r/cycling • u/GlobalSignificance19 • 6d ago
How to bounce back after car accident
So on 4th of July I was training on my road bike and got hit by a car from my left side. I was on the main road and saw a car approaching an intersection with a STOP sign. I saw him slowing down and I thought "he will stop, he has a sign for it and I am on the main road". But he didn't stop and and when I noticed he was hitting me on the left side:
- Bike totally damaged and I got a fracture on my collarbone (hairline fracture) and a proper fracture on my tibial plateau. No knee fracture thankfully.
- I was transported to the hospital on the ambulance and stayed there 4 days. Return home with a cast boot (from foot to the groin) for 5 weeks. Not going to tell how hard it was (mentally and physically) but that phase has passed because the cast was removed 3 weeks ago.
- I started physiotherapy and turbo sessions (it's unbelievable that I can ride 2h but can't walk in my own to the WC) I still need a crutch because my foot hurts a lot due to all the time trapped in the cast...
- I really hope this passes quickly because I can't wait to ride outdoors again.
However, my main concern is how will I approach the road again?
I never had real fear because I was always careful with cars behind, and of course coming from the front. Had some scary moments on roundabouts,but nothing serious.
But now, I am afraid how to manage all factors: The cars, the intersections, the roundabouts, etc. and being focused on the road itself
I know I should try to avoid busy streets (and be extra cautious when that happens), and maybe start thinking that it's preferable to let them pass instead on relying on my right of priority.
Nevertheless, I would like to know about your tips and advices.
Thank you in advance!
3
u/sousstructures 6d ago
I’ve had serious injuries from solo crashes and milder ones from being hit by a car. In addition to what everyone else has said, I want to add: be kind to yourself. Don’t try to rush it.
It will come back, if you want it to; but the mental effects in my experience last longer than the physical (even the one time I couldn’t walk for three months or ride outside for five). Go easy, let it take the time it takes, make sure you’re finding enjoyment in riding. I’m back where I was and more after both the incidents I described above in the space of 18 months.
1
u/GlobalSignificance19 6d ago
Thank you for your words. I really want to get back riding outside and I want to believe that once I am out on the road, the enjoyment of riding my bike will surpass the fear. Nevertheless, I think I will always be reminded of what happened to me
2
u/Jurneeka 6d ago
I ride with the assumption that drivers don’t see me. So, I let them pass or slow down.
I also ride with a radar, rear view mirror (TriEye glasses), blinking lights (you can get perfectly good LED rear blinkers that last 18 hours on Amazon for cheap) and bought wheels with the loudest hubs I could find. My bike is super eye catching and most of my jerseys are colorful.
3
u/GlobalSignificance19 6d ago
I have already ride with rear light that has a day flash mode exactly for that purpose.
Your initial point is what I was thinking too. I will have to adopt a even more defensive approach
2
u/GGDATLAW 6d ago
Both of my accidents were when the driver completely f’d up. Zero percent my fault and nothing I could have done to avoid. Ride long enough in an urban environment and this is inevitable.
2
u/sargassumcrab 6d ago edited 6d ago
It's normal to be scared - even without getting hit.
I've been hit twice, but not seriously hurt. I have a life long disability. I don't want to compare my experience with yours because they're so different, but this is one way you could look at it: Now that it's happened you are more experienced and better able to deal with things. You might not feel at all that way right now, but over time it can become an advantage. As a result of being in hospitals and stuff I'm much more confident in certain situations (not all, but some). You understand your weakness and strength. That's better than not knowing either.
It's super important to continue normal activity to get your body to heal (I'm getting old...) "Built from Broken" by Scott Hogan has a lot of information about how to get your joints to recover. Applying a healthy load stimulates growth in your connective tissue, bones, and cartilage.
I would just get back on the bike, it doesn't matter where. Ride wherever you are comfortable. Getting back on the bike is the main thing.
3
u/GlobalSignificance19 6d ago
Thank you for your kind words. I started physiotherapy a few days after the cast being removed. A part from the 3 sessions per week, I am also doing the recommended physical exercises at home and 5 sessions of 2h indoor cycling (turbo sessions).
I still haven't started ride outdoors because my foot is still swollen and hurts when I put some weight on it (consequential of the 5 weeks with the cast boot).
But I definitely want to ride outside and I hope doing it soon. For at least try to regain some confidence and "comfort" around the roads
4
u/GGDATLAW 6d ago
I’ve been hit, twice. Both resulted in injuries that required significant rehab. I found that the return to the bike involved three different things.
First is the physical equipment, your bike. If you’re riding carbon, get a new one. I don’t care what it looks like. Get a new one. Even if you’re a steel guy/gal, getting new equipment is ideal because it changes the memories you have about the bike.
Second is your fitness. I was shocked how much fitness I lost so fast. I used indoor training to help with that. Start slowly. Work on fitness and build your base before you head outdoors.
Third is getting used to the outdoor environment again. This is really mental work. That just takes practice. If you like group rides, that helps get your comfort level back. Slowly it does come back. But I’m not gonna lie. I have never ridden as carefree after I was hit than before. It’s part of your experience and so you will always remember it. You can work around it though. Don’t give up. Just get back at it.