The most stressful time of my life...

[Slater]

Well... now I've done it... Something that will probably follow me for the rest of my life.

I made the assumption that going through a green light was a gimme, free from risk. I was wrong. Today, as I crossed a busy intersection, a bicyclist rode directly infront of my car, leaving me about 25 feet to go from 45mph to 0.

I didn't make it. I managed to slow myself down to about 15mph before plowing straight into him. He got up, we exchanged information... He called the police, but they didn't come because he claimed he wasn't injured. He even said that he wouldn't need to go to the hospital or anything... so then I left.

Well, turns out that he did go to the hospital. No major injuries, but... he wants money from me... How much, I don't know. Maybe just enough to pay for a new bike... maybe a few hundred thousand for emotional damages... I don't know...

Right now, this all seems so surreal to me. Right when I'm getting my confidence in driving back after my last accident (which took place 12 months ago at the exact same intersection), I nearly kill someone. My insurance company tells me that they'll handle it and that, from my story, it wasn't my fault, but I don't know... What if I get sued? How will I ever drive again? When I saw his body hit my windshield like that... It's the most horrible thing I've ever seen in my life. The more I think about these things, the less certain about my future I become...

[CephasWhite]

Slater, these things randomly happen to everybody. I'm sorry to hear about what's going on with you through this, and I hope and pray things WILL get worked out. You're probably going through shock right now, but it WILL pass.

Just remember, HE'S NOT DEAD! In your defense, he should have watched where he was going, and you had the green.

Pray that you'll be at peace and that the biker will see that it was an accident, and if there are charges, God willing it will be fair for you and for him.

Just keep praying my friend, it was an accident, remember that. You will keep driving, God willing you will.

[SP1]

Praying for you. Let the insurance company handle it. Talk to them about refering any questions to them, etc. That is, your insurance company might not want you to make any statements on the record to anyone but them (initially). The bicyclist probably got "talked to" by someone who encourged this behavior. You need to avoid directly dealing with this guy's lawyer, etc. until you've discussed this matter with your insurance company. This type of law varies by state, especially if you are in a "no fault" state. Ask your insurance company if you can even be sued in your state for this kind of thing.

[Mithrandir]

I'm totally in agreement with SP1.

Ask your insurance company if they want you to just send everyone to them. They deal with this a lot, and tend to be less emotionally attached to each case.

You can know we'll be praying for you.

[ChristianKitsune]

Praying for ya! Just have faith in God that everything will be okay. The guy wasnt hurt too bad...so don't worry..how much could it cost?

This actually happened to me when I was young. I was stupid, and didn't watch where I was going and I was hit by a car on a bike... I defiantely know what a bug felt like, but I was totally fine. just a chipped tooth and scraped up knee and an incomprehensible fear of driving XD.

It's okay! don't worry, you'll be fine!

[Sammy Boy]

I've just prayed for you.

I hope the truth prevails (i.e. not your fault).