Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum

Search Sort Posts:  Oldest to newest Newest to oldest

07-09-2010, 10:21 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 DanTheCXMan's accident update Hi Everyone, Thought I would take a moment to update you all while I lie here, wallowing in self-pity and frustration while I should be out riding or sailing or something! First of all, the accident: Absolutely, positively my fault. I was crossing a busy intersection in Dover, Delaware, just five miles from my Mom's house. I somehow missed seeing a car coming from my right. Yeah, maybe he was speeding a bit, but we'll never know. Fact is, if I had turned my head and looked down the street, completely, for a second time, I would have seen the brand new 2010 Ford Taurus coming my way. But I didn't. I smashed into his left front quarter panel, immediately after which my bike was turned in the same direction he was traveling, whereupon I continued to smash the entire left side of his car--all the way to the left rear quarter panel. He was nice enough about it, just expressing concern for my condition. My condition: As I tried to get up, I couldn't put any weight on my right foot. I looked down and noticed the foot seemed kind of "floppy"--not a good sight or feeling! I hopped over to the curb while a couple of older men righted the bike and rolled it off the street and into a nearby parking lot. My Mom was right behind me in her car, so she took me to the ER at Kent General Hospital. I am now mentioning the name for reasons which will soon become readily apparent. Guess I should have asked for an ambulance because upon arrival at the ER, I was promptly shown to the waiting room where I sat in agony for almost two hours before being "triaged". I had a bad abrasion and swelling of the left shin (the most minor of my injuries), and my right leg was severly swollen from the knee down. And the pain...did I mention the pain? I really was in agony. After triage, it was determined I would be sent to the ER in fairly high priority over the other 30 odd people in the waiting room--which meant waiting only about an hour longer! So, three hours passed before I was in being looked at by a physician's assistant (apparently a new trick in ERs to "save" money--I suspect it's a profit thing, but who I am I to judge?). The PA sent me for x-rays, and here was the first major screw-up, if you don't count being ignored for 3 hours while in agony...they decided to just x-ray the left shin and the right ankle, despite my complaints of severe pain and swelling in the right calf area. A short while later, I was told the x-rays showed no fractures and was given a single Percocet plus a prescription to fill, an air cast for the right ankle, a pair of crutches, and released. Three days later, I got in to see an orthopaedic surgeon, which I think is exceptionally fast service. He examined me, looked at the x-rays, and suggested an MRI, which could be done the following day, a Saturday. Again, I'm pretty impressed. Things just don't happen that fast in Canada. While sitting at the check out desk at the ortho doc's office, I mentioned the pain and swelling in the right calf. He reconsidered my plight and ordered an immediate ultrasound to check for a bloodclot. That was done at KGH just an hour later, so again, this Canadian is pretty impressed with how well the U.S. system is working! Fortunately, the ultrasound showed there was no clot. The next day, I went for the MRI...my first ever. As I was being prepped on the table, I noticed the technician was just setting the machine up to do an MRI on my ankle. I suggested they should do from the knee down, as I had a lot of pain and swelling in the right calf (gastrocnemius muscle) area. Sorry, she said, the doctor didn't put that on the order, and she could only do what was ordered. But as long as we're here, I said, it only made sense to do it all. Sorry, no can do, came the reply. I returned to the ortho doc Monday morning and he went over the results. One torn ligament and one torn tendon. Not too bad...will probably heal on its own, but we'll reevaluate in a few weeks. He suggested I wear the "cam boot" that he prescibed on Friday and come back (or go back to Canada and see a Canadian doctor) in three weeks. I flew home on Tuesday, June 22, one week to the day, after the accident. I made my way into Halifax the next day to see my family doctor and get a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon to follow up on my case. It took two weeks to get in, and the ortho doc examined me--poked, prodded, asked lots of questions, and frowned. Frowned. "I'm sending you downstairs for an x-ray, and then I want you to come back up here." "But I have lots of x-rays from the States, see here, on these CD's they gave me." I even had the MRI and Ultrasound on CD! But the Canadian ortho doc said, "No, WE are going to do some x-rays of our own." Down I went to the x-ray department. This x-ray technician took quite a few more x-rays than what I got in the States, most notably the RIGHT LEG BETWEEN KNEE AND ANKLE. When I got back upstairs, I was shown into an examining room and told the doctor would be in in a minute. I sat on the bed and happened to notice x-ray images on the computer screen beside the bed. My name was clearly visible at the top, so I started looking at them. It took me about 2.5 seconds to see it...there was a NOTICEABLE fracture of the right fibula, one of the two lower leg bones. Clear as day. Amazing. NO WONDER I had so much swelling, bruising, and pain in the right leg! AND x-rays, an ultrasound, and an MRI in the U.S. at what must be a great expense didn't pick it up. All because a few medical practioners wouldn't pay attention to what the patient was telling them. Look folks, none of us are perfect, but I think there is a lesson here. If you are EVER hurt, and you think your caregivers are missing something, STAND FIRM (excuse the pun) and INSIST on getting a supervisor and/or second opinion. My treatment plan will really not change much, except that everything will be pushed back by this recent news. I'm now looking at a reassessment on August 3rd, and I hope I can start physiotherapy immediately after that visit. My only other advice to the forum members is to always, ALWAYS check right and left TWICE, and TURN YOUR HEAD and look down the street both times! DON'T trust a quick glance using your peripheral vision. I will also say I think the new touring boots I was wearing helped save my ankle. The ortho doc here in Canada was shocked that my ankle stayed in place. She described this as a MAJOR INJURY, as indicated by the fibula breaking. She really had trouble believing my ankle didn't simply shatter. I think this may have been because of the large round pad over the "outside" ankle area of the boot. For reference, these were Tour Master Solution Waterproof Road Boots, which I bought through Motorcycle Superstore, on sale, for $117--which is quite a splurge for me, as I am cheap! But I'm really glad I bought them now...it was only the second day I wore them when the accident happened. So take care, folks, wear good gear and look both ways, twice, everytime. Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

07-09-2010, 11:51 AM ScrapMetal Joined on 07-18-2009 NY/CT Posts 104 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Dan, A) glad to hear you are on the road to recovery, unfortunately later than expected. B) The way in which you describe your incident with such candor is refresshing. You admit your faults and suggest other's with sound reason. I like it. C) I had a similar situation in Swizterland when I tossed a brand new bike down the road (also my fault). The crew there told me how expensive it would be but took great care of me (near painless too!) Final bill, $70 (US). This was back in 2001 so that didn't qualify as expensive to me then. Traveling abroad is always scary when on a cycle, glad you can "laugh" and write about it. 1979 CX500C - blown engine 1980 CX500C - a work in progress 2003 Aprilia SL1000R "Falco"    Report

07-09-2010, 1:15 PM dccoleman Joined on 04-01-2007 Rochester, MN USA Posts 418 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Wow, Dan, I'm glad that you're mostly ok. It sounds like a horrible experience, but I'm sure you realize how much worse it could have been.  One more example of ATGATT paying off, eh? David *********************** 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1983 GL650I    Report

07-09-2010, 2:26 PM Wootersen Joined on 04-04-2010 P-Town, Oregon Posts 73 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Dan, Happy to hear you are on the mend.  I'm sure you'll be back on two wheels in no time.  Just out of curiousity, did you have travel insurance for your time here in the states ?  Obviously, the medical system is a little different up north.  I'm just wondering if the reason they were hesitant to do additional Xrays was because they were concerned about getting paid.  Still a bullshit move, not to listen to you like that. I'm just wondering if maybe that was a factor.  1981 Honda GL500 - 32.000 miles. Purchased off of Craigslist for $100 and used primarily for committing felonies.    Report

07-09-2010, 6:48 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Well is sounds like you're doing pretty decent.  Just more reason to get hurt in the US and not Canada. But always over verbalize what's going on. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

07-09-2010, 9:12 PM mcreviver Joined on 05-06-2007 Williamsport, PA Posts 888 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Doctor missed a broken lower leg huh? After you kept urging him to look into it? Sounds like lawsuit material to me. Document your repairs in Canada, search for a law firm specializing in personal injury to represent you in NJ. You could probably settle out of court with enough to fix your bike at least, if not buy a bew one. Ron in PA    Report

07-09-2010, 9:27 PM dccoleman Joined on 04-01-2007 Rochester, MN USA Posts 418 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update and people wonder why healthcare is so expensive. *********************** 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1983 GL650I    Report

07-10-2010, 3:16 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Thanks, Scrappy. I would add that I have been riding for over 30 years without an accident, and I had just taken this bike from California to Delaware in March without a hitch. Even went through some hairy traffic around Houston and Atlanta. But I think that's one of the keys--I had my guard down, just a bit, because I was close to home (well, Mom's home) and admittedly in a wee bit of a hurry to get across that intersection to reach the Honda shop before they closed. One thing is for sure: I will never do it again. And to David: You're absolutely right about All The Gear All The Time...I never cease to be amazed at the number of people I see on bikes (usually much younger than me) wearing sneakers, shorts, etc. I would be lying to say I've never done it (in 1979, I remember taking my GS750 to the local pool wearing just my bathing suit and some sandals), but I've wised up a bit since then. Wootersen: YES, I had travel insurance, and I'm glad I did. While there were necessarily lots of annoying calls back and forth with the insurance company, it was a huge relief to not have to worry about what things were going to cost. So I don't think they scrimped on x-rays for that reason--I think they just got all focussed on that huge ugly ankle and ignored the huge ugly calf. Mcreviver, I'm not really the suing type. I think it was a simple oversight. However, I will be writing a letter to the hospital anyway to suggest better immediate care (first aid) for those waiting in the ER who are in great pain along with a scolding for not x-raying that leg. As I said, it wouldn't have made a huge difference other than just knowing what the score was. Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

07-10-2010, 3:56 PM Zegwin Joined on 05-17-2010 Seattle, WA Posts 33 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Well I am glad your doing well.  And I hope the bike is ok.  If you ever get hurt in the states again I suggest it be Seattle.  And go by ambulance.  If you say it might hurt it will get checked, charted, and rechecked at the hospital.  The only bad thing about being in an accident and going by AMB is that you will be strapped to a board that is really uncomfortable.  But you will be first in line and get all those x-rays that you needed to find what hurt! And don't get hurt... As much as I like the job security I like people alive... 1981 CX500 Custom Birds of a feather get shot together.    Report

07-10-2010, 4:18 PM Cobram Joined on 06-23-2007 Boston, MA Posts 1,547 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Glad everything worked out, you were really lucky, under those circumstances it could have been much, much worse.  I had a friend of mine many moons ago who was going MAYBE 15MPH,  managed to start riding the streetcar track and steered right into a mailbox.  Broke his femur and splintered his hip, took him about 2 years to get back to normal.  Adding insult to injury, the Post Office sent him a bill for $1200 to replace the mailbox he dented. 1978 CX500 - I live on a one-way street that's also a dead end. I'm not sure how I got here, or how I'm going to get out. Four wheels move the body; Two wheels move the Soul.    Report

07-11-2010, 5:18 AM DanTheCXMan Joined on 06-28-2009 Windsor, Nova Scotia Posts 145 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Ouch! That's just RUDE! (The Post Office sending him a bill). I guess that must be the new way of taking care of things, though, because I have heard of people being charged for the cost of repairing/replacing the guardrail they damaged during a mishap! Cobram: Yeah, I guess in the grand scheme of things, I am pretty lucky. As I had just pulled away from the stop sign, my speed was quite slow, too--probably 10-15 mph, max. And I guess it would have been a really different story if I had made it across a little quicker and ended up in front of the car rather than hitting the side of it. Zegwin: The bike is actually in pretty good shape. It'll need a new front fairing, and there are some dents in the gas tank, along with cracks in the front fork brace and one incredibly curled up front brake lever. I think even with a repaint, I should be able to stay under $1000. It is definitely worth salvaging because it came from California/Nevada and is remarkably corrossion-free. I can't wait to recover, get it fixed, and finish the trip! I've never been to the U.S. Northwest, but it is definitely on my list. Next year, I may find a decent bike for sale in Oregon or Washington which I know will sell quickly here in Nova Scotia. I would fly there, drive it back, and sell it to pay for the trip. Did that last year with a pristine 1978 CX500 that was in Syracuse, NY. And okay, if I HAVE to have another accident, I'll shoot for Seattle! :-) Dan Possibly Member #34 1982 CX500 Turbo 1983 GL650 Silver Wing (acquired 2 Feb 2010) 2000 SK50 DIO (sale pending)    Report

07-11-2010, 8:00 AM Wootersen Joined on 04-04-2010 P-Town, Oregon Posts 73 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Happy to hear about the travelers insurance.  I've heard too many horror stories from friends up north about coming across the border and getting hurt.  People don't realize that something as simple as a sprained ankle can end up being thousands in medical bills.  Your a braver man than I am, buying a thirty year old bike and trusting it to take you across the country.  I think we're all looking forward to you getting back on the bike to continue your journey, so we can read about it. Heal quickly 1981 Honda GL500 - 32.000 miles. Purchased off of Craigslist for $100 and used primarily for committing felonies.    Report

07-11-2010, 8:54 AM DakotaMK Joined on 06-01-2010 Ottawa, IL, USA Posts 90 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Dan, glad to hear that for the most part you are alright.... hospitals vary greatly- the one out here in Ottawa I've been told time and time again that if YOU don't KNOW what's wrong with you, don't go there... that's the hospital that put my dad in a room and *lost* him for a shift or so when he had a heart attack- and acted as if it were a game of hide and seek when he finally went to look for someone *Oh there you are! We were wondering where you were!*.... Silver Cross in Joliet (half hr or so away) is absolutely WONDERFUL! They took great care of me when I had fractured my foot and had to have a screw put in! Sorry you had a bad experience, wish you all the best and a speedy (total) recovery.. and take it slow when relearning to walk without boots/ crutches, etc.... it's easy to jump in feet first without testing those waters! 1982 Honda GL500 This is my bike, there are others like it- but this one is mine!!    Report

07-11-2010, 4:28 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,863 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update Who would have thought anything in Joliet would be wonderful. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

07-11-2010, 5:15 PM dccoleman Joined on 04-01-2007 Rochester, MN USA Posts 418 Re: DanTheCXMan's accident update as the sign says "It's never too late to mend" *********************** 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1983 GL650I    Report

Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » Travelling, Fri... » DanTheCXMan's accident update

(please select) Forums Home |- Search Forums |- Active Topics |- Unanswered Posts User Options |- Sign In |- Join this community |- Forgot Password CX500 GL500 Transverse Twins Discussion Forum |- General Discussion |- CX Customization and Modifications |- CX500 & CX650 Turbo Forum |- Travelling, Friends, and Trips |- Selling and Buying Forum |- Technical Help Forum Other Forums |- Off-Topic Posts |- Test Forum