Collision Report: Hit by tow truck (Detailed Pictures)

[Sukka_Foo_46]

Collision Report: Hit by tow truck

Hello BARF,

Accident occured near the Serra Way and 237/Calaveras intersection in Milpitas. I just left my dentist office, hit a light and then it happened soon after my light turned green. I was traveling at 25-30mph at the time I was struck. There are two lanes on either side of traffic and I was riding in the lane closest to the median. Tow truck on the opposite side of traffic is stopped and continues to make a left turn into a 76 gas station, or U-turn possibly. I already had the lane at the time but as I saw he continued to initiate a left turn into my lane, I tried and swerved as best as I could to avoid any collision but unfortunately struck me and threw me off and over the bars.

I'm lucky that I escaped serious injury but I'm pending scans to see if I'll need any work on my shoulder. No broken bones or fractures. Also HUGE thanks to the people who were kind enough to grab my phone for me and take photos and who stuck around for the witness reports/statements :thumbup

Here is the map of the accident, tow truck being the black line and the red line is me.

 

[latindane]

Sorry to hear about the crash, hope the injuries are minimal. Regarding the incident, you will want to check out Traffic Tactics: Left-Turning Vehicles in the 1Rider subforum if you haven't already. Page 1 and 2... and 4... and probably others, have lots of good stuff, especially from DataDan, on relevant tactics.

 

[Enchanter]

The Crash Analysis forum tries to focus on what you could have done to avoid this crash.

In retrospect what could you have done differently? What will you do the next time you find yourself in a similar situation?

 

[Enchanter]

Reminder: the intent CA forum is analysis of the causes or cause factors of the crash.

If it's not crash analysis, it will be removed.

 

[danate]

Did you collide with the front end of the tow truck? Was he completely blocking your lane or just entering it?

After the fact, did the tow truck driver say he saw you or didn't see you?

Glad you're alright!

 

[dravnx]

Reminder: the intent CA forum is analysis of the causes or cause factors of the crash.

If it's not crash analysis, it will be removed.

Went back and read the sticky. Got it.

Now to the analysis. As you moved to the inside lane, did you see the tow truck and was he signaling the turn? Where was the sun? Was there any other vehicles obstructing the trucks view of you?

 

[LectricBill]

Sorry for your crash and glad it wasn't worse. The above questions will help you and us analyze it more accurately. In reading your post, I was struck with this line as the one that gets us all"

"I thought he would have yielded to me already having the lane with cars behind me."

If we NEVER assume our right-of-way will be honored; indeed if we assume that they WILL target us, we can maintain our edge and pray that that will be enough to stay out of trouble.

You sound like you had quite a bit of time to assess his intention and I'm wondering if you scrubbed off some speed as you approached.

Also, reviewing the SMIDSY video may be useful for you in the future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqQBubilSXU

 

[dkcwenge]

Keep in mind, I already had the lane here

If we NEVER assume our right-of-way will be honored; indeed if we assume that they WILL target us, we can maintain our edge and pray that that will be enough to stay out of trouble.

definitely could have ended differently - glad you are well enough to post here!

I have to agree with Bill. I mentality of "i have the right of way" may be legally correct, but it can also be extremely dangerous. I would have to say that this would apply in either the case that he lurched in front of you or if you were speeding inattentively.

The dangerous part of local riding (on surface streets) is that there are so many different possible maneuvers a car/truck can make. Giving yourself as many "possible outs" is key!

 

[Sukka_Foo_46]

Yeah, the collision was on the left portion of the tow truck's front bumper. He was entering the lane as I was going straight. I didn't speak with him much as I was gathering myself and everybody on the phone around me, paramedics came quickly and I didn't get a chance to speak with him at all unfortunately.

And thank you, I'm really glad I'm okay and recovering

Did you collide with the front end of the tow truck? Was he completely blocking your lane or just entering it?

After the fact, did the tow truck driver say he saw you or didn't see you?

Glad you're alright!

 

[Sukka_Foo_46]

Yeah I agree, thanks for the input here guys, I appreciate it. Reflecting back on it now, I wasn't giving myself as many possible outs as I could have in that situation.

definitely could have ended differently - glad you are well enough to post here!

I have to agree with Bill. I mentality of "i have the right of way" may be legally correct, but it can also be extremely dangerous. I would have to say that this would apply in either the case that he lurched in front of you or if you were speeding inattentively.

The dangerous part of local riding (on surface streets) is that there are so many different possible maneuvers a car/truck can make. Giving yourself as many "possible outs" is key!