Damn

[chelelev]

Mark got rear ended at a light today.  Well within that mile they say most accidents happen.  He was on the bike but luckily it was only the cargo trailer that died.  There is a hitch that might not be usable and a broken piece of Goldwing above where the trailer hitch was mounted.

Mark couldn't see that the turn arrow was lit and didn't go.  The truck behind did try to go.  That did not work out well for either one of them.  Spend about 30 minutes waiting for various police agencies to arrive.  Kid wants to handle it without insurance companies, fine by me as long as he pays.  Don't pay, insurance companies are involved.

Mark keeps saying it wasn't that kid's fault completely.  I keep wanting to whack him upside the head everytime he says it.  How many times do I need to tell him 1. never ever say it was your fault and 2. it is always the person who rear ends you fault.

At least the bike didn't go down.  I was all set to chew the kid a new one if that is what happened.  Mark and guilty one just lifted the cargo trailer onto the kid's truck and brought it home.

Comments

[flyingwolf.livejournal.com]

I was rear ended once in a car and also told the kids mom that it wasn't completely the kids fault. She was so upset - it was her first NEW car and it was badly smashed. I think the speed limits was 45 and we were both going below that - but it was a rainy Friday at 5:00 and we didn't anticipate that traffic would be backed up as far as it was. I topped a hill, saw stopped cars and hit the brakes and went into the shoulder 'cause I wasn't sure I'd stop in time. I stopped in time, he didn't. But at least my car wasn't a sandwhich. Legally, he was 100% at fault as he was driving too fast for conditions. BUT, if I had been going slower he would have been going slower and we both would have stopped in time.

Rear ending someone at a green light has similar fault issues. If Mark had gone when the light turned green, he wouldn't have gotten hit. BUT the truck driver is legally at fault. You can't expect cars to go every time the light turns green - things happen. Mechanical failure, jay walkers or inattention happen. And being in control of your vehicle to react properly is something the driver is always* responsible for. (*except in certain extreme circumstances)

[chelelev.livejournal.com]

So far the kid is taking full responsibility. He wasn't issued a ticket at the scene, I think the state trooper will mail him one. Either way, it won't be an issue unless kiddo doesn't pay.

I rear ended someone and can't remember if I got a ticket or not. I was going too fast, not paying attention, traffic stopped, there was no where for me to go, I was trying to turn the wheel and head to the grass.

[maryjo.livejournal.com]

That stinks! At least Mark didn't get hurt...did he?

[chelelev.livejournal.com]

Not at all. It was a very slow speed impact, only the cargo trailer got hurt. Mark said the fact the hitch's bolts weren't that long saved the bike. I have no idea how/what he is talking about.

[maryjo.livejournal.com]

A bike and/or cargo trailer can be replaced, but Mark can't :o) I'd have no clue what he's talkin about either...LoL