I was in an accident, a driver turned left in front of me at an
intersection when I had the right of way. There's witnesses, the
woman driver admitted fault so looks like I've got a claim, no problem
there.
I had a couple seconds to scrub off some speed before I hit her, but I
figure I hit her at about 15 mph. Her right rear quarter (99 Camry)
panel has a big dent in it. I flipped over her trunk and landed on
the other side of the car. I must admit it's all a bit of a fog but I
had witnesses tell me what happened so there. So I got a jammed thumb
and sore shoulder and a little road rash, otherwise I'll live to fight
another day.
Here's the thing, I was amazed the bike was mostly okay other then a
couple visible scrapes. When I surveyed the bike afterwards, both
wheels were knocked out of alignment. The chain was off and part of
it tangled in the rear wheel, it also came off the rear dérailleur
lower pulley wheel. The bars and left brake were both about 30
degrees off center. Neither tire was flat.
Here's the resultant *visible* damage: Record Shifter/Brake (lever and
hood) and the seat is scraped. Left side pedal. All the cork tape on
the left side. I'll want those replaced, I can't see the insurance
arguing about that. But after I got the chain back on, put the wheels
and bars back in place it all looked okay. The wheels aren't even out
of true (maybe very slightly). I rode the last 10 miles away from
there and it rolled as good after as before.
Here's my question - I got a CF frame, fork and wheels that *look*
okay, but are you going to want to ride these after such an accident?
Not to mention the alu. bars and stem (3TTT). Do I have a valid right
to want those replaced? I would think so but will an Insurance
Company? It's State Farm. I'm talking about a Giant TCR-0 and
Reynolds Cirro SV's. In my mind it puts to rest any questions of how
tough those Reynolds are .. nevertheless I'm still not sure if I
should keep riding them.