Accident with a cyclist last night...

"505Turbeaux" (505turbeaux)
10/08/2014 at 07:50 • Filed to: None

I could have hurt someone pretty bad last night. I am still looking to come to a resolution with my own mind if I was in the wrong. I went into town to go get some pizza. I was actually hyper conscious of cyclists, waving many on because I knew they were going to zip through the stop sign anyhow. But anyhow I parked, I looked in my door mirror to make sure there was noone coming, and it was dark. Should have seen a light if anyone was coming. I open the door and BANG a cyclist going down the hill hits it, without a front or rear light on his bike. Luckily he was wearing a helmet because his bike went out into the street, he gets flung all the way to the car in front of me. Somehow all it screws up is his bell on his bike. He immediately starts taking pictures of my car and the scene as I am trying to make sure he is ok. The he finally says he is alright but leave everything as it is because he is going to call the cops. Then I get pissed because I smell a lawsuit. My town is very friendly towards all pedestrians, even in the wrong. I reminded him that it is the law to have a light front and rear on his bike after sundown and he decides he doesn't want a ticket. I pay for his bell which was a couple of bucks, he leaves. Now I get to the Mercedes, the window frame is bent and the door wont latch. I took out a hammer and beat the check strap mounting back into "place" and was able to bend the window frame back just enough to get it shut. Lost some trim from the overextension. Just one more reason I need to move out of town. People just don't pay attention. I don't see this as being my fault if I cannot see you, and I looked, but I could be wrong? I am still pretty shook up, but I still dont see how he made it so unscathed also. Below is the damage, think I can bend most of it back into shape for the time being

Trim:

how the door frame sits fully closed:

Door check mounting all out of shape

Door is striking funny now too:

DISCUSSION (72)

Crocket Bernet > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 07:53

You don't seem to be in the wrong, I would have called the cops myself.

ArmadaExpress drives a turbo outback > Crocket Bernet
10/08/2014 at 07:56

Id have gotten his identifying info and taken pictures myself, then called the cops.

Brian Silvestro > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 07:57

Nah you didn't do anything wrong. There's no way you'd be at fault if he didn't have the light on his bike.

Milky > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 07:57

If cyclists in your town are supposed to have lights at night, that means at night you look for lights. He's a dick for hurting the Benz.

quarterlifecrisis > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 07:59

I don't think you're in the wrong. You checked, he was in violation of a code/ordinance/law designed to protect him in that exact type of situation.

thebigbossyboss > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:03

Sorry that happened. Here right in front of work one day someone got doored, then they got run over. At least THAT didn't happen.

If you checked your mirror before you open your door, as I always do, then you weren't in the wrong. Sorry your door got messed.

samssun > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:04

You obviously should've Finished Him.

505Turbeaux > thebigbossyboss
10/08/2014 at 08:04

oh christ, did they make it?

505Turbeaux > samssun
10/08/2014 at 08:06

haha

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:09

The law is the law. He had no lights so how could you see him?

Recently in my town a guy jaywalking at midnight wearing all black (no lights) was struck by a car who couldn't see the man. Pedestrian sues but loses! Court says that the pedestrian was in the wrong for jaywalking and not being visible!

So, sorry about the Benz. But I'm assuming by the way he reacted even he knew he was in the wrong.

kanadanmajava1 > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:13

I have couple of friends who have managed to crash into an opening car door. Both got arm damage but luckily no head injuries. They both did this during daytime.

I have had one close call while riding a bicycle but not with my car door.

Imirrelephant > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:20

Dude, you were not in the wrong. If anything, I would have called the cops on him. This clown expects you to see him in the dark with no lights on? Then he has the nerve to start taking pictures and say he's going to call the cops?!?!? What an asshat!

On top of that, he caused damage to your car.

thebigbossyboss > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:20

Sadly no. Count your blessings this could have been a LOT worse.

Agrajag > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:20

Not your fault. I'm am however sad about two things. The damage to your car and that there is no video of what I surmise to be a pretty hilarious pole vault.

505Turbeaux > thebigbossyboss
10/08/2014 at 08:24

yeah, shit no doubt

505Turbeaux > Agrajag
10/08/2014 at 08:25

ha yes, it totally was a good vault there

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:26

You did everything right. He did everything wrong.

jariten1781 > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:32

This is why bicyclists using mixed lanes need to have insurance. If they did you could have just exchanged info and let the insurance companies duke it out.

Sorry it happened, falls in the category of shit luck in my book.

505Turbeaux > jariten1781
10/08/2014 at 08:33

I agree with this for sure. And totally shit luck

ly2v8-Brian > jariten1781
10/08/2014 at 08:36

Exactly if they feel they must ride on the road then they should have to have a License plate and insurance.

Boss2452stolemylunchmoney > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:37

Well, you should have called the cops. It was totally the cyclists fault... I say this as a cyclist. That cyclist should be paying to fix your car. He was required to have lighting. You did all that could have been expected of you to avoid an accident, looking in your mirror before opening your door.

Whenever I ride near parked cars, I always stay door length away from the cars, especially if I can't see into the car. And, I am always hyper aware at dusk; even with a light, people don't notice you.

505Turbeaux > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney
10/08/2014 at 08:38

I have been a cyclist forever, which is probably why this baffles and worries me so much.

Boss2452stolemylunchmoney > jariten1781
10/08/2014 at 08:44

Homeowners liability covers accidents outside the home not otherwise covered by a policy. I've checked.

Boss2452stolemylunchmoney > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:45

It's not too late to file an accident report.

$kaycog > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:46

Not your fault. I always give cyclists a wide berth because a lot of them don't go by the rules of the road. Yesterday, at a roundabout, the cyclist in front of me, went the wrong way because it was shorter for him. So sorry about your car.

trmoore09 > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:46

Sounds like their fault. Damn you hillsborough street, damn you!

505Turbeaux > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney
10/08/2014 at 08:48

probably not a bad plan. I need to run and see if I can grab another door off a parts car (I just got the damaged one rust free and painted, of course)

505Turbeaux > $kaycog
10/08/2014 at 08:49

thanks $kay, I do the same...when I can see them!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 08:58

Totally the cyclists fault. Too bad he didn't get hurt. If you just parked, it should have been incredibly obvious to the cyclist that the door was going to open.

505Turbeaux > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
10/08/2014 at 09:02

I had just parked, my brake lights must have been off for a few seconds. and I had already checked my mirror

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:08

Looks like you were run into by a member of the Entitled Cyclist subgroup, or Enticylist for short.

Sn210 > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:11

If only you drove a Lamborghini, then this would have never happened. Seriously though glad the guy didn't injure himself and think he could come after you. How could you see him if he doesn't have any lights?

Kinja'd!!!

Bad Idea Hat > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:17

I like cyclists. Actually, the folks who cycle to work I envy (and fear for, but that's because my area is a really bad place for non-cars). That said, you were not wrong. He should have known enough to protect himself by following the law and having lighting, and he didn't.

I had to yell at a guy this summer who had similar commuting patterns as me, but on a bike. He would just blow through a light that directed traffic to two 4-lane roads .

Coty > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:23

He just produces a camera from the innards of his ass? I mean, who the fuck goes out for a bike ride with a camera?

505Turbeaux > Coty
10/08/2014 at 09:23

ha it was his iPhone, of course

Coty > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:29

I see. That seems more likely.

offroadkarter > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:32

You were in the wrong for not slugging him in the skull with your hammer after he threatened to call the cops on you for hitting your car.

I fucking hate cyclists, they bitch about wanting equal treatment on the roads then disobey the laws entirely.

KnotThatBusy > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 09:48

Not your fault. Almost ran over a cyclist this morning at 5:45 am.....he had no lights and was running stop signs...

JGrabowMSt > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 10:14

In the end, you both walked away unscathed, and in the end, that's the most important bit.

Sad to see another oppo wagon hurt right now. I just found the dash cam video of the magnum....that noise....

505Turbeaux > JGrabowMSt
10/08/2014 at 10:16

ugh I am curious about that though for sure

JGrabowMSt > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 10:20

I'll cut the video down and send it to you.

DWarner89 > trmoore09
10/08/2014 at 10:40

Raleigh? The cyclists here are the worst

trmoore09 > DWarner89
10/08/2014 at 10:46

Yup, his picture appears to be in Raleigh.

trmoore09 > DWarner89
10/08/2014 at 10:57

Actually I think the pic is from raleigh, but he's not actually from Raleigh. However, I am.

TheKug > Boss2452stolemylunchmoney
10/08/2014 at 11:02

Same here. It's usually better to ride in the lane a bit more when there are a lot of parallel parked cars. With a rear light and reflective gear, the cars behind you are going to see you a lot more than people opening doors. I doubt most people are checking that well for cyclists (or even cars, in my experience) before throwing their doors open.

Boss2452stolemylunchmoney > TheKug
10/08/2014 at 14:04

Agreed.

n54 & s38 > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 15:34

That really sucks man. Doesn't sound like you were in the wrong at all to me. I love that he's bitching about his bell when your door frame is all fucked.

Doug DeMuro > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 15:57

That really sucks. It annoys me to no end when cyclists ride around without lights — it is SO dangerous for them and for everyone else. Does the door frame let in any water?

505Turbeaux > Doug DeMuro
10/08/2014 at 16:00

yeah, it did last night, I tweaked the window frame back today just enough to keep it tight. I'll straighten it further tonight, along with the door check and see if I can close the door correctly. If there is one thing a Mercedes door should do, it is close like a bank vault. This one closes like a damn 1983 Lebaron convertible with half a million miles on it :)

Doug DeMuro > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 16:01

Wonder if maybe you should've called the cops. You definitely risk a ticket yourself, then — it's hard to know exactly how the officer would view it.

505Turbeaux > Doug DeMuro
10/08/2014 at 16:07

yeah one thing I know about my town is there is alot of grey area when it comes to pedestrians and cyclists vs. cars. Almost any time you are crossing the street from a sidewalk to a sidewalk (not even in the crosswalk), if you are hit, the driver is at fault somehow. I didn't go there, I was super shook and didn't realize the damage to my car. And relieved everyone was alright. If my hand was 3 inches closer to the edge of the door I would have lost fingers. Just crazy.

AWESOM-O > offroadkarter
10/08/2014 at 16:17

And then he'd be looking at a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon. You might sound smarter if you left your internet muscles at home.

AWESOM-O > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 16:31

As a car enthusiast and cyclist, I'm not blaming the driver but I am appalled by some these comments condemning the cyclist. I have lights on all my bicycles and use them most of the time. Unfortunately, delivery boys often steal your lights if you leave them on your bike (in NYC). Sometimes lights discharge batteries prematurely. Sometimes they malfunction in the rain. Sometimes you stay out later than planned. Shit happens, and it doesn't mean that cyclist "deserves" to get doored, or "slugged with a hammer" (see that idiotic post below), or injured. That mid-90's Benz car door can be fixed. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt.

505Turbeaux > AWESOM-O
10/08/2014 at 16:33

very true, these lights didn't exist though. I am getting to the fixes tonight and hopefully it will close. I am happy as well noone was hurt

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 16:36

Sounds like you should have let him call the cops. He may have gotten a ticket and had to pay for the damage to your car if he was riding illegally. Assuming that's really a law in your city you could have pulled that off.

if anything you can sleep easy knowing you did the right thing by 1) being more concerned about his well being than any damages first and 2) paying for his bell.

505Turbeaux > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
10/08/2014 at 16:38

truth. Yes it is a law in my town, lights front and back if you are riding after or close to dark. Hell I put mine on if it is cloudy out

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 16:39

yea, should've just say back and said SURE GIVE EM A CALL, I'LL WAIT!

BigHarv > $kaycog
10/08/2014 at 17:51

A driver did that to me while I was on my bike-even scarier!

$kaycog > BigHarv
10/08/2014 at 18:06

That really would be scarier! Hey, would you like to have authorship on Oppositelock? I can add you, if you'd like.

Jack C > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 18:25

As a cyclist my self I can definitely say that the rider was in the wrong. For starters he should have a front and rear light on his bike. If is dark out I will have my lights on my bike to keep me and other people safe.

Also, he should have been more cautious of someone opening a car door. If I am riding I always try and ride at least a door length away from parallel parked cars, again to keep me safe.

It was his fault. He made stupid choices and hopefully(probably not) will not do it again.

505Turbeaux > Jack C
10/08/2014 at 18:31

Defensive driving + defensive riding is good for all on the road. Thanks for your comment

BigHarv > $kaycog
10/08/2014 at 19:28

Nah, but thanks for the offer. I spend too much time on here as it is.

$kaycog > BigHarv
10/08/2014 at 19:37

Okay. I know what you mean.

Dar > Crocket Bernet
10/08/2014 at 19:46

I too would have called the cops. He was in the wrong.

My friend t-boned a car riding his bike (on the sidewalk) while the car was exiting the driveway of a gas station. He ended up having to pay for the damages to the vehicle as it is illegal to ride on the sidewalk. Just food for thought.

JDIGGS > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 19:55

Riding at Night without a light = you deserve to die. Hate this arrogant mentality of cyclists and I do nothing to make way for ones riding at night without a light.

wkiernan > 505Turbeaux
10/08/2014 at 20:31

It appears to me you did nothing wrong. I've ridden a lot of miles on bikes and while I almost got wiped out by a truck mirror once I never ran into the door of a car that was standing still because it's my ass if I go against a car so I look out for obvious danger like that and I don't ride recklessly. In a proper world this irresponsible jerk would be on the hook for your car repairs

Caml > offroadkarter
10/09/2014 at 06:01

Glad I don't live in your town...or at least I think I don't live in your town....

Caml > $kaycog
10/09/2014 at 06:28

There are different rules for different types of transportation. Pedestrians have one set, cars have one set, even trucks and motorcycles get special rules in some places (no-passing zones and lane-splitting, respectively), but cyclists seem to get the shaft most everywhere- sidewalks are a bad idea and often illegal, but roads are....unfriendly, and nobody pays attention to bike lanes.
There are certainly morons on bicycles out there- the people that ride against traffic with no helmets ("salmon") and blow through red lights, for instance, but what drivers seem to get most worked up about are cycling facts of life, and are generally "best practice." Treating stop signs as "yields," for instance, especially 4-ways, is so common because it just makes sense- bikes can see better, hear better, turn sharper, and stop shorter than cars, and can usually determine sooner than a car driver can if cross traffic is ahead and pedal on/stop accordingly.

That said, I appreciate you giving us a wide berth, regardless of the motivation- it's much safer for both parties and makes for a much nicer riding experience.

evodad > 505Turbeaux
10/09/2014 at 12:36

I feel for you. I once had my insurance doubled for three years because I pulled out in front of a car I couldn't see because it didn't have its lights on when it was supposed to (dusk nearly dark, in a line of traffic that had its lights on). Since I pulled out it was my fault, yet the act of not obeying the law by the other driver made it so I couldn't see them and in turn pulled out. I'll argue to the day I die it was there fault, but unfortunately that's not the way the law/insurance looked at it.

strayts > 505Turbeaux
10/09/2014 at 23:09

He should be paying for that damage. End of story.

Tina Corbett > 505Turbeaux
12/04/2014 at 16:12

Lemme ask you this:

If a car was driving at that time with no lights, blew the stop signs and then tried to go around you and then hit your open door...who would be at fault?

If you're a cyclist and you're on the roads, you need to follow the SAME DAMN LAWS as the powered vehicles.

505Turbeaux > Tina Corbett
12/04/2014 at 16:14

100% the truth. I was so rattled and glad noone died I didnt even think about the liability of the matter