Me..... Long story

So around 9:35a.m. I take off from work and head back to St. Pete for an appointment. I usually take westhore up to Gandy instead of Dale Maybre and Gandy but thought I would save some time and just go the quick way. I get on Gandy and am by Amscott following a red Celica when I hear breaks screeching and saw everything slow down infront of me as the next three cars including the one infront of me lock there breaks.

As soon as the Celica hits the breaks I look down and see nothing but broken road (Contruction zone) under me and know its not going to go well. As soon as a try and use both breaks it looses traction. Everything slows down as I am within feet of the car and naturally lean to the right and prepare to lay it down. Right as I put the lean on the bike towards the right side of the road everything speeds up. Bam Contact and the next thing I know I am spinning in the air catching glimpses of the bike decintegrating against the car. Then Wham I hit the pavement and begine to roll praying that the cars in the next lane don't run me over. As soon as the rolling slowed I got to my feet fast to get out of the road and to my surprise all of Gandy stopped. People getting out of their cars to check and see if everyone was ok, People looking me over to see what the injuries where, and people on their cell phone calling 911. Heck even the construction pepople were running to the scene.

THANK GOD I had my gear on or I would have gottem more than some buises and scrapes.

Now to make matters worse, as if watching my bike explode wasn't enough. We are there, with 5 witnesses waiting for the 2 public service officers? and cop, telling the enforcement officials that the cause of the accident was this guy that decided that since his side of the road was clear he, he would proceed to cross Gandy blvd regardless of what traffic was on the other side. After the wreck the guy in the wheelchair straight put it into second and took off to AMSCOTT!!!!!!!! The officers went and talked to him and came back and when all was said and done.... GAVE ME A FUCKING TICKET FOR following to closely!!! WTFFF!!!! I want to go to court as they do have his name on record and the witnesses and parties involved said they would back me. Does anyone know the process on a court case like this???

 

damn man, sorry to hear, but luckily you came out unscathed. Unfortunately, no matter waht happened up the road, you got the ticket because you were in fact following to closely. Did you have a "2 second" gap between you and the car in front of you? You should have been able to out brake ANY of those cars, the fact you did hit one tells me you were following to close. Even though it was your fault, if you dont have insurance, i would try to take it to court so you could get reimbursement possibly for our wrecked shit.

 

Yeah I have full coverage. I left plenty of room the problem was I was on the road where they are tearing it apart and the lanes are uneven, broken, and have loose debris all over them in places. Thats where I hit the unlucky spot and breaks were a no go.

 

you could fight it in court then probably, "i was traveling at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of me when all the braking started happening, i was applying my brakes and came upon road debris from the construction which made me go down, had it not been there i would have been good. It was an unforseeable incident" shit yeah, blame the cities road work as well as mr moron and with witnesses you should be

 

get a lawyer.. should be worth their time.

 

Geez... that really sucks. Unfortunately, I think when push comes to shove your insurance is going to end up picking up the bill for any damages. The only way to beat a rear ender ticket is to prove someone else failed to yeild right of way, so like someone pulled out right in front of you. Unfortunately, since the lead car did not hit the person that failed to yeild, you cannot use that defense. The law is going to say you were following too close for the road conditions since you were not able to stop in time.

It may be worth getting a lawyer anyway though because they can sometimes get you breaks you would not otherwise get, like points go away, reduced fines, etc.

On the bright side, at least you walked away! Good luck in court!

 

damn, that blows. sounds like you got a legit argument to me. and keep those pics cause they clearly show loose pavment and gravel all over the road. should be enough right there to at least get you out of the ticket. unless mabey there were constructions signs posted everywhere, that could cause some trouble in your case.

 

that shit sucks man. try to keep atleast 3 car lengths between you and anyone else man it helps beleive me.

 

sorry to hear, gear saves another life/skin... take it to court and get a lawyer

 

sorry to hear man but like others, good to hear you were wearing your gear.
go back ot the scene and take alot of pictures. if its worth $$$, talk to a lawyer and explain the situation. go see more than just one. all the witness keep in tack as well. something like that, the city may be at fault but who knows.

glad ur here bro...