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CVO Social => Rider Down => Topic started by: GregKhougaz on April 10, 2018, 01:32:16 PM

Title: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: GregKhougaz on April 10, 2018, 01:32:16 PM
Most begrudgingly, I hereby claim that I am tougher than a Harley-Davidson.   :coolblue:  Thank God this was not worse. Last Thursday, April 5, I was heading to the gym for my workout. I was southbound on Veteran Ave. at approximately 25 miles per hour in the number two lane,.  A young lady in an Acura in the southbound number one lane decided to abruptly turn right into a driveway (for the Federal Building) just in front of me. I saw it coming and braked immediately but still, could not stop in time.  The impact  occurred at about 10-15 miles an hour.

I am bruised and battered but not broken. I declined to go to the hospital but of course, the pain got much worse over the next couple of days. My left foot and right hand are swollen and black and my ribs on the left side were in agony but now seem to be at least tolerable. Nothing seems to be broken. From experience, I know that bruised ribs are painful and for a long time. The bottom line is that you simply don't bounce as well at 60 as you did at 30 years of age. Damn! Ice is my new best friend.

The dealer finalized the repair estimate this morning at $16,676! The insurance company has already told me they will pay it as well as any later discovered damages and waive my deductible. Replacement parts include the inner and outer front fairings, left lower fairing, handlebar, left front fork, front and rear crash bars, left floorboard and left rear bag, etc. I'll be very surprised if the front wheel is not bent.

At the scene, when I was finally able to get up and survey the situation, I asked the driver if she was alright. Her response was,  "I shouldn't say anything to you." Later, she was at least kind enough to offer me a bottle of water. Police and CHP conducted what seemed to be a very thorough investigation. One of the CHP officers kindly drove me home. She was very nice... but married.   

See reply number 40 for an update on my condition. Turns out I am broken.

The bike:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: GregKhougaz on April 10, 2018, 01:33:01 PM
The even wimpier car:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: iski on April 10, 2018, 01:42:45 PM
Glad you were not hurt worse, heal up soon!  Takes more time for us "seasoned" riders.  As Bruce Willis said in that movie "Sorry baby, I had to crash that Honda."  No comment on the driver other than to say, it's a sorrier world than we once had when people can't even apologize for fear of whatever.  Hope the bike gets fixed by the time you feel like riding.  Maybe try that wider shield from Freedom on it?
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: skratch on April 10, 2018, 01:54:04 PM
bummer.  sorry to hear that, but glad that it wasn't worse than it was.  looking forward to seeing the blue beast back on the road.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: muddypaws on April 10, 2018, 01:56:14 PM
Hope you and the bike get fixed fast....
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: 110Mofo on April 10, 2018, 01:58:13 PM
 Glad you are okay, i hope you heal soon.  :drink:

 Marty
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Designflaw on April 10, 2018, 02:17:42 PM
Glad everything is shaking out. Distracted driving will be the death of motorcycles it seems. I have been riding on the street since 16, I'm now 50. I tell anyone that asks me if they should learn to ride, that it is not worth it. I can't give it up, but its a different world for people trying to learn.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: BigLew on April 10, 2018, 02:25:55 PM
Sorry to hear Greg, praise God you are still good. Can you say custom

BigLew
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: MIKEYTEE on April 10, 2018, 03:11:31 PM
Sorry for your pain, Greg. Hope you and the bike get to feeling better soon.

Mike
 :drink:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: ultrarider123 on April 10, 2018, 03:14:53 PM
Tougher than a Harley....I'll say AMEN to that.  Wow, Greg.  Glad you are only bruised and banged a bit.  Old blue looks a bit worse for wear but glad the insurance company is working in your favor.  That angel on your shoulder/back seat done good fer ya.

Keeping it real asking about the relationship status of the CHP officer...got a smile out of that one.

Praying for quick healing and fast, complete repair of the bike.

Indiana Jones said it best "It ain't the age, it's the mileage"
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Jock on April 10, 2018, 04:14:25 PM
Glad to read that you indeed are tougher than a H-D but then that was never a question for me.  Pleased to read that you will recover and I am certain your excellent riding skills delivered the best outcome considering the circumstances.

God Speed On The Healing!

 :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: JCZ on April 10, 2018, 06:58:56 PM
Her comments makes me think she's got priors....   :nixweiss:

I hope you've got an accident injury attorney....there are lots of them right there in LA?
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Rooster on April 10, 2018, 07:14:57 PM
Ouch, glad you aren't hurt worse. Strange about her answer.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Fired00d on April 10, 2018, 07:46:12 PM
Damn!!!! Sorry to read/hear this... heal fast and fully.

 :pumpkin:
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 :fireman:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: CVOStreetglide on April 10, 2018, 08:25:16 PM
Gregg:

Sorry for your injuries and the damage to your beloved Harley. As they say there are plenty more bikes but only one of you.

PLEASE listen to JC and get an attorney. These things have a way of getting twisted around and suddenly you are at fault.

Hopefully she was given a ticket to confirm who was officially at fault. 


Best wishes for a rapid recovery.

Jerry

Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: aclass on April 10, 2018, 08:55:45 PM
Sorry to hear about the crash but I'm glad to hear you're not hurt any worse than you were.  Hoping you get the bike back sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: RonandJanet on April 10, 2018, 09:14:54 PM
Sorry you had an accident but glad you are basically OK. The bike is repairable!  Nowadays everyone is told to not say anything especially don't say you are at fault or anything like that when they are in an accident. They even warn you not to help someone.  All this just in case they decide to sue. What a chitty world.

Heal up fast and be safe out there!
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: 110tHunDer on April 10, 2018, 09:15:33 PM
Prayers for a quick and complete recovery, Greg!
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: GregKhougaz on April 10, 2018, 11:45:12 PM
Thank you all for the kind words! I'm sure everything will work out.

Jerry, JC was kidding. He knows I practiced law for about 30 years. Of course, I seem to remember a saying about an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client.  :huepfenlol2: 
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: FlaHeatWave on April 10, 2018, 11:58:10 PM
Greg,

Wishing you a full & speedy recovery  ;D

E&J
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: bbrown on April 11, 2018, 04:34:04 AM
Glad everything is shaking out. Distracted driving will be the death of motorcycles it seems. I have been riding on the street since 16, I'm now 50. I tell anyone that asks me if they should learn to ride, that it is not worth it. I can't give it up, but its a different world for people trying to learn.


Well said.  I have had so many close calls in the last few years that I am getting nervous every time I ride........and that’s not good
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: D-N-D on April 11, 2018, 06:12:37 AM
Wow !! Hope everything works out for you and you feel better soon !!

Dante
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: naitram on April 11, 2018, 09:27:40 AM
get well soon Greg
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: 2soaper on April 11, 2018, 10:23:32 AM
Nice outcome.... defensive, defensive, defensive but still chit can happen.  lucky man you are.....
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: 08glide on April 11, 2018, 10:35:35 AM
Tougher than a Harley....I'll say AMEN to that.  Wow, Greg.  Glad you are only bruised and banged a bit.  Old blue looks a bit worse for wear but glad the insurance company is working in your favor.  That angel on your shoulder/back seat done good fer ya.

Keeping it real asking about the relationship status of the CHP officer...got a smile out of that one.

Praying for quick healing and fast, complete repair of the bike.

Indiana Jones said it best "It ain't the age, it's the mileage"[/color]


Howard just has a way with words. Glad you're not hurt any worse.. Thank the Lord. still should've had the leg checked. Take care & heal up quick & fully.

RIDE SAFE !      BE CAREFUL !!                  :orange:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: DCFIREMANN on April 11, 2018, 10:37:01 AM
Greg as some Ole Fireman told me many years ago. You got to be tough to get old. Glad you aren't worse off then you are. The bike looks beat up pretty good though. Get well soon.

Be Safe

THE DAWG
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Trapperdog on April 11, 2018, 10:42:40 AM
Glad to hear you are relatively unharmed Greg. Hopefully you and the bike will be up and running in no time.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: 08glide on April 11, 2018, 11:10:55 AM
Greg as some Ole Fireman told me many years ago. You got to be tough to get old.

father in law (89yrs old) keeps telling us, Getting old aint for sissy's. you thinks it's bad now, it's gonna get worse, he says. we don't bounce back or heal like we used to in our 20's& 30's.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Ironhorse on April 11, 2018, 11:47:21 AM
Damn Greg, so sorry to hear this. Have you seen a doctor yet for X-rays? Sounds like you might have more going on than bumps and bruises. Injuries to your foot and hand takes away from your love of dance and music too. How long did Bartels say it would take?

Speedy recovery my friend.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: RivRaptor on April 11, 2018, 12:03:42 PM
Glad to here you are ok other then some bruising & pain.  Everytime I get on my bike I worry about your same scenario, good thing you weren't going faster!  I don't know if it's everywhere or just here in SoCal but damn, people just drive like there is nobody else on the road.  Fast healing for you & your bike!
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: JCZ on April 11, 2018, 12:10:10 PM
Thank you all for the kind words! I'm sure everything will work out.

Jerry, JC was kidding. He knows I practiced law for about 30 years. Of course, I seem to remember a saying about an attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client.  :huepfenlol2:

Actually, I wasn't kidding.  Having practiced law before, I would have expected you to go to the hospital to get checked out.  The shock from the accident your body doesn't register the injuries and besides the outside things that you can see and feel, I know first hand that you can have a ruptured spleen and not even know it.  I've known of others that have had internal injuries and organ damage that weren't aware at the time.  Always go get checked out! 

I believe you missed my point but it was for your failure to get checked out is why I was suggesting not to just get an attorney but to get one that specializes in motorcycle accident/injuries.  Didn't want to assume anything.  :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: pudgeyxj on April 11, 2018, 03:05:14 PM
As I just went through this one month ago to the day. I'm glad you are ok, the bikes can be fixed, not so easy for them to repair you. Good luck with the repairs, sounds like it will go as easy as mine did. Other than still not having my bike back, it went pretty well.


Cheers from up north  :drink:

Paul
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: TN on April 11, 2018, 09:11:47 PM
Greg, hate to hear news like that but sounds like you’ll be ok and back in the saddle again soon. :2vrolijk_21:



TN
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: martys on April 11, 2018, 09:35:23 PM
So glad to hear that it is not as bad as it obviously could have been! Diane and I hope for a speedy recovery from the injuries and that everyone cooperates with the repairs of the bike.


Marty
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Twolanerider on April 11, 2018, 09:51:47 PM
Just saw this Greg.  So glad the collision was no worse on you than it was.  Heal up fast and feel good soon.  Take your time and enjoy any mods or upgrades you're able to sneak in to the bike repair  :2vrolijk_21: .
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: JayS on April 12, 2018, 09:17:47 AM
Gregg, sorry to hear of your accident.  Glad that you are only bruised and not broken.  Heal fast my friend, take care.

JayS (John)
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: BT on April 13, 2018, 10:49:21 PM
Greg, glad to hear you are “ok” .   Hope you heal quick.   :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: ultrafxr on April 14, 2018, 09:37:56 AM
Sorry about your injuries Greg. Hope you’re feeling better already.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: grandpadoc on April 14, 2018, 10:28:55 AM
Just saw this, hope your well on the way to recovery.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Bubba on April 14, 2018, 10:33:27 AM
Greg so sorry to hear about your injuries but glad that you are okay as i guess it could have been a lot worse.  And yes 60 is harder to recuperate than when you were 30 so hang in there and take care of yourself.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: GregKhougaz on April 15, 2018, 01:29:23 AM
Gentlemen, thank you all again for the kind words. JC is gets a big, "I told you so." Thursday evening a couple of friends took me out for dinner even though I was moving somewhat gingerly. When I tried to get back into a car after dinner, the pain was so excruciating it was definitely time to go get checked out. So, Saturday morning I went in for x-rays and the results were poor, at best. Two broken ribs (numbers 5 and 6) on the left side. Both are displaced but there is really not much they can do other than strap me up. They were somewhat surprised that I was ambulatory.

Even worse, my right thumb is fractured near the base and that fracture is displaced. The doctors believe it will require surgery and have referred me to a hand specialist which I of course cannot see until Monday. Not very good news for a guitar player. Really, this just makes it a slightly bigger bump in the road with a longer recovery. Everything will be fine....
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: JCZ on April 15, 2018, 04:38:17 AM
Wow, sorry to hear all of this.

I guess the upside is that it's just broken bones and no internal injuries.  They'll play humpty-dumpty with you and put you back together.  It's pretty amazing what they can do now days......even with compounded broken bones.  The only other thing I can share with you Greg.....follow the doctors directions...don't get to feeling good one day, over do it and end up aggravating the injuries.  Don't ask me how I'd know about that.......
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Ironhorse on April 15, 2018, 03:52:43 PM
Even worse, my right thumb is fractured near the base and that fracture is displaced. The doctors believe it will require surgery and have referred me to a hand specialist which I of course cannot see until Monday. Not very good news for a guitar player. Really, this just makes it a slightly bigger bump in the road with a longer recovery. Everything will be fine....

Greg,

I am glad you finally got checked out. It’s not much comfort, but be glad it’s just a fractured thumb. Most of the time it’s the thumb and a broken or shattered wrist. This is usually caused from applying front brake up to impact, which is the correct thing to do. I think the slower speed really reduced the hand injury.

Rest up and get well soon.

Mark
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: rayson56 on April 15, 2018, 04:38:51 PM
Greg,

I am glad you finally got checked out. It’s not much comfort, but be glad it’s just a fractured thumb. Most of the time it’s the thumb and a broken or shattered wrist. This is usually caused from applying front brake up to impact, which is the correct thing to do. I think the slower speed really reduced the hand injury.

Rest up and get well soon.

Mark

Ditto Greg, I hope that you're able to get this whole process in the rear view mirror sooner than later!

Kelly
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: ridgerunner50 on April 17, 2018, 03:42:10 AM
Glad you’re doin okay Gregg, when I got hit in 2016 by another cyclist from the rear I was relaxed so I wasn’t to injured, but it sure hurt. Get well so we can get together from some riding. I’ll be 68 this year and I’m not ready to stop riding.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: porthole on April 18, 2018, 09:52:45 AM
Hey Greg, sorry to read about your mishap, thankfully your were going slow.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: GregKhougaz on April 19, 2018, 04:48:23 PM
UPDATE #2:

Saw the Orthopedic hand specialist, yesterday. Took the disc of my X-RAYS with me, of course. An assistant comes in and tells me that my X-RAYS show 6 broken ribs; not 2 as the urgent care folks told me and that I have a pneumothorax (punctured lung). While I'm waiting for the Doctor, the urgent care facility calls to tell me almost the same thing. Very strange timing. Had to get a complete check up by an internist to get cleared for surgery but it's set for Tuesday morning. Lung seems to be healing. Still nothing to do for the ribs but the Doctors want to know how I'm walking around like this. Internist says they would never perform surgery until they were confident my lung was OK so I really have not lost any time.  Oh well....    :1112:

Doctor will move thumb back into proper position and insert a screw to keep it in place. Soon I'll be back to :guitarist:
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Ironhorse on April 19, 2018, 04:53:17 PM
Glad to hear Greg, rest up and heal quickly. Those docs will have you put back together quicker than Bartels will your bike.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: lowflight on April 21, 2018, 12:00:10 AM
Dang Greg, you are tougher than an HD! Heal quickly. Sorry to read of the real injuries that occurred, those ribs are a bugger.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: 2018_FLTRXSE on February 14, 2019, 12:47:12 AM
Greg,

So glad you are only slightly battered and bruised So sorry to hear of the extent of you injuries (now that I read through the 4 pages with your updates), 6 broken rims, punctured lung and a broken thumb... (most importantly the thumb!)

The Acura looks pretty bad off but dollar wise nowhere near your bike.

Just glad you are OK and able to tell the story.

Rob
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: GregKhougaz on February 14, 2019, 02:46:36 PM
Thank you for the kind words, guys. Feeling just fine these days.

Via Tapatalk

Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: Twolanerider on February 14, 2019, 10:45:35 PM
Man, saw this thread pop back up remembering that it had wound down last year and first fear was there'd been some kind of complication.  Relieved  :drink: .

Keep feeling good/better/however-much-she'll-let-you-get-away-with.
Title: Re: Are You Tougher Than A Harley-Davidson?
Post by: harleychef2011 on February 19, 2019, 09:17:18 PM
UPDATE #2:

Saw the Orthopedic hand specialist, yesterday. Took the disc of my X-RAYS with me, of course. An assistant comes in and tells me that my X-RAYS show 6 broken ribs; not 2 as the urgent care folks told me and that I have a pneumothorax (punctured lung). While I'm waiting for the Doctor, the urgent care facility calls to tell me almost the same thing. Very strange timing. Had to get a complete check up by an internist to get cleared for surgery but it's set for Tuesday morning. Lung seems to be healing. Still nothing to do for the ribs but the Doctors want to know how I'm walking around like this. Internist says they would never perform surgery until they were confident my lung was OK so I really have not lost any time.  Oh well....    :1112:

Doctor will move thumb back into proper position and insert a screw to keep it in place. Soon I'll be back to :guitarist:

Holy CHIT man!  WOW!  So sorry to hear of this whole situation and circumstances.  DEFINITELY get a lawyer!  Glad you are "ok" (wounds heal, I hear the saying goes...) and stuff can get replaced.

Gonna make for a hell of a story to tell!  Get well soon!