is to say a salvaged title is only for one who has bought an already totaled vehicle.

When they propose to total the bike you negotiate a lower payment to you for you to maintain ownership.  It is at that point only a totaled vehicle to the insurance company that pays you and to no one else.

Walk carefully.  Don't let anyone trick or manipulate you.  You are in control of this situation. 

In Kentucky if a vehicle is totaled by the insurance company, is retained by the owner and they pay out the difference between the cost to the owner to keep the vehicle and it’s agreed to value, you must apply for a salvage/ rebuilt title.

Just went through this last year with my wife’s 2015 Camry.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks, more good advice that makes me feel a bit better.  Hopefully all this info may help others too...

More questions from an insurance novice.  IF I can convince them I want to keep this rare and customized bike without taking my title and keeping the bike, what would you guys consider the damages will cost to fix fully?  Ballpark figure, considering I want to pay WHOEVER a fair market price for the used trunk, lights (if so lucky, let's say LED replacements), fender, paint job and of course labor.

I also should have mentioned the kid handed me his phone at the RV campground.  His dad was on the line saying that if I did not want to deal with insurance that he will make it right, etc.  MY dad raised me to be a bit suspicious, so I told him I at least wanted to go the legal avenue and file the accident report...

IF I'm not happy with Progressive, should I pursue this?  I  guess at that point I could tell the estimator no go and work with the kids father?

What a can o' worms.

I can't give a good estimate of repair beyond a guess.  

First, you're going to have to discover if there is any more damage beyond a trunk, lower fender, and one trunk lite (just a lens or the whole light unit?).  I think the trunk needs to come off to discover any other damage.

If that's it, your own internet search for a trunk and fender half (Pinwall Cycle and Ebay, although other MC salvage yards are certainly an option) should provide you with a big chunk of the expense.  And since the trunk will have to be repainted (almost certainly), you can make a couple calls (or ride over to a bump shop or two to show them the trunk size and get a ball park estimate (though that is a two tone job, correct?) (and the used trunk you end up with may require a bit more work than just paint)

Once you have good ballparks for the trunk, fender and trunk paint, then there would be labor, and I have no idea whatsoever what a reputable shop wants for that.

And lets be clear, they cannot make you let them total the bike and take it.  Only your agreement allows that to happen.  You tell the estimator, a total is out of the question, period.  Ultimately, this comes down to a dispute of the value of your bike before the accident.  And your willingness to accept a settlement that falls short of a commercial full repair (but which should still cover the lions share of the full repair; less any outrageous labor estimate from some shop).

You do not put the estimator and the kid's father together (the insurance co should act as if all damages are on them, because they are, up to a total).  You do your best with the insurance people, and if you fall short, you can call that man and ask if he will make up the shortfall (and be prepared to show the shortfall on paper).  That ought to put you on good footing with him, getting as much coverage as you can, and only asking for the shortfall.  His promise to pay is mostly unenforceable, so anything you get from him is just lucky for you. I suspect that offer was made in an attempt to limit his son's liability to police/DMV, and since that is now all decided, he really doesn't need your help/good feelings anymore.

It's time to go to the doctor.  IF you do, and have troubles, it's likely the medical bills will far exceed the bike repair... and the insurance company will be well aware of this.  This might make them a bit more flexible on the bike.

[TTG53#1717]

Glad you’re OK.

As stated earlier, whiplash injuries can take time to manifest fully.
Don’t sign off on anything until you’re health is certain.
Concussion type injuries are usually thought off as frontal types but can just
as easily happen from a bobble head movement.
My dad got bumped in a full size ‘70 Impala when he was just 53. It was just enough to pop
a tiny AVM/aneurysm that didn’t show up for a full month.
He had already signed off on the minor accident.
It was hell getting any compensation after that.

Best Of Luck going forward.

[cookiedough]

Thanks, more good advice that makes me feel a bit better.  Hopefully all this info may help others too...

More questions from an insurance novice.  IF I can convince them I want to keep this rare and customized bike without taking my title and keeping the bike, what would you guys consider the damages will cost to fix fully?  Ballpark figure, considering I want to pay WHOEVER a fair market price for the used trunk, lights (if so lucky, let's say LED replacements) , fender, paintjob and of course labor.

I also should have mentioned the kid handed me his phone at the RV campground.  His dad was on the line saying that if I did not want to deal with insurance that he will make it right, etc.  MY dad raised me to be a bit suspicious, so I told him I at least wanted to go the legal avenue and file the accident report...

IF I'm not happy with Progressive, should I pursue this?  I  guess at that point I could tell the estimator no go and work with the kids father?

What a can o' worms.

Get an ACCIDENT REPORT from the police is a MUST.  I had a similar scenario the dirtbag in town said he would pay no problems (truck damage in rear over 1 grand but under 2 grand luckily driveable) and he lied to the police that I called saying he had insurance which he did not when he hit my truck from behind taking out his whole front end.  10 fricking months later NO payment after calling him week after week I finally decided had enough.  I went to DMV and he got letter thanks to having a POLICE REPORT that if he did not pay me in full within 30 days he would loose his drivers license.  I also went to small claims court of which he did not show up not having a leg to stand on thanks to the ACCIDENT REPORT which is a MUST HAVE, no question about that.  He finally ended up paying me the money taking out his 401K money even though I could have been much harder on him than I was since driving without insurance is a big no-no and lying to police officer as well.

Damages for top trunk and lights, assuming you can get a good shape used top trunk for around 500-600 bucks, plus painted, new wiring/lights, I would say around 1 grand to 1500 tops if all that is wrong with the cycle.  Certainly not totalled by any means entire cycle worth 4-5K for insurance purposes anyways IMO.  We all would like 6-7K selling outright, but insurance companies favor KBB and NADA guides which is low ball for sure well under 5-6K in total loss payout.

[Valkorado]

Guys THANKS again for sharing your collective knowledge with me,  there's plenty to tap into here.   The VRCC ROCKS!!!   I did some napping this afternoon and was rousted by my cell phone ringing - - a Progressive rep..  Didn't answer.  They also left an email.  Just not feeling chatty today,  I'll talk to them tomorrow.  I do have a claim # that I can use to set up a Dr.  appointment.   I'll do that tomorrow. 

BTW I'm good with letting this thread die,  I'll still be referring to it.   I may start a new one after things progress with Progressive...

Appreciate you all.

[DGS65]

Glad to hear you ok!
I got rear ended many years ago at a light scared the crap out of mean!  I took me a moment to figure out what had happened and when I did I snapped and for a moment thought I was going to kill the guy but at the end of the day we both walked away from it.

Bikes can be fixed or replaced you can't be

[Valkorado]

Glad to hear you ok!
I got rear ended many years ago at a light scared the crap out of mean!  I took me a moment to figure out what had happened and when I did I snapped and for a moment thought I was going to kill the guy but at the end of the day we both walked away from it.

Bikes can be fixed or replaced you can't be

   Funny you mention that.  It definitely took me some YELLING at the kid before feeling civilized enough to realize I wasn't gonna attack.  "Dude.  DUDE!  WTF?  WHAT WERE YOU THINKING"?  I honestly think had he even looked at me cross-eyed I'd have tore into him.  He did not test that theory and was very apologetic.

[gordonv]

Getting here late, but good to still be able to be writing you.

As for the bike, I thought my frame was fine, no damage, until I left it outside in the rain for a week, and starter to see all the spots that the paint cracked and rust started to run from it. So I would remove items, trunk/seat/tank, and leave it outside if it can get wet and rust, and then inspect the frame for damage. Mine was late Oct when I could get off the couch 2 weeks later and look at the bike after it had been delivered.

I bought it back from the insurance company for $1500. Sold the good parts for $7500. Couldn't get a frame at that time. Now, can get them for $300-$500.