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Open letter to the Motorcyclist I did not kill

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Open letter to the Motorcyclist I did not kill on the 805 this morning - w4m (805)
Open letter to the Motorcyclist I did not kill on the 805 this morning – w4m (805)

I hope you made it to wherever you were going to okay, and that lane splitting at 50-60mph got you there in time. I did not make it to my temp assignment this morning, because I sacrificed my car to not hit you. I have no way of knowing if you remember or even saw what happened, but here’s a refresher just in case.

Somewhere near the Mesa College exit I was preparing to switch lanes. My blinker was on for a good 45 seconds during this whole process. I looked in my mirrors and saw a bike coming up between the lanes, so I waited. After he passed I checked my mirrors again, saw it was clear, and made to get over. A third of the way into the next lane you manifested out of nowhere, as if a portal opened up over the 805 and dropped your bike down at full velocity. If I had not swerved back the other direction, you would have run into me, no question. I had approximately 1/3 of a second to make a decision, so I swerved.

My fault, however, was in over-swerving. To avoid subsequently hitting the semi on my other side I swerved back. I lost control of my vehicle and spun out, slamming into the center divider. You know, I always thought I’d be calm and in control of my vehicle in an accident (having never actually been in an accident before I could only make such assumptions) — not swerve and slam on the breaks — but as one’s car is spinning around at 30mph on the freeway it’s surprisingly difficult to respond appropriately. As my airbag deflated and I caught my breath (and after screaming ‘fuck’ a few times), the first thought that occurred to me was that I was glad I did not hit you or anyone else, that I was the only person involved in this accident.

However, because you did not bother to stop, despite the fact that I am not at fault here and the CHP officer assured me that 9 times out of 10 these kinds of accidents are caused by cyclists, there is nothing my insurance can do. My car is totaled. I have no car now and can get no compensation for it without you. Did I mention I am also between jobs at the moment? So I have no transportation of my own to get to interviews or other temp assignments, and also no medical insurance to pay for a doctor’s visit. My auto insurance would have covered a trip to the hospital. . . if you would have stopped and given your insurance info. As it stands, while I am fortunately fine on the outside, I have no idea what kind of internal injuries might have occurred. I could have a concussion, I definitely have whiplash, and no money or insurance to get either treated. Not unless you come forward.

I have had friends and family members who ride motorcycles, and I have spent plenty of time in rush hour commutes, so I know to be hyper vigilant of you guys in between the lanes. I always double check and give you a wide berth when you’re coming through. I will never know where you came from or where you were going, if you are aware of what happened or even care. But I want you to know, wherever you are, that this morning I sacrificed my car to not hit and potentially kill you. This may seem small to you, but for someone who is unemployed, without savings, and attempting to pay off student loans, this will have a significant impact on my livelihood.

The CHP officer told me that there will be a measure on the next ballot to make lane-splitting illegal. I am dubious it will pass, but after this experience I hope, for the well-being of drivers everywhere, that it does. And if by some chance occurrence you, motorcyclist I did not kill this morning, read this, it would be pretty cool of you to be a decent human being and come forward so that at the very least insurance will pay for me to go to the doctor.

Drive safe. Stay well. Be kind to others.

Edit: I have received so much kind support and many kind offers in response to this post, which I truly and deeply appreciate. It has also been brought to my attention that, despite what my insurance agent told me, even if this person does come forward there would likely be nothing they could do since we didn’t actually connect (literal missed connection, ha). Quite honestly, I don’t really care so much about “catching this guy” anymore as I do about spreading awareness and hoping that if he sees this he’ll be a little more careful (and considerate) in the future. Right now I am receiving so many emails, and I am still pretty loopy from the impact (friends and family whom I’ve interacted with today are pretty sure I am concussed), that I am unable to respond. But to answer just a few common questions, this happened around 6:50am Friday morning; he came up and past me so fast that all I saw was a black blur–nothing identifiable; and no, I do not plan on starting a gfm (I’m just not very comfortable with the idea of strangers giving me money). Again, I really really appreciate all the sympathy and well wishes I have received. It’s nice to be reminded that people, as a majority, are quite kind. Take care, everyone.

do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers

[From http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/mis/5195189167.html, posted 8-28-2015. ~ Editor]

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