Car + Bike = Bad News

So I'm quite excited to be working with a coach now, my first week of training was complete, it was all HR tests and speed tests... now I'm on the the actual training. I set of Saturday morning for my 1:20hr spinning ride, and I was about 1:10hr into and I was thinking about being home, I was quite bored with my ride, and didn't really like the route I had picked. I was near downtown Anseong, and crossing an intersection when a car from the other side decided not to stop. I was more then 1/2way across the intersection and did what I could (slow down and turn left!) to avoid meeting the car's grill.... it wasn't enough, I ended up being hit by the car anyway. I was a bit shocked it happened. I jumped up as soon as it happened to make sure the guy driving didn't leave. I looked at my bike, front tire was completely bent! I was so angry! I called my co-teacher right away to have her talk to the guy, I didn't want to him drive away and leave me with a broken bike, stranded. Luckily, as I was calling my co-teacher, a police officer pulled up. I had my co-teacher talk with him. She and another co-worker were on their way. Even though it was Saturday morning, the school was still open, classes are still going on... ick! The police office kept asking me if I needed to go to the hospital, I said I was ok... they were all very concerned about all the blood coming from my elbow. It was dripping... a bit gross, but it wasn't a bad cut. After about 10min my co-teacher and co-worker showed up, they all insisted I go to the hospital and at least get x-rays, so I went. They took my bike to an impound place, I assume they gave the driver a ticket (but who knows), they said I would hear from the insurance company soon. By the time I finished at the hospital (only about 30min they are quick here), I had received a text from the insurance company with their phone number and a case number. After I got home, I showered and relaxed, I started to feel some pain, mainly just aches. I did feel dizzy when I was standing, my ears were ringing, my head hurt, and I was nauseous. All signs of a concussion.... so after a few hours of trying to relax, I decided to go back to the hospital. HA! This is how much of a JOKE the hospital in my city is... 1st, they never once asked about my head the first time I was there. Then when I go back to tell them all my symptoms, the one thing they care about the most is that I'm nauseous, and they give me a shot and some medicine for digestion.... idiots!!!! They said if my head still hurt on Monday they would give me a CT scan. Good thing I've had a concussion before and I'm not an idiot... I spent the rest of my day watching some movies with a friend who offered to come over and chill out with me. It was very nice of her! She cooked some soup for me too! :) The next day, I was sore... very sore!!! I spent the day just relaxing, I talked to my coteacher, she said to just take Monday off school. My head was feeling much better but my back was really hurting. I was using ice and heat to help ease the pain. I went back to see the doctor on Tuesday morning, he told me I should take 2 weeks off from working out... I thought to myself, they guy is crazy. He is not a sports doctor and he doesn't have a clue how my body functions. I probably could have run as soon as Wednesday, if not run, for sure swim, but I 1/2 listened to the doctor. I did my first run on Saturday, just a week after the accident and I felt great. Took it slow and easy, but no problems at all.


After being told to take 2 weeks off, I was upset. Between the time off and my bike being ruined, it was looking like my summer vacation was going to suck! While roof-top tanning, the idea came to me about going away, just lounging on a nice beach somewhere. FAR away from Korea! Perfect idea... I looked up plane tickets online, and within about 24hours I had booked a flight to Thailand. I would leave on Sunday. I had something to look forward to now, a new place to run and swim, plus tan, relax, read, and do some fun activities!!! 


Within a few days I was feeling back to normal. I elbow still hurt a bit, and my bruises were still there to remind me of the accident. They were big and ugly on my legs and arms. They were there for about a week. Now the biggest stress, dealing with an insurance company to get my bike paid for. UGH!


The insurance company so far has worked quickly. Within a few days they had an offer to me, they said the accident was 60% their clients fault and 40% my fault, ha! They offered to pay 100% of my medical costs, but would only pay 60% of the bike repair costs. I think that this has to be a joke or a nightmare. Not a chance in the world am I going to come out of pocket... If I hadn't slowed down and turned (which is why I assume they think it's partly my fault) they I could be dead, I sure as heck wouldn't have gotten away with just a few bruises. These people are crazy!!!!! At this point, I am refusing their tiny offer. I am just waiting to hear from them again. I am very anxious to get a new bike and get back out there. Hopefully this will end well and soon!