So last night as I was riding home on my bicycle, a budget truck hit me and took off. I am fine...totally fine. Here is the rest of the story for those of you wondering.
I was heading home from work about 7 (I was on a road that is about as busy as 291 hwy going through Lee's Summit for my KC friends). I went through a traffic light that turned red as I was in through the intersection. I could hear a truck speeding up behind me. The truck came through the light and hit my handle bar. I fell into a car and then into the road. Thank goodness that the light had just turned red because had there been cars coming I would have been run over.
I was so irritated and annoyed. I wasn't seriously hurt. I just took a hard landing on my hip, but not too hard. I was fine enough to keep riding so I kept on. I caught up to the driver a few lights up and tried to flag him down. His window was cracked and I was yelling at him to pull over... No such luck though. He took off through the traffic, cutting people off and driving crazily.
I made it home and called the precinct just down the street from where the accident happened. The lady said that I needed to go back to the scene and call 9-1-1. So that is what I did.
I told the dispatcher I didn't need an ambulance and within 5 minutes there were 3. I told them I was fine but they still insisted on checking me out. They took my vitals and looked at my hip etc. They suggested I go to the hospital, however, it was already after 8:30 and I just wanted to get home and eat and go to bed.
I answered what felt like a million questions and then they said I could go. We finally got home and ate dinner at about 9:30. My hip is still a little sore but not too bad. I was able to ride to work today without too much pain.
I hope they catch the guy. They asked if I would prosecute and I said possibly, but honestly I don't know. I am not seriously hurt and there was no real damage other than a scratch and a broken light on my bike. Should I press charges? I would hate for someone to go to jail because of this minor incident. I more or less want an apology and for him to replace my broken light.
Thoughts and opinions would be great!
Well that is my story. See everyone, I am fine! Now you all can stop worrying!!
I think you should pursue it, just for the simple fact that the driver didn't know you weren't seriously hurt and took off anyway. For all he knew, you could have been killed! Don't go into it with a heart of retaliation or revenge, but instead consider it accountability and possibly keeping others safe in the future!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This makes me feel a little better. I'm not in it to try and get money or anything like that, especially since there was no significant damage. I just want to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.
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