So You Got Hit by a Car-Here's The Part Nobody Talks About

[@echtogammut]

A couple years ago, I was hit from behind by a car. At the time I didn't know I was hit from behind, I just found myself flying over the handlebars going from 32mph to 0 in a couple seconds according to my garmin. As I was laying struggling to catch my breath, a car drove around me. I got up realized by collarbone was snapped and I had at least one broken rib. Since, I was a couple miles from home, I got back on the bike and the next memory I have is being the shower pulling bit of jersey out of lacerations. It wasn't until I got back from the hospital that I noticed my rear wheel was pancaked. It was bent so bad, I couldn't rotate it. How I rode home, is beyond me. I never did find out who hit me and ran, but I will say concussion impairs your judgement and don't trust yourself after being in an accident.

[@markboscawen8330]

After being hit by a car I was injured badly enough to require an ambulance to be called & taken to the ED. (Confident I was not at-fault & so not ultimately paying for it) I insisted a tow-truck come and collect my unrideable bike so it wasn’t just left there. Everybody thought I was crazy as it was just a bike. I dug in and insisted my bike not just be left on the side of the road as no one was willing to or could take it anywhere. After I got out of hospital I transferred the bike from the depot to a bike store to get a quote on repairing the damage. Again, most people were saying it’s just a bike, so what if it got all scratched up. After I got the quote, which included completely stripping everything off the bike to have the frame resprayed, I made a claim on the driver’s insurance. At first they were disbelieving a tow truck had been called for a bicycle & questioned the need for a respray (to which I said are crashed cars just left on the side of the road when the driver goes to hospital. And would a client of yours accept a panel not being painted because it was ‘just a scratch’?) Importantly, where the car was damaged, the police report, video & witnesses all supported I was not at fault. (So everything in this video is spot on) End result is the insurance company decided to write my bike off & pay the towing fee. The ‘funny’ part is that when an item is written off the insurer then owns it - so I gave them the address to collect the bike. They replied it wasn’t worth the cost to salvage so I could keep it anyway. Being in Australia, I had only minor out of pocket costs for the ambulance & medical. And most importantly I’ve fully recovered from my injuries.

[@Liberteabelle]

@@markboscawen8330 So glad you fully recovered! Great story of you keeping your head straight during a traumatic event!

[@Jaden-eh6rh]

Not to mention if the tbi causes aggression and the person kills someone they legally cannot be charged for their crimes recently a school shooting in us but they cannot charge the kid as he has brain damage and legally cannot be found at fault ​@@Liberteabelle

[@smcdonough1427]

I've been bike commuting four to five times a week since 2017 and the one thing you learn very quickly is how little motorists are paying attention to anything that isn't another car. Stay safe out there everyone

[@RealMTBAddict]

Maybe buy a car.

[@smcdonough1427]

@@RealMTBAddict 🤡

[@dayinnymtb]

@@RealMTBAddictand that’s the attitude that gets road bikers hit by cars.

[@IslandC0der]

​@@RealMTBAddictthus making the problem worse?

[@mataisgood9046]

​@RealMTBAddict You are aware driving is one of the most dangerous forms of transit also. The whole point is to be safe riding a bike because drivers are entitled on the road unless there is proper infrastructure in place they will remain that way. Not to mention 6ou can't just tell someone to get a car the amount of money wasted maying down-payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance it just doesn't make sense at all. Especially not when you have alternatives that are better at saving you money and eventually your mental and physical health.

[@Desa79]

Two years ago I had a bike accident in Germany. I worked there at the time. It was a bad accident, had multiple traumas at the skull, broken nose, eye socket, jaw and much more. 4 weeks in hospital plus another 4 in rehabilitation. What did I pay? Roundabout 80 dollars for some fees called "zuzahlung". Eighty dollars! Now that I'm back in the USA, I realise what a f***ed up healthcare system it is here.

[@GM-nj6hl]

Depends. I went head on with a car and I didn't pay out of pocket. If you have all your ducks in a row, and enough coverage, you shouldn't pay out of pocket(at least when you're not at fault)

[@migael92]

​@@GM-nj6hl How much do you pay for that row of ducks a month?

[@BigBoy-ql5rn]

@@GM-nj6hl There shouldn't even be a question of coverage. See, that's actually insane, to need a nice job for health insurance. What are the poor people supposed to do?

[@rehcubprivat4815]

@@GM-nj6hl For example, in Germany the employer must pay an "Accident Insurance" by law. This Insurance not only covers accidents at the work place but also accidents on the way to and from work. I am so happy to live in germay when it comes to health care. even when the "normal Health Insurance" is not cheap, that great part is that the cost is based on income and half pays the employer.

[@squid0013]

@Desa79 Germany also has a much higher tax rate than we do and a lesser standard of care than we do. There might be a reason people from around the world come here to seek care

[@demonoz3820]

As a teenager that has been hit by a car, I wish I had known all of these things before hand, not knowing anything about this topic resulted in a totaled mountain bike, a ticket because of the minimal witnesses, and an ambulance bill all needing to be paid out of pocket. My bike did not get covered by insurance because nobody knew what they were talking about, meanwhile I have a broken wrist, am covered in road rash with a concussion. Cant stress enough how important it is to remember to take photos and have good insurance. Thanks for addressing this Seth!

[@MochiFam]

Dang I don't even have insurance as a teen and am looking to bike to school. Didn't know I had to consider all these factors qwq. thank you 🙏

[@red_skies80]

The heck did you get a ticket for?

[@tamore.invaginio]

@@red_skies80 I guess someone had to get a ticket, and it was easier to to give to a teenager.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

First time I heard someone say that "Share the Road" signs were aimed at cyclists was baffling to me. Can't believe some people would think the more vulnerable, slower user would be requested to "share" the road with cars..... Crazy.

[@KookoCraft]

Cyclists are so annoying

[@acbenepe]

For decades i've said that when you see that bike graphic sign you know you're on a shit cycling road.

[@mobisugershot]

@@KookoCraft so are cars i like cars and bikes but i feel like most people are biased to cars because thats more widespread plus people are used to stuff like that, accidents are pretty common kinda like how evs are safer but people are more afraid of them cuz media

[@Nebulak187]

@@KookoCraft are this dense. I used both bicycle and car in the past, now mostly just drive my car. Cars are annoying for cyclists. Cyclists are annoying for cars. Isn't that obvious? Everyone would prefer fully seperated bike paths.

[@modelenginerding6996]

Bicycles need to stay on sidewalks or bike lanes if they can't go the speed limit. Cars shouldn't be on the road if they can't either.

[@ATHIP12]

My friend got killed by a distracted driver. The kid fled the scene with his shattered windshield and only ended up serving 1 year in jail. Laws and attitudes towards cyclists need to change.

[@marcuslinton310]

"Laws and attitudes towards cyclists need to change." Laws don't matter when you're dead and laws can't change who is at fault and we all know it's not always the vehicle. When bikes truly believe they have the right of way simply because the law says so, they have already lost at road cycling. Cyclists are the ones who need to change their attitudes to always look out for themselves and don't expect anyone else too.

[@dallysinghson5569]

Laws can reduce rates of death by influencing behaviour. If you can't get 100% prevention, even half that is an improvement.

[@difflocktwo]

@@marcuslinton310 The vehicle is always at fault. Don't think for a second that a heavy machine killing someone is not the operator's fault in all cases. It is always the operator's fault. Don't go around playing with your heavy machine around people if you do not wanna kill them. So if one persons kills an other person, it is the fault of the person that died for not looking out?

[@marcuslinton310]

@@difflocktwo So a cyclists takes on that attitude, great. Say they end up with one arm and one leg, but they had the right of way so thumbs up, they weren't at fault. Oh wait? Not being at fault doesn't bring the arm and leg back? Well, go figure.

[@difflocktwo]

@@marcuslinton310 I do not understand you comment. Yeah, it is not the cyclists fault, you agree. And yes car drivers maim and kill cyclists... ok. I think everyone agrees with you.

[@greembow]

A lot of the time the cops don't know the bike laws. I was t-boned at 45mph in a crosswalk on my bike and I was found at fault for the accident because I was inside the crosswalk, despite me having protections for riding on the sidewalk and crosswalks due to California's Safe Routes to School Act.

[@marcuslinton310]

But hey, you had the right of way, right? How did that work out for you? The minute riders truly believe they have the right of way because the law says so, they have already lost at road riding.

[@greembow]

@@marcuslinton310 it was a four lane road and 3 lanes stopped for me with what appeared to be no traffic in the fourth lane. They sped up to try and beat what they thought was a pedestrian. How is that my fault?

[@questgivercyradis8462]

The Carlsbad, California, sheriffs truck serves into the bicycle lanes near me. They don't give a shit about us. When I ask the local cops about making things safer for us, they just go "yeah but the cyclists rode on a sidewalk". So.... write a fine for the cyclists breaking rules too? But we aren't in a thousand pound fast moving death trap. The CHP and local police are gross and do NOT have our backs.

[@Thezuule1]

@@greembow it isn’t about anyone’s fault. It’s about survival. You don’t want “He had the right of way” chiseled into your gravestone.

[@axial27]

​@@marcuslinton310Car brain hypocrisy in full display right here folks

[@juandalgo3250]

insurance companies scamming as usual

[@russellhellyer4957]

It’s the attorneys fees, massive settlements, and frivolous claims more so than the insurance companies. They are pretty efficient with premiums and managing cost. The only unpredictable factor was always the attorneys.

[@rogerszmodis]

@@russellhellyer4957insurance companies have in house legal counsel and they are paid a salary. Americans generally pay their own legal fees win or lose unless there is a fee shifting statute in the particular law they are suing under. They know how much legal costs will be and if they are at risk of losing and being forced to pay huge legal fees on top of the judgment they will settle and work out a discount with the other sides lawyers.

[@eljefe68]

​@@russellhellyer4957 you are 100% correct. I handle injury claims for a major insurance company and the attorneys are the problem. I love paying legitimate claims but so many are just exaggerated at the direction of the attorneys.

[@Thezuule1]

@@russellhellyer4957 they’re also pretty efficient at turning over countless billions in profits. They aren’t running a charity.

[@russellhellyer4957]

@@rogerszmodisI worked in claims for 8 years and was a licensed adjuster. Worked with in house legal team on many cases. I always won my cases and got benefits revoked. Granted I didn’t arbitrate any case that wasn’t a slam dunk with evidence.

[@mistuhjawknee5505]

I've been hit multiple times. Almost died once. Riding on the road with distracted drivers is plenty dangerous; Riding on the road with drivers that HATE cyclists and think we DESERVE TO DIE is another thing entirely... I only ride with groups now. The hate is rampant and it's insane.

[@drwheycooler8423]

"I've been hit multiple times" says all that needs to be said. You will rage when I tell you this but you need to understand that being hit "multiple times" is a problem with YOUR operation of a bicycle. The fact that you also believe there is so much hate towards you on a bicycle also gives you away. Again, I know you are going to have a hissy that someone has pointed this out to you, hold what you got. I don't care. YOU are the common denominator here. You have a chip on your shoulder and I can almost guarantee you are one of those people who honestly believes that you have the same rights to the road as a car. Yes, LEGALLY you do, but practical application is what matters. Just because you can, does not mean you should. Keep YOUR head on a swivel. Give way to motorists EVEN IF YOU HAVE A LEGAL RIGHT because a bicycle will always lose to a car. ALWAYS. There are no exceptions.

[@32BitJunkie]

Victim blaming, nice. Bet you go around telling rape victims what to wear

[@Tivis7]

​@drwheycooler8423 Wow, way to completely miss the point and place the blame on the individual at a disadvantage.

[@insylem]

The worst are the asshole cycles that cause the haters to hate ALL cyclists.

[@Yuckyuck1870]

@@insylembikers who ride right on the bike lane lane when there is 3 feet of bike lane they could use causing cars to move to center lane to avoid them.

[@STRiiiPES24]

You know our healthcare system is fucked when we get the most accurate, useful, legitamate legal advise from our favorite youtube MTB channel. You da man Seth.

[@prophetzarquon1922]

I've been riding all my life. I've _lost count_ how many cars have run into me as if they had a blindfold on: One, broke their windshield with my head. Another, merely wandered into my lane & hit my handlebars, forcing me to hop a curb & short stop, from ~25 MPH. I angrily caved in the trunk of a car, that was driving away after running over my bike _after_ they'd already seen me crossing on foot & then hit the gas _without looking in front of them._ (!?!) I've had a rear-wheel tacoed by getting rear-ended... I've been struck by a semi trailer suddenly turning right without a blinker (slow enough I could scooch away, thankfully). Once, a speeding mini pickup ran a red light & hit the person in front of me, & I caught shrapnel as their bicycle basically _exploded..._ One impact, I've no idea what happened, because I was standing still & hit from behind. Never saw them. A police car once pulled out in front of me, driving at speed on a park sidewalk with no lights/siren (flagrantly illegal; I told them so & reported the vehicle number; they don't do that here anymore). I've been clipped by a bus that also ran over the curb... I've had a van back up into me, presumably without checking its mirrors? Then there's all the near-misses... Pretty much every ride, I see drivers casually committing violations _continually,_ as if that's just _how driving is done,_ whereas only a tiny minority of bicyclists are riding recklessly. Yet ask many drivers & they'll claim cyclists are soooo reckless. Who're the ones slinging around machines that kill almost as many in the US as guns do? Drivers typically are in denial about the dangers their vehicles pose; almost every one, thinks _they're_ the exception & _others_ are the problem. The #1 reason I've heard why people don't ride, is fear of automobiles. Driving is manslaughter waiting to happen. Support alternative transit, so people don't feel _forced to drive!_

[@marcuslinton310]

Seems to me, you need to learn how to ride and look out for yourself. Clearly you know by now nobody else is looking out for you, seems you would learn how to take some initiative here. Don't ride in blind spots, be more aware of your surroundings. You somehow don't see a van backing up, but you expect them to see you? Yeah, okay.

[@UYT-Guy]

@@marcuslinton310 1. they were most likely doing that, but it's mostly the drivers who are reckless since they know that they aren't the ones who are gonna get injured 2. Family exists, but if in this situation you're ignoring that group, you still gotta remember that you gotta treat others as humans, and not just be a psychopath 3. I'm pretty sure that's common sense considering how much the commenter has riden on a bike 4. It depends on the scene, sometimes you don't realise or it is out of your sight

[@Johnfisher12345]

I’ll echo Marcus’ comment and add that your foolish entitlement is what is getting you into these situations. You’re too hung up on assumption and the concept of right and wrong. The laws of physics DO NOT CARE about right and wrong. A driver in the wrong can still kill you with his motor vehicle if you put yourself in a position where you give them the opportunity. He’ll be wrong, but you’ll still be dead. You’ve really gotta think that through and understand it.

[@marcuslinton310]

​@@Johnfisher12345 "Doesn't matter who is right or wrong when you're dead" I've been trying to get them to understand this all over the comments section. Either their skulls have been thickened from constant injuries and healings and it just isn't getting through or they just aren't very bright and simply can't grasp it or their ego's are so over inflated they just refuse to accept it.

[@joannbengtson1959]

We now fear drivers. MomofEllen 4 ever28 Killed in iowa 8-2-2020 Google Iowa, Ellen, cyclist killed 2020 Distracted driving can kill.

[@adrianabedon7062]

All of this advice is really great. But it also relies on police making an honest police report. I was involved in a collision with a police car where as I was passing the car, the officer doored me. I hit it going full speed, hit my head, completely destroyed the door and my bike. I was assured that the officer’s superior would come to make a police report. Couple days later I pick up the report, and it was a complete lie, claiming that the cop already had his door open, and that I came speeding down the road and hit his door, implying that it was my fault. My word of advice is do not assume that the police have your best interest in mind, do all of the other steps that Seth outlined, take pictures, get witnesses, and do everything you can to look out for yourself.

[@TheAwsomeSawse]

The police lie every single day, never ever trust the police. In my area they are actively malicious and will do anything to cover their own asses.

[@Johnfisher12345]

Riding along the side of parked cars is always foolish, for this very reason. Doing so approaching an occupied police vehicle is just asking to get doored. Fault or not, that’s just foolish riding.

[@robberfokz375]

@@Johnfisher12345 What's the alternative?

[@bruceb5481]

​@@robberfokz375Just don't ride on a street or road, ever! I ride mtb trails only. One day after a little tune up I rode into my quiet neighborhood street for a test run and 3 minutes later I was hit from behind and catapulted 30 feet. Now I have lifetime shoulder, neck and back injuries.

[@12pentaborane]

​@@robberfokz375 Slow down, ride elsewhere including the sidewalk.

[@scrappy7571]

One of my cyclist friends was recently killed by a car. Driver had his license for 2 days. Bryans arm was severed and found in the car. His leg was severed below the knee, and found still clipped into the pedal. The driver was not charged!! RIP Bryan.

[@cenriqz]

I'm sorry for you and your friend 😢

[@Durwood71]

The driver may not have been charged, but that horror is going to stay with him for the rest of his life.

[@george99247]

rip

[@Jaden-eh6rh]

Which is why street justice needs to start happening if laws don't the driver deserves punishment if there at fault

[@Jaden-eh6rh]

It doesn't matter you'd still be at fault because of the injuries caused and the fact that our society and culture despises car drivers over cyclists thankfully ​@@deangordon8993

[@NotJustBikes]

Holy crap. I'm so glad I don't live in the US. 😬

[@peymannorouzi4165]

In Canada, if you are hit by a vehicle while riding your bicycle, there are two potential outcomes. If you own a car, even if it's at home, your car insurance will cover your medical expenses. However, if you do not own a car, the insurance of the driver who hit you will be responsible for covering your medical costs. And here comes the even more stupid part, when visiting a hospital, your case will only be taken seriously if you are in a dire situation, almost as if the Angel of Death is at your side. Otherwise, you will find yourself waiting for 7-8 hours before anyone attends to you or inquires about your condition.

[@elliotthumphrey2106]

Yes, we know, you keep reminding us.

[@warmcheese1911]

I stopped watched after 2 minutes once I realised this was thankfully never going to be relevant to me (a non-US person)

[@colinmartin9797]

Holy crap THANK YOU Seth. First responders like me love real PSA's like this. You always do your homework. One extra bit - if you don't have a car, you can insure your bicycle itself and add supplemental liability/injury coverage. My velosurance policy for my $1000 e-bike is about $8 a month, and adding another half million in medical coverage was only like $4 a month more. I've been an EMT for thirteen years in western Washington. From urban Seattle to the cascade mountains to the rural side of Snohomish, kitsap, jefferson and mason counties. I also spent several years with the Mary Bridge Children's Hospital Neonatal and Pediatric critical care transport team, picking up critically sick and injured kids all over the state. I'm a field training officer, IV/IO certified, EMS evaluator, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course instructor and training/operations director (working title) for the new University of Washington campus EMS program. There aren't many prehospital emergencies I haven't seen. I'm also an extremely avid cycle commuter in both rural and urban areas, but I also ran the fire and EMS for a local race track, used to build hot rods, and love my cars too. Everything you listed was just fantastic information. here's my two cents - absolutely none of it contradicts your advice. I would recommend you know your blood type and have it on the inside of your helmet. My smith helmet came with a sticker that had my info, ICE information and blood type. Write in sharpie, stick it inside. Same for any important medications you take, allergies, or medical history. Keep that info in your phone or wallet. If you're unconscious, knowing that you take a blood thinner for your atrial fibrillation can be life or death. Everyone who rides around cars at any point of their commute should get a MIPS helmet. I can't describe how much of a game changer that protection from rotational force is, and they're now small enough that they don't look insanely dorky. Never be afraid to call 911 because you're worried about a bill. It's 100% free for EMS to come check you out and provide basic care on scene. It's illegal for us to bill you unless we transport you. But also know your area. Some fire departments don't bill at all for BLS transport. Some don't bill for ALS transport (you were VERY badly hurt) and some bill for both or neither. If your city uses a private ambulance agency like AMR, they will bill. But again, until they start transporting you, it's all free. I can empty my rig into you on scene and if you refuse transport, it was all on the house. Always keep your helmet with you for us to see. I had a patient a few weeks ago, picked up at an urgent care. He was riding an electric skateboard, doing about 20mph. Lost control, fell, says he was unconscious for HALF AN HOUR. We were insanely worried until he showed me his helmet - a super high end fox full face helmet with a decent, but not too severe scrape on the side. That helmet is why he got away with a minor concussion and not a likely permanent wheelchair. Everyone involved wants to see the helmet, from the EMTs to the doctors and insurance companies. I also really appreciate your unambiguity about wearing a helmet. Shifter did a piece about "why I don't wear a helmet" that makes my goddamn blood boil. He presented completely misleading data from studies not even directly looking at the information he was pulling from them, in a misleading way. Anecdotally I have seen hundreds and hundreds of bike crashes, ESPECIALLY with modern vehicles like massive goddamn pickup trucks and SUV's and crossovers that have tall slab fronts that push pedestrians/cyclists UNDER the wheels instead of onto the hood. Those with helmets rarely ever suffered head injuries. Those without, head injuries of varying levels of severity from concussion to death were common.

[@readyplayer2]

While name and ICE are very useful, I'm surprised that you're recommending people put their blood type on their helmet. EMS services that do prehospital transfusion are still rare, at least in the US, and those that do, administer LTOWB (Medic One in Seattle / King County; as far as I know, only FF Paramedics administer transfusions vs. EMTs). In an ER setting, if a transfusion is required before blood typing can be completed, type-O would be used. What's written on a helmet that may or may not belong to the person that came in with it isn't reliable; it may have come from another victim at a chaotic scene, the helmet may have been borrowed, bought second hand, or stolen, or the person may just be wrong about their blood type. Not meaning to nitpick, lots of good info and anecdotes in your comment.

[@colinmartin9797]

Yes but incomplete. We dont push most drugs in the field that people are allergic to, but if your tag inside the helmet has your name, DOB, allergies, history and blood type, in a severe emergency, i have seen a rural hospital push A+ blood on someone whose card in their wallet indicated they were AB+ before the antigen results came back. But it was an extreme emergency and they were short on O negative. We aren't pushing whole blood in the field, correct, and that is VERY much not an EMT-B skill, lol. But in an emergency, especially when you're out in rural areas where small hospitals dont carry much if any whole blood (snoqualmie valley for example) it can only help. And your helmet should have more than just blood type. It should have your name, DOB, contact, and med allergies if any. It should be identifying info. I also keep the same info in my wallet.

[@poog6256]

yes yes yes to a helmet, always! I didn’t wear one when I was a kid and went over the handlebars and headfirst into the sidewalk. I was taken to the hospital where they said I had a fractured skull, blood clots and brain swelling. They then had me flown to another hospital for surgery before there was anymore damage and then spent time in ICU afterwards. Thankfully the only long-term effects I’m dealing with are some memory and focus issues. For anyone reading: Wear a fucking helmet.

[@qualm43]

American healthcare is an embarrassment. Not because we have to pay for it - but because it's being price-gouged. Americans dedicate 18% of our national GDP to healthcare (by far the highest in the world) but we also have the lowest life-expectancy of all 1st world nations.... It's objectively horrendous.

[@SamCyanide]

And yet we have some of the best healthcare in the world... Sure doesn't add up with what you're saying

[@Jehty_]

@@SamCyanide and other countries that spend way less have the same level of healthcare, while they at the same time don't let people become bankrupt because of an accident.

[@brushylake4606]

The lowest life-expectancy isn't the fault of our health care system, it is the fault of our habits. We're the fattest of all first world nations, we use the most drugs (both legal and illegal) and create the most stress for ourselves. That doesn't mean I'm a fan of our health care system. The problem with our health care system is that no one pays for anything themselves. The costs are hidden. Government and insurance pay for 99% of health care costs so there is no connection with the person paying the bill. Nothing else in American society works like that.

[@damiramilojevic9180]

"first world nation"

[@mataisgood9046]

​@@SamCyanideBest Healthcare in the world that a majority of citizens can't afford. If you have a system that could serve everyone but appeals to the wealthy who is that system really serving ?

[@michaelfleming4015]

This is a great video. I’ll tell the Miami-Dade Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) and our various bike clubs to be sure to check it out. Now saving your bike kit might be problematic if you’re transported as they cut it all off you. When I caught up with my wife at Ryder Trauma she said, “I guess I can take naked helicopter ride off my bucket list”. Also, when my wife was hit, I was on her wheel. I met the side of the car, she got the grill. I shouted at the driver, “You just hit my wife, dial 911”. This not only ensured response but also put the blame immediately where it belonged and it went right to his insurance, no question! A couple days later I went to the station and asked to see the police report. It was all messed up. I wrote up corrective notes, had the clerk make me a copy and then ensured that she would get the officer to make the corrections and promised to come back and see them, which I did. That was critical to the insurance response and my lawyers information. Thanks for the video, Seth. Your great!

[@KindredBrujah]

Not sure if it's available everywhere, but if you have an opportunity to correct a police report, you must absolutely do it (assuming it has inaccuracies, of course). I don't think a lot of people are even aware it's an option.

[@TheEmilyBird]

I got hit by a car in high school, as a Canadian all my medical care was covered. While a civil suit might be needed for some Canadians (pain and suffering, wrongful death etc.), this amount of rigmarole for people WITH INSURANCE is utterly and completely dystopian. If I could give non-insurance advice do not try to stand up/move things immediately, you might not be able to feel an injury until the initial shock wears off, and by then you could've made an injury worse. I got run off the road once and hit a cement wall, didn't even realize I was missing teeth until I was two blocks from the work.

[@ian3580]

As a firefighter, I can attest to the fact that people don't realize how seriously they are injured in any major accident......adrenaline is a powerful thing

[@jackmehoff2363]

At any point in your Canadian experience, did you have to wait over 30 days for an appointment?

[@kurtislapointe118]

No, you see someone right away. You get x-rays right there and then, get your cast if you need one or walking boot or whatever (you pay nothing) and perscription for a physiotherapist and pills should you need. Physio is covered as well with a doctor's prescription. Only thing you might have to wait for is an MRI should it be needed, if it's serious you get in right away, all at no cost.

[@TheEmilyBird]

@@jackmehoff2363 Depends on what the appointment is for, broken bones for example you get seen immediately and your follow up appointments and physiotherapy are scheduled immediately. Even within an emergency situation if you've got a broken arm but no impeded blood flow someone with say, an open fracture, won't wait at all because they could lose their arm or die. You really only get the delays for non emergent or elective appointments. For example I waited a while to see a specialist for pulsate tinnitus, after getting a referral from a doctor who confirmed I had no damage to my eardrum or infection (who I saw immediately and performed first line treatment). It can be frustrating to wait for those minor ailments, but ultimately those wait times exist because the barrier to medical care in Canada is not if you have money or what your insurance company is willing to pay for, it's the triage process if it can wait it will. No Canadian will ever delay seeking that treatment because they can't afford it.

[@aquaprofile]

@@kurtislapointe118rest of the world loves to crap on US healthcare but theirs really is atrocious. Mine I literally have to pay $250 for the year and they will cover just about everything. And they act like you will be bankrupt should anything happen, but most of these stories are fake.

[@mapl3mage]

0:42 a bicycle is a vehicle, and since the accident involves a vehicle, it is the car insurance company who would normally cover the cost, provided that it is covered in the policy.

[@fortesfortunajuvat6782]

Regrettably, most cops I've interacted with regarding bicycle laws have no idea what their local laws require, much less the state code. In 2018 I hit a car that pulled out in front of me. Wasn't in any condition to take pictures. Attorney wouldn't sue the driver because the driver "didn't have anything and could just go to bankruptcy court". Moral of the story - don't settle for just any attorney. Find a specialist like Ann.

[@alexphelps7042]

Was Ann gonna give that guy money to pay you? Be grateful that lawyer didn’t charge you for nothing

[@fortesfortunajuvat6782]

@@alexphelps7042 I don't know about you but, I consider 8k something.

[@buning_sensations5437]

Back in the mid 2000s in Las Vegas a cycling club buddy was hit by drunk driver. It was the third time person was drunk. My cycling buddy lost his life.

[@BeHappyByBike]

😢

[@benchoflemons398]

Straight to jail

[@red_skies80]

@@benchoflemons398straight back out 😔

[@charlotteice5704]

I was hit by a cyclist as a pedestrian a little over a year ago. I ended up with some stretched ligaments and a torn capsule in my right ankle. I can confirm what you said about mis-judging whether you need help in the moment - I felt 100% of the pain right away, but I got up right after being hit out of my martial arts habits and the hurry I was in, and I figured the pain was just temporary and that I'd be able to walk it off, so I told the cyclist that I didn't need help - twice. Then I noticed that I could in fact not walk it off, but I was stranded in a city I didn't know. I got myself to a bench and almost passed out. Luckily, I was able to call the friends I was planning on meeting, who got me an ambulance. Because I'm in Germany, I fortunately didn't have to pay anything, but it's still a lesson learnt.

[@lesezeichen7203]

Watching this as a german... yikes.

[@RealMTBAddict]

Watching Europe fall daily. Yikes

[@stevenbaker7025]

​@@RealMTBAddict 😂 So why aren't there tent cities in Europe?

[@RealMTBAddict]

@@stevenbaker7025 there are. Watch the right videos. Look at England.

[@nilz6432]

@@RealMTBAddict England no longer is part of the european union by choice. They are enjoing their freedom in those tents.

[@matt_freund]

Well I mean most of the worlds disaster have to start somewhere. The financial crisis in 2008 was built on the US law and fucked over a lot of countries. Say what you want about the USA but it looks darn weird from the outside with all the stuff thats going on there

[@mj7791]

I have been hit by three cars. I was living in Asheville road racing, and granted I was riding around 600 miles a week. I was lucky never to be seriously injured. The third time I was hit my girlfriend asked, “you have a mountain bike right?” That was the last day I ever rode a road bike. I started enjoying Pisgah Forest and Dupont. Within a year I moved to Colorado. I have since hit a deer, (twice) luckly but nobody was hurt. Thank you for this video. This is critical information for all riders.

[@Oldgames1000]

600 miles a week? What are you in the tour de france or something.

[@cjohnson3836]

You may or may not have ridden road with a nurse I know.

[@brandinojam24]

Bro just keeps getting hit no matter which bike he uses. Bro would find a way to get hit on an indoor cycle. 😂

[@mj7791]

@@brandinojam24 right? Luckily not yet 😂

[@Vilendank]

not even a 2km daily commute I have about 10 easily avoidable near misses a week (shoulder check before a turn, full stop at stop line), about 3-4 of them were situations that would likely have maimed or killed. All because drivers don't do the basics. and this is riding in dedicated bike paths, it's insane the lack of accountability or means of enforcement.

[@justintherriault3464]

Hit by a driver. Stating you got hit by a car takes away the human element. Someone was behind that wheel driving. Do not let drivers off the hook.

[@RustySeatbelt]

^underrated comment.

[@davidbrooks9576]

Tesla has entered the chat.

[@TheHulioG]

Something worth thinking about as well is that helmets are designed without gopro mounts in mind. I personally know someone who had a go pro mounted to his helmet and when he was hit by a car the go pro dug in to the road and caused a huge amount of damage to his neck and back as he didn't slide.

[@mrcuttime22]

I always ride with a GoPro mounted beneath the seat pointing back, and less often with one lightly clipped to the handlebar pointing forward. I think of them as a dash cam. Some drivers seem to notice these cameras and use more caution. But, of course, there are drivers who seem totally unaware of us. It's better to assume they are NOT aware, unless/until you can make eye contact. Expect the unexpected!

[@NathanDelaney]

When I got hit I suffered a TBI and broken nose, along with cuts and bruises. Thankfully there was an off duty EMT that witnessed it and helped me out but checking me and taking me to the hospital, saving me $2k + in ambulance bills. But since it was a hit and run I was left on the hook for my ER bills and subsequent visits for MRIs etc. Our US healthcare system is tragically made to keep us in debt or not to go to the doctor.

[@christopherfraser9051]

Here in the UK, the national health care has its problems but when I was hit by a truck back in 1998 I was thankful for our NHS

[@IstasPumaNevada]

Yeah, any system will be subject to problems, but having a bunch of problems AND not having universal healthcare is just inexcusable for the U.S.

[@stevemurray710]

I was in Salisbury UK a year ago, went to use bathroom in a big department store. Loo or lou as it's called was closed cause sewer system is overloaded. Not impressed with UK

[@kudosbudo]

nhs means there a whole part of this we dont need to worry about. we are very lucky in the uk.

[@usnchief1339]

@@IstasPumaNevada We are not a socialist country. Work for your needs.

[@TlalocTemporal]

​@@usnchief1339-- How's that boot taste?

[@jonathanblair4246]

Re: 9:25. There's a lot of us (especially here in NYC) who don't have insurance. The US's car centric mindset that this is just something that can get tacked onto your vehicle insurance is so frustrating.

[@jonscaplan]

Agree. What happens when a person who doesn't drive is struck by an uninsured motorist? What happens if a kid gets injured and the kid isn't of driving age or doesn't have a license? The logic of the health insurance company billing the victim if someone can be found responsible is insane. I want my health insurance company to cover me and my family no matter who is at fault. If they want to go after the other persons insurance themselves, I guess that's fine, but a no fault system would be cheaper for everyone overall.

[@joerittenhouse9193]

I was hit by a vehicle yesterday and directed here by someone's suggestion. This would have been SO useful to have this knowledge prior. Thank you for making video.

[@the1andonly]

This video is worth gold. Cycling is not dangerous, but sharing the road with motorists definitely can be.

[@ryannickles3218]

I was in a car and was hit by a drunk driver. My medical bills came to $140k and the driver's insurance covered only $30k as this video mentioned. My medical insurance also only covered $50k. Everyone should look into UIM insurance which covers you from under-insured motorists. It saved my life.

[@AshBeowulf]

As a former auto claims adjuster, I cannot stress this enough. People either don't have insurance or their carry the bare minimum. I carry uninsured motorist coverage in case anything happens. If your state has it, I highly suggest UMPD (uninsured motorist property damage) coverage as well. That will cover things like your 5-10k bike if someone rear ends you and their coverage isn't enough to cover your car and your bikes.

[@matt45540]

Unless your car and bike don't meet minimum liability amounts 😬 benefits of being poor. Definitely a good idea though

[@AshBeowulf]

​@@matt45540minimum in some states is 5k 😬 scary stuff!

[@BarrettMeeker867]

I'm confused why wouldn't your health insurance cover it? I can't find any exceptions for bicycle crashes in my health insurance.

[@calvinh208]

@@BarrettMeeker867 Deductibles, out of pocket maximums, lost wages, permanent partial disabilities, maybe you can never bike again and that was your favorite hobby, property damage (bike), etc. These are expenses/damages that won't be covered by health insurance, and you shouldn't have to pay for it if a driver is negligent or worse, assaulted you.

[@rafaelluiz7863]

The lack of a free healthcare system is something absurd for a Brazilian, a bicycle accident being able to lead someone to bankruptcy is something surreal.

[@NickMirro]

Excellent comment! That sums up the problem perfectly, thank you!

[@MrSloika]

Fact: Most personal bankruptcies in the USA are filed because the person filing has medical bills they can't pay. Fact: Most people who filed for bankruptcy because of medical debts HAD HEALTH INSURANCE.

[@Johnfisher12345]

@MrSloika These aren’t facts at all you liar 🤣🤣🤣

[@mooreanonumbers]

The US can't afford healthcare! Gotta pay for all those coups in South America...

[@donventura2116]

​@PTANV-x2g healthcare costs are the number one reason for bankruptcy. It's been an established fact in the U.S. for at least a decade with multiple studies. It's varied between 62% and 66.5% of all bankruptcy is due to medical debt. The American Journal of Medicine also reports that "most bankruptcies occurred in middle-class citizens with health insurance."

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

I got hit by a driver of a car that was screaming out the window every cuss word known to man to get a body part that I sit on, on the sidewalk. I ignored this guy for ~1/2 mile while he laid on the horn traveling at about 15mph in a 45mph zone less than 10 feet off my rear tire. When rush hour traffic started backing up behind this deranged person and all the traffic then started honking at him, he took matters into his own hand hitting me at about 35mph knocking me to the sidewalk from about 6 feet into the air. I broke my hip bone in two, my femur in 3, broke in two different places, and broke my trochanter(ball joint on femur). I was in the hospital for 12 days having 2 metal rods put into my femur and 4 screws into my hip bone to hold it together. I spent the next 4 months staring at the ceiling as I couldn't sit up putting my upper body weight on my hip bone. As a matter of fact, to be released from the hospital, I had to show a doctor that I could sit up at a 45 degree angle for 30 minutes before a doctor would sign off on my release. I was told that is what it would take to feed myself as I live alone. I also had to show I could hop on one leg with a walker 15 feet to the bathroom in the hospital room and back before they would release me as well. I was signed up for 6 months of FMLA as the surgeon said that was how long it was going to take to start walking again. My medical bills are in the 6 figures. The police since I couldn't identify the person that I never saw and was ignoring, even though 7 people stopped to render aid and gave police reports, closed the case for my failure to identify the driver. In the state that I live in, if the police have not identified the assailant, the victim becomes responsible for all medical bills. I became responsible for all of them last month July 2024. I get phone calls now every day from collection agencies wondering when I am going to come up with the $127,000+. Since I have been unemployed now for more than a year, that is going to be difficult and could cost me everything that I own, house, cars, land... everything. In 13 months, the only income I have had is separation pay from my last job, and 2 months of unemployment pay.

[@xaviermoise7187]

Your worst mistake was not getting a lawyer

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

@@xaviermoise7187 _"Your worst mistake was not getting a lawyer"_ My dumbest mistake would have been getting a lawyer.

[@trutranx]

@@xaviermoise7187 How would getting a lawyer help when he has stated that he could not identify the driver that hit him? Who will the lawyer sue for compensation?

[@sonnywee]

I feel you man. Would it have really bothered him to MOVE OVER and pass you? In a 45? Looked like he had nothing better going on in his pathetic life. I swear cars and auto-manafacture propaganda have made people some of the most self-centered, arrogant A-holes ever. I hope you find justice man. May God have mercy, for that driver shall have NONE 😡

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

@@sonnywee _"I hope you find justice man."_ Mr. Woodruff, I am not the investigator on this case, it does appear from reading the report you were not able to pick out the suspect from the photo lineup, so form an investigative standpoint, it does not appear that there is further evidence to be yielded. If you are alleging that an off-duty police officer was you assailant, that is a serious issue. If you truly believe that, please come by to file a formal complaint. If you believe that one of our officers assaulted you, I will need to contact the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for a criminal investigation. Please let me know how you would proceed. I am copying Ofc Lalanne so he can answer any questions about the initial investigation. Thank you, Chris M. Dusik Chief of Police Lilburn Police Department 4600 Lawrenceville Hwy Lilburn, GA 30047

[@lolbubs11111]

11:48 Checklist 1. Look for witnesses 2. File a police report 3. Take photos at the scene 4. Save your bike and helmet 5. Take additional notes

[@knowledge4all2be1]

I was hit by a car 2 blocks from my house. Nypd closed the investigation within 24 hours even with license plate #. Hit and run. Luckily my car insurance covered my cycling

[@jacobpoucher]

blue state problems

[@mataisgood9046]

I'm glad you live in a competent place and have an insurance company that's honestly pretty good.

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@jacobpoucher Nope, it's an every state problem.

[@Thezuule1]

@@jacobpoucher knock it off.

[@matt45540]

You can pay to run people's plates and sue them yourself. MentionThe NYPD in the suit

[@liutang]

This video popped up on my feed just as I found out about Johnny Gaudreau. Wow! Definitely looking at my uninsured motorist coverage.

[@Skyawry]

I was hit by a car that shattered my skull and left me in a coma for 3 weeks and a very painful recovery. The police threw the bike in a dumpster and once I tracked it down with an AirTag it was then stolen out of my apartment. I didn’t really get paid out but I’m left with life changing injuries. I fought hard through learning how to walk again among a lot of re-learning. My vision and hearing are damaged and I’m currently homeless. I had a downhill certified helmet on and that’s probably the biggest reason I’m not dead

[@notl33t]

thanks so much for making this! its easier for me to share a high quality 10 min video to a bike group than to have this same conversation hundreds of times! also, a lot of these things are great to know for pedestrians and even car drivers who may experience a car collison.

[@theligerloverman]

Not just cyclist but motorist disregard everything outside of their car and the legal system lets them off easily. The amount of news stories where a pedestrian/cyclist is killed but the driver faces no legal consequence

[@marcuslinton310]

Yet cyclists know this and still refuse to take on the job of looking out for themselves.

[@ateamfan42]

I was hit by a motorist pulling out into traffic who didn't look at all. Had I been driving a semi rather than riding a bicycle, he'd have been creamed. Fortunately, the impact was pretty minor and I was unhurt. What I did learn when I called the police, is that if no one is injured and there is less than $500 of property damage, then it is not legally a crash. Motorists can legally hit as many pedestrians and cyclists as they want, so long as they manage not to injure them.

[@randoguy7488]

@@marcuslinton310 How do you "look out for yourself" when a few ton machine comes straight at you ?

[@marcuslinton310]

​@@randoguy7488 Well, like the guy literally said above, he was hit by somebody pulling out who didn't look? Very common, but how does he know they didn't look? If he literally saw them not ever look his way, why the F did he proceed to ride his bike right in front of them? Totally preventable incident if he only had a brain. If he claims to not actually know if they looked or not, seems he isn't paying all that much attention either, but somehow expects the vehicle too?

[@dantyler6614]

@@marcuslinton310I was once almost hit by a car who didn’t look while I was walking. In that instance there was no way I could have protected myself since the car didn’t come speeding around the corner and through the intersection until I was already in the crosswalk. If a car hits someone it’s always the driver’s fault

[@danlangevin2459]

Great clip and most certainly will be shared. I was hit by a truck while commuting on a sleepy rural route in VT that ran parallel to a busier road. The typically busier road had some summer road work, which redirected more traffic onto my usual route. I was fortunate to have been hit by a friendly person who acknowledged their fault (blowing through an intersection. I was through traffic in this scenario). We filed a police report and he actually brought me and my totaled bike to work. Wrestling with his insurance company was the bigger challenge. I will say that as soon as the insurance company acknowledged that I was requesting a printed copy of the police report, that sped up the claims process. There's a lot of follow-up and advocating for yourself in this post-accident process. Documentation, persistence, and consistency helps.

[@dougcrenshaw5687]

As a MTB trail advocate & board member of Bike/Walk Central FL, I appreciate your message here. As a subscriber since your first dropper review, I’ve enjoyed watching you personally grow, especially as a father. That includes being incredibly impressed & proud of you for your advocacy, using your platform to be a servant leader to positively influence the greater good of your audience & communities. Thanks!

[@NathanTenney]

I like that you mentioned that the advice isn't necessarily aimed at the victim. When I got hit, I got a concussion. I really wasn't thinking straight. Fortunately there were witnesses, and even though the driver fled the scene, my insurance company didn't fight me on coverage of the ambulance ride, nor the ER visit. Even more fortunately, I wasn't seriously injured despite riding without a helmet. Road rash, bruised kidneys and a concussion.

[@AluinKali]

1:20 "Imagine you get hit by an uninsured motorist." Is that a thing in the US? Holy shit that’s terrifying.

[@marcuslinton310]

Not supposed to be, but they get insurance to get their vehicle registered and then cancel the insurance a month later.

[@TimAZ-ih7yb]

Yes, here in the USA some states like California even give undocumented foreigners (so-called “migrants”) a driver’s license. Is this a great country or what?😂

[@RyanTosh]

@@TimAZ-ih7ybYou can't really exist very well in the US without a car. If you don't let people here without documentation get licenses, they'll just drive illegally. Happens ALL the time in Texas for example. Would you rather undocumented immigrants drive with formal training and licensing, or still drive, but with none of that and no ability to get insurance even if they wanted it?

[@MrSloika]

Yes, it's a thing. It's estimated that 15% of US motorists are uninsured.

[@fgregerfeaxcwfeffece]

Yeah, lots of the stuff in the Simpsons is just funny because it's true. Like Suburbs. It's not lazy animation. It's a mix of lazy planning and car lobbies.

[@robertdavis3082]

Did not know this. This was great and I shared with all of my co-workers who commute. My bikes are insured for theft and damage, I never considered if I was insured for injury.

[@CatPawCreations]

Seeing videos like this makes me appreciate the one good thing we have left in the UK (for now, at least). The NHS wouldn't charge for any treatment needed, not for the ambulance ride, not even if you were so unfortunate that the Air Ambulance was needed.

[@AjaxAS]

As a child and teen, was hit by a car twice, once with a bike and once without, nothing really happened and the drivers tended to just leave and ignore everything. The time without the bike, I still remember mid class the police came in to interview me to get my side of the story. Nothing really ever came of it, as they basically chalked it up as an accident.

[@ericgottesman337]

Excellent information! I was hit a couple of times, luckily no life changing injuries. Getting as much information as possible at the scene is so crucial. I should have remembered this information when I had my last car accident. I ended up not getting any insurance money for my car's damage because I didn't document the scene and as a result, the other operator's insurance had enough deniability.

[@stefanschneider3681]

Great video! I am an MD, so I know all about it since I was and will be involved in the medical side and all paperwork that comes with these incidents. And fortunately here in Switzerland it's mandatory to have insurance for harming other people's goods or people themselves. But for probably most parts of the world this is so important because it can really bother you for years, much longer than the physical side. Thx!

[@gsnielsen]

I am a legally blind cyclist (one eye is blind... other is restricted vision).... And one who raced, competed, and worked in the cycling industry in Service and management all his life. And I've been hit by motorists more than ten times. Thankfully only one had medium injuries. Mostly just broken parts. And I commute daily. For years it was 60miles per day or more. My issue is I can't drive. I am just blind enough that I can't get a drivers license. Abd even if I caught ways to get a restricted license, insurance would be very cost prohibitive. My question is where do I get the additional coverage mentioned in this video that came from auto insurance, when I can't get insurance of this type? ....and there are many commuters and enthusiasts who rely on cycling as a reliable and healthy form of getting around..... even without a handicap. I hope this question helps others!

[@Yuckyuck1870]

Boy… ten times…. Did you ever think there was something that you may be doing?

[@stephannahmed7918]

Dude I'm sorry you're blind and that sucks but you should not be on public roads in any form if you are legally blind

[@sgtpastry]

​@@Yuckyuck1870 Yes, they weren't in a car, one of the seven deadly sins in America. I hate to break it to you, but drivers are rarely paying attention to other drivers, let alone others who are on the road. No amount of "keep your head on a swivel" will stop an inattentive driver from colliding into a non-driver. Especially since 90% of drivers can be ticketed for a driving offense.

[@lokasz9]

Important point when it comes to safety is prevention. I'm shocked how much bicycyle lighting and reflectors are frowned upon. (Especially in the US) Sometimes I turn on my lights even just if weather is bad. As a driver and a cyclist I think it's a very good idea. Reflectors on the spokes are also amazing for side visibility. You can get these as just some foil you can wrap around a spoke instead of these big clunky things. Reflectors on pedals are great because they seem to "blink" when viewed from the front at night.

[@MrSloika]

A lot of US Murican cyclists are Lance wannabes. Those extra grams of weight might keep them from winning the Tour de Hackensack.

[@and2244rew]

Buy more car insurance, so that you're covered if someone hits your bike with their car. We lost the plot somewhere.

[@Simply_Emu]

100% buying car insurance for not using a car sounds off. Sounds like tackling the wrong problem

[@Yuckyuck1870]

@@Simply_Emuno they are onto something. Require bikers to carry insurance if you want to use public roadways to travel. Play with multiple ton vehicles and the city won’t put in bike infrastructure, then yes you should be required to carry insurance to the liability you are on the road to other people.

[@joshuawarhurst6776]

@@Yuckyuck1870 What kind of liability is a biker to other road users?

[@Yuckyuck1870]

@@joshuawarhurst6776 you are a squishy playing with trucks/cars. That’s why. You are using public roadways. It’s not hard to comprehend

[@Yuckyuck1870]

@@joshuawarhurst6776 it’s to protect yourself brother

[@twotrailsmtb]

Was sitting on my porch one day in south Philly. Heard a car honking, speed up, and turned to see them deliberately hit a biker. Of course, she speed away. I rushed to the guy who sadly was also not wearing a helmet. Got an ambulance quickly. Thankfully, the very next day he showed up at my door to thank me for helping him when he was down and out.

[@ErRasmussen]

This is fantastic. I've been car-free for a couple years now, but I never thought about getting insurance coverage in case I get hit by someone without insurance.

[@simonwoodthrillerwriter]

Thanks for this video. After nearly 3yrs, I've just settled a lawsuit with an insurance company. It was a draining experience. I totally agree about having cameras on your bike. I didn't so the incident became a he said/she said situation. Video evidence would've changed that. One thing I will say is definitely get a police report but it has very little value. Here in CA, a police report can't be used in court and despite the police report putting blame on the driver, the insurance company ignored it and took their client's word as gospel. The moral of this story is do everything to protect yourself because you'll need it when the worst happens.

[@Py-Weekly]

The timing 😭 Johnny gaudreau died in a bike accident from being hit by a car a few days after this video

[@MrSloika]

He was killed by a drunk driver.

[@nsmith1388]

Thanks for the video. My wife was hit in a crosswalk on the way into work this year. She felt fine, until the adrenaline wore off. By that time the driver was gone and no information was exchanged.... Police were no help in the police report. The first officer actually talked her out of filing a report. So yeah, this education is needed...

[@realJoshtheboss]

As a OneWheeler this is just as important for me to know, and honestly scares me a lot. Seth, thank you for the amazing information, and I hope everyone is staying safe out there!

[@stradric]

Thanks Seth. You're a phenomenal advocate. This was well-focused in all the right places for a topic that touches so much and goes incredibly deep. Love what you do. Looking forward to the next one.

[@sycpup]

If I lived in America, instead of Canada, I might not be a biker. I have injured myself enough times that I would probably be broke from the medical bills. Our medical system sucks so bad, but it doesn't leave you in severe debt!

[@mamashecrazy7423]

Glad to hear someone admit that national healthcare is not necessarily great care; just cheaper.

[@BigBoy-ql5rn]

@@mamashecrazy7423 Any care that doesn't leave people with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical debt is great care. The point isn't about the effectiveness of care or whether it's truly "free" or not. It's about not bankrupting people when they are sick. The last thing a sick person should have to worry about is money. Therefore, healthcare that is "free" at point of need is always going to be better.

[@Thezuule1]

@@mamashecrazy7423 plenty of people are getting expensive crap care.

[@Anon.G]

@@BigBoy-ql5rnit's not great care when if you'd been treated in a reasonable time you'd have no symptoms, but instead are unable to be diagnosed, can't walk, can't think, can't see, AND have to pay money just to be stuck with irreparable kidney damage. No forgiveness. Canadian healthcare is some of the worse and most expensive in the world.

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@mamashecrazy7423 It is only crappy care because the Consevative premiers are trying to cut funding enough to force a crisis. Then party donors can swoop in with a privately funded, more expensive, "solution". In my own province: they tore up the price list with doctors during a literal pandemic. Now, many medical clinics have closed due to a lack of funding. Instead all the money is going to Telus Telushealth.

[@singletona082]

'I'm not trying to throw cops under the bus.' OK what you say next is absolutely on point about the bus needing t oback over and park on top of the insurance goons, but considering there is a problem about cops not treating anything bike related seriously? I get that you have to be diplomatic and charitable, but you're a better person than me in this.

[@DANCINGWITHTHEFAILS]

Yeah there is not a cop I've met who knows the laws for bike riders

[@ImpreccablePony]

ACAB.

[@MediumHalf]

@@DANCINGWITHTHEFAILSPhil Gaimon just made a video about this exact issue

[@BigJohn-hb4sm]

A wise cyclist once said, “I wear a camera everywhere. People love to lie.”

[@TenFalconsMusic]

In many cases, having something saying "camera" visibly printed on your helmet (back & sides) keeps motorists from doing something stupid. That being said, not all motorists are intelligent enough to know what a camera is.

[@thymbandit]

I got hit by a car a couple years ago on Christmas Eve. I got taken to the hospital and stayed there for a week and beyond that they gave me a neck brace and regular consultations. What did i have to pay? Nothing. Cause I live in the uk and the NHS covers me. America has insane problems. You shouldn’t have to do this shit when you’ve been in an accident.

[@angela-onesroman8873]

Excellent video, I'm in the process of this at the moment, I've shared this video for awareness.

[@nakoda1610]

its amazing watching u slowly becoming a cycling activist i havent watched u for a few years, but u made it such a far way; cant wait till ur deciding wether or not to move to the netherlands lol i live in the EU, but when i start cycling more, i will defo get bike insurance

[@jezzarisky]

I was talking with my brother 15 odd years since he was in a hit and run, and still thought he was partially to blame because a police officer incorrectly told him he was “going the wrong way” while riding his bike on the sidewalk. In Utah cyclists can ride on sidewalks, and there are no laws on direction of travel when cycling on the sidewalk(there understandably is said law on the road). I’ve seen plenty of other times the police will give deference to the driver or blame the cyclist, so wouldn’t rely on their knowledge and educate yourself of local/state laws.

[@karl5874]

I have so much compassion for Americans having to deal with this while being the victim of an accident. It's not fair and hopefully there will be a day when you don't need this knowledge. Also I think it's a bit heartless how every comment is just making fun of Americans. Americans didn't choose to be born in a country with limited healthcare access.

[@jacksonhill1813]

Good, fair point. But it’s also within the collective control. It’s only requires a majority to vote for it right?

[@Durwood71]

Limited healthcare access? What are you talking about? The US offers some of the best healthcare in the world, and it's available to anybody who needs it. No need to be put on a six-month waiting list for routine care like in countries with "free" healthcare.

[@joebot86]

​@@jacksonhill1813no, it requires our representatives to write and pass a law, in two chambers, and the president to approve it, and for no courts to challenge it. And at all these stages, insurance and other companies are deeply involved with vast amounts of ~~bribery~~ lobbying. Even if a majority of Americans supported it, it would be hard to pass.

[@katydid5088]

​@Durwood71 Only if you have insurance. I assume you've never had to step foot inside the community health center for the uninsured, in which case you will be paying out of pocket for everything and you won't recieve certain standards or care like referrals to a specialist,any imaging studies, or help navigating what will likely be high cost maintenance drugs that you will then hoard and skip days because they are $596 dollars a month. (Example Eliquis. Uninsured patients don't qualify for the discount card but you might, key word being might, qualify for a charity program or onetime use coupon but that's it.) At the point where you really feel like shit and are between paychecks, you go to the hospital because they cannot refuse to treat you for an inability to pay. At that point, you may get some of your maintenance regiment renewed but chances are the doctor will re-refer you to the health center due to an inability to perform basic routine health checks. ER triage does not include discharge coverage for meds or diabetic supplies even if you are at high risk of developing complications. Rinse and repeat as you have no money and your health gets worse and worse. At this point you may be out of a job and qualify for medicaide by then you have debt chasing your tail for a LONG time. Despite what people claim about defaulting of medical debt or declaring bankruptcy each states laws are different and almost non of them allow you to discharge ALL of your debt via bankruptcy. You can mediate it with a repayment plan but they will start garnishing your wages if you enter into that agreement which still doesn't get over the fundamental issue that you have no health insurance or can barely afford the premiums. Chances are if you work part time, your employer is not going to give you health insurance and you may not be healthy enough to handle full-time employment. I lived the debt trap and understand what it is to have to deal with sliding fee medical care. You get the bottom of the barrel and nothing else. If your tooth is cracked, instead or a root canal and a crown or bridge, that tooth is getting pulled. You can't afford the script of pain meds they give but you can afford the antibiotic amoxicillin (but not the antibacterial mouth chlorohexidine rinse. -$15-27 bucks a bottle if you are a cash payer.) Coupons might take some of the cost down but opioids are NEVER covered by third party coupons so you go without. If you have no money you can't even make an appointment at the doctors office or community clinic. They will require a paystub for proof of income and you will be charged according to that paystub on account. The healthcare clinic can and does reserve the right to refuse care if you hold an outstanding balance for billing for longer than a few month. Policies vary by health center but they can and do discharge patients permanently if the debt remains unresolved. Yes, we don't wait for healthcare, but that's because thousands understand they'll never get through the door in the first place. A wealthy person never asks themselves these questions in America, but the poor absolutely do. If it gets better it gets better, if they die they die.

[@oiytd5wugho]

@@jacksonhill1813 are you 5?

[@wadball]

This feels like something I needed to know but didn't-- and hopefully something I'll never have had to learn!

[@shepardnathan]

Good idea for this video. But - could you add a lights requirement part. Many people are unaware that if you don’t use lights at “night” / dusk You are at fault - NYC

[@clubstew]

Got hit when I was 8. Got screwed by the insurance company because I was riding my bike across the street. First responders agreed I’d be dead if I had. My bike went under the car and came out the other end mangled. Hate this US for-profit system.

[@sawchuk519]

I feel like there is an obvious flaw in this video. One of your main points is that you as a cyclist should add on specific coverage to your car insurance but this ignores the existence of people who do not own cars. As someone who commutes by bicycle, I don't own a car and don't have car insurance at all.

[@dylangrantz8124]

Yep what I was thinking. The sad thing is what percentage of my income goes to insurance companies? I am not in the same boat but similar. Drop truck coverage all spring and summer into fall and use bike and motorcycle. Coverage goes back in hurricane season incase truck goes swimming really gonna run from a storm on the motorcycle.

[@Omar411269]

Maybe not the best alternative but you can buy a super cheap Honda Grom minibike and insure that for like... $30 a month

[@fourthpanda]

This is not a flaw in the video. This is a flaw in the American heath insurance system. Yes, without a car and without car insurance it is more difficult to get uninsured motorist coverage which could save you from crippling debt. Basically you are more fucked and there is nothing you can do about it. Welcome to the USA 🦅.

[@nathanwoodruff9422]

I commuted to work in 2022 230 days out of the 252 working days. I own 6 cars and 1 motorcycle. Round trip to work was 32 miles. I was hit by a car riding home from work July 11th, 2023. My uninsured motorist insurance only covered ~$6,000 out of the $127,00+ in medical bills. I spent more on uninsured motorist coverage in the 10 years I paid for it than I got in return. It is a scam.

[@fourthpanda]

@@nathanwoodruff9422 I don't know your situation but did you watch the video? The whole point was to pay for up to 1 million of uninsured motorist insurance. 6k a lot less than that. You spent $50+ a month and only had coverage up to 6k? 🤨US medical system scammed you hard as they usually do it seems. Sorry man

[@MattyAviation]

Awfully relevant with the recent death of Ice Hockey forward star Johnny Gaudreau while cycling, RIP

[@PiotrMichniewski]

I'm glad that I live in Europe where car insurance is mandatory and if the car isn't insured, it's the driver's problem, not the victim's

[@carpballet]

The attorney’s advice about photo context is super important. Back up at least a couple of steps. And tilt up. The resolution of most cameras is good enough that you can “zoom in” (pinch) quite a bit. But you can’t “zoom out” once the picture is taken. Many people take pictures that are too close and therefore don’t include context.

[@comekickitenterprise7547]

I love your channel but I think it’s ironic you drive a massive pick up truck which is like 3x as likely to kill pedestrians/cyclists. Cars are taller/bigger/faster than they have ever been, which might help explain the recent spike in fatalities in the last decade.

[@votdfak]

This is USA only video. I feel bad for US citizens regarding healthcare expenses.

[@livehumansinside19]

Lmao no you dont

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@livehumansinside19 When I was hit by a minivan: my CAT scan was free. They wanted to do an MRI, but I was worried about the status of a piece of metal I swallowed years earlier.

[@SXsoft99]

so glad i live in europe where the insurance doesn't put your grandkids into dept

[@rubens1337]

Thanks Seth, can't thank you enough for what you are doing for the cycling community! The information is dedicated to the USA but still applies everywhere. Shared it with everyone I know who rides a bike, as you said we need to look out for each other.

[@Weisz]

Thank you for making this!

[@EriebyCycle]

Perhaps the most important commuter bike video… from the mountain bike channel. Well done.

[@Joshc30000]

God, I love the NHS!

[@Koidel]

the most sad part is that this is a “greatest nation on earth” problem with how bad american healthcare system is. im surprised how many people stays to some high risk sports. but man. bikes are such a commute sport sometimes and that can set u back financially forever for just opting up for a bike in such car centric country. thats the taste of freedom isn’t it?

[@pixelcultmedia4252]

Smart to share the interview with the expert instead of just "trust me bro" advice. It elevates the content. Much appreciated for the info.

[@markj.a351]

U.S really is life on hard mode, jesus. I got hit while living in Japan, the police put the blame on the driver within 5 minutes which compelled him to cover any and all hospital bills and bike repair bills. I even got an unexpected (very small) payout for stress caused.

[@Paul9]

As much as we complain about the NHS in the UK, we really forget how lucky we are.

[@jonathanzappala]

My insurance agent said uninsured motorist coverage is only for driving, it won’t do anything for riding a bicycle. And he is a cyclist. Yet I hear KZbin lawyers say this. I’m in Ohio.

[@brushylake4606]

Every state has different laws. That's why he said to check your own laws.

[@la-go-xy]

How likely are uninsured motorists to be encountered?

[@asonetuh6094]

​​@@la-go-xydepends on the state. Illegal aliens never have insurance and there are millions of them. So states like California or Texas it's pretty common.

[@jonathanzappala]

@@la-go-xy I think it’s between 10-20% of the cars on the road. Kind of a joke that when I renew my license the ask if I have insurance, but they don’t require any proof!

[@MagnumNYC]

@@jonathanzappala well you can have a license and not have a car. In New York you need to have insurance to maintain your car registration. But not having a car registered and not having insurance doesn't stop anyone from driving a car unfortunately.

[@Boots2Bike]

Rip Johnny gaudreau

[@Xtrafix2015]

Thank you for sharing this information for everyone, I am a survivor of a tbi injury when I rode my brand new ebike a few years ago, now I’m going to have to get insurance as well. ❤

[@justbrechtt]

2 years ago I was biking to take the train and go to school. I had the green light and when I was almost past the intersection a car turned right into me. Because I was so late for the train I only asked him to give me a ride to the station. I wasn’t hurt but the bike’s frame was ruined, so I had to throw it out. I wish I would’ve learned about this earlier, although luckily I wasn’t hurt.

[@fgiraffe8751]

Fantastic video, thank you. BUT I wish you had gotten Ann to talk about how cyclists who do not drive and DO NOT HAVE AN AUTO INSURANCE POLICY can protect themselves.

[@vitaflo]

You can get Non-Owner car insurance and add Uninsured Motorist coverage to that. Non-Owner car insurance is for people who do not own a car but may still end up driving one (say a rental car).

[@krsp420]

Non owner insurance is more common than you might think. Had it for a bit when I just need to rent a truck once every couple weeks. Seems weird, and is, but is an option.

[@kcrafter101]

One unfortunate take away from this video is one of the best ways to protect yourself is by having car insurance... Kinda against the point imho

[@MizMite2002]

3 levels of injury in Ontario. Level 1- Minor injuries- 3500 worth of rehabilitation. Level 2- Non catastrophic injury -65000. Level 3- catastrophic 1 million. But the best part is you are entitled to the remainder. If you use 10k of the 65k, you have 55k left over and your Lawyer will try to get a percentage of the remainder. Off the 45k left over from my last accident, I was awarded 24,500 for future medical cost and then their still is the major award. I got 50k plus the 24,500 for a total of 45k after fees.

[@RumblyGL]

Canada is in NATO it's international security is funded by the us and is on the same continent as the us. Population of 38.93 million 11.680168% of the us population 333.3m

[@SamCyanide]

Wow that's stupid, You just get to steal tax dollars that you don't need if you didn't use them

[@randompl]

@@RumblyGL thanks wikipedia

[@fgoehner]

@@RumblyGLwhat does any of this have to do with NATO??????????

[@jamesphillips2285]

@@fgoehner That is where the US health and Education budget is going.

[@snazzysportstacker]

unfortunately, a few months ago i was involved in a car crash on my bicycle commuting to work, and it was a right turner not looking right. i was full of adrenaline and left the scene denying involving the police as my head wasn't in the right place. thankfully i wasn't injured, but i utterly fumbled the ball on that one big time. so glad that this video is out there now for people to see just what to do when this sort of thing happens. god forbid i get hit again, but i will be following this advice to a tee if it ever happens again.

[@mski907]

I got run over by a truck towing a trailer last year 3 days after my birthday. I was so shook up from the adrenaline and focused on going following through with the plans to celebrate, as it was a friday and my 21st, I left the scene without getting the person's information, taking any pictures, calling the police, etc. I rode my bike home and took a shower to clean up. I eventually did go back about an hour later, and called the police, spoke with the person who hit me, and went to the hospital. The kicker was that the person was wayyyyy underinsured, and did NOT have insurance on their business vehicle. At the time I only had a $50,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist policy, and my insurance company ended up being the one who paid out to me. Had I stayed at the scene, maybe gone in an ambulance and taken the requisite steps to record everything and do it properly, it could have ended up way better for me. I hope this is a lesson to everyone - MAX OUT your UN-INSURED / UNDERinsured motorist coverage so that that doesn't happen to you.

[@mikemiller756]

Got hit by an illegal alien with no insurance in 2013... Was in hospital for two weeks, four months rehab, out of work half a year. It was a nightmare dealing with insurance. Police didn't arrest the guy and he later fled, couldn't be found.

[@readyplayer2]

That's sad (seriously), but what does the guy's immigration status have to do with anything? Would it have sucked any less if a legal US resident hit and ran on you?

[@mikemiller756]

@@readyplayer2 Uh, maybe because if he wasn't here I wouldn't have been laid out for half a year? Maybe because if he was legal he would have had proper documentation and police could have tracked him? Typical victim-blaming woke mindset.

[@orppranator5230]

@@readyplayer2 Shouldn't be there, and his immigration status is one of the reasons he doesn't have insurance. Plus it also means it's harder to find the guy after he flees the scene.

[@mrelnoobo6855]

Very much an American problem. I broke my entire left leg, right arm, and a couple of vertebrae in a crash 3 and a half years ago. I'm mostly recovered, and I'm not even bankrupt.

[@mrelnoobo6855]

Can also confirm that my doctor wasn't even running a pill mill, so the opiode painkillers were prescribed responsibly, so my life hasn't been destroyed.

[@amalricpons8502]

The fact that, with this title. Your video talks mostly about how not to end up with life long debt is super scary. You guys need social security badly

[@ambiarock590]

And universal healthcare like decades ago

[@StarEssences]

When it rains it pours (is the common saying): I got hit head on by a car driver shortly after I was let go from working in a Bicycle Corporation business back in 2008, due to them not seeing me when I was trailing behind a City Bus just 4 minutes away from my home. My bike went flying as with me too. When I came to, I was kissing the street pavement and was rushed to a hospital in an ambulance. It was all outside patient services; X-rays, tending to my wounds, stitches, a sling for my broken collar bone. At this time the bill was around $10,000+; now? way more money. I remember hearing my bike friends in a bike club (at the time) called, "The Wheel men" telling me this; A Good bike rider usually gets into a serious bike accident about every 10,000 miles or so. When this accident happened to me I was thinking; "I must be at my 10,000 mile mark (lol). I had a couple of other serious bike accidents, but it was when I was mountain biking. I was wearing all the appropriate gear.

[@mythicallymoist9772]

Great video, I don't bike, but if I ever witness an accident, I'll be sure to get photo evidence and leave my contact info with the victim.