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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in
last year. A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Thanks! Bill |
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#2
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
On 14 Nov, 07:26, wrote:
* *I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in last year. *A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. * But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. * *So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. * *Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Thanks! Bill I have known two people to have taken headers and died because of dogs darting in front of them. This is a serious issue, dogs should be kept under control. In UK only working dogs are permitted with general access to public roads without collar and leash. You can take a non-working dog onto the roads without a leash, but it must still be kept under control. I think that failure to control an animal is seen as a criminal offence. This would make any collision with a non- working animal clearly the full responsibility of the animals owner. No deductions would be placed at court for contributary negligence by the cyclist. It would obviously be worthwhile in expressing the speed of the dog when in court. You should not enter into discussion with the insurer as to laying blame, it forewarns them of your possible approach in court after talks break down. The owner is fully responsible because he failed to control his animal. You took evasive action to preserve your own life. The crash was minor compared to striking a dog st speed. Last year? Go to court. Present their refusals. Claim for frustration, costs incurred with dealing with the claiim and intrest as well. |
#3
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
On Nov 14, 2:26*am, wrote:
* *I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in last year. *A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. * But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. * *So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. * *Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Dogs, as predators, are hardwired to chase fast- moving things. This instinct is very useful when subsumed into herding behaviour, and very dif- ficult to overcome when mounted on a bicycle, because if the dog sees that you are not attacking him, he is compelled to pursue. The only fool- proof method that I know of (having tried water, shouting "no", etc etc) is 280 grains of plumbum applied carefully to the skull of the animal in question. Applicators do vary, so be familiar with the one you choose, & remember that the irate owner may inadvertently request that a similar application be applied to him. Make sure you have a good excuse. |
#4
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
Carry a bang stick.
In article , thirty-six wrote: On 14 Nov, 07:26, wrote: * *I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in last year. *A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. * But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. * *So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. * *Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Thanks! Bill I have known two people to have taken headers and died because of dogs darting in front of them. This is a serious issue, dogs should be kept under control. In UK only working dogs are permitted with general access to public roads without collar and leash. You can take a non-working dog onto the roads without a leash, but it must still be kept under control. I think that failure to control an animal is seen as a criminal offence. This would make any collision with a non- working animal clearly the full responsibility of the animals owner. No deductions would be placed at court for contributary negligence by the cyclist. It would obviously be worthwhile in expressing the speed of the dog when in court. You should not enter into discussion with the insurer as to laying blame, it forewarns them of your possible approach in court after talks break down. The owner is fully responsible because he failed to control his animal. You took evasive action to preserve your own life. The crash was minor compared to striking a dog st speed. Last year? Go to court. Present their refusals. Claim for frustration, costs incurred with dealing with the claiim and intrest as well. |
#5
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
Norman wrote:
On Nov 14, 2:26*am, wrote: * *I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in last year. *A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. * But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. * *So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. * *Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Dogs, as predators, are hardwired to chase fast- moving things. This instinct is very useful when subsumed into herding behaviour, and very dif- ficult to overcome when mounted on a bicycle, because if the dog sees that you are not attacking him, he is compelled to pursue. The only fool- proof method that I know of (having tried water, shouting "no", etc etc) is 280 grains of plumbum applied carefully to the skull of the animal in question. Applicators do vary, so be familiar with the one you choose, & remember that the irate owner may inadvertently request that a similar application be applied to him. Make sure you have a good excuse. I appreciate the advice to seek legal redress in this case. I have retained a prominent local legal firm that specializes in accident cases. The case is still in the negotiating phase, and I'm not particularly eager to see it go all the way to court. I have little doubt that I'd win, but court can take a LONG time. My OP was motivated by a letter from the dog owner's insurance company that my attorney copied to me. I have already written back pointing out how the dog owner's claims violate everything from common sense to the laws of physics. (It's clear that neither the insurance person nor the dog owner knows anything significant about riding a bike.) I also mentioned the canine predatory instinct. I also pointed out that the dog should not have been out there unleashed, period. And I said that it seems an odd coincidence that I have ridden that route literally 1000 times before without a problem, but suddenly would coincidentally crash just when the dog happened to be there. Clearly the dog owner is liable. In fact, since he's insured I don't know why he feels motivated to try and stonewall like this. What I'm looking for is anecdotes like thirty-six's about other, preferably experienced, cyclists, who have been injured because of an unrestrained dog's persuit/harassment/attack behavior. My thanks for all the responses so far. Anybody else got something to chip in? If nothing else, I'd happy to tally up some votes about my speed. Is 15 mph too fast to keep a bike under control? (I know, I know, but I'm asking for YOUR opinions.) Bill __o | Roads aren't for cars. They're for people. _`\(,_ | (_)/ (_) | |
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
Norman wrote:
Dogs, as predators, are hardwired to chase fast- moving things. This instinct is very useful when subsumed into herding behaviour, and very dif- ficult to overcome when mounted on a bicycle, because if the dog sees that you are not attacking him, he is compelled to pursue. The only fool- proof method that I know of (having tried water, shouting "no", etc etc) is 280 grains of plumbum applied carefully to the skull of the animal in question. Applicators do vary, so be familiar with the one you choose, & remember that the irate owner may inadvertently request that a similar application be applied to him. Make sure you have a good excuse. Sorry, but my experience is different from yours. You seem to be saying that nothing can be done about dogs vis a vis chasing bicyclists. I lived and rode a bike in Germany for 8 years and was never once chased by a dog. My own dog showed no prediliction to chase after cyclists, either. Why? I trained her to be disciplined and not to chase. I trained her to know when to chase something and when not to chase. The problem here is not "dogs will be dogs, they can't help it" but the lack of responsibility on the dog's owners. Ergo, the owner is totally at fault in a legal situation. Pat |
#7
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
On Nov 13, 11:26 pm, wrote:
I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in last year. A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Friday morning, as dawn approached in a light cold rain, I went past one of those Rottweiller-type dogs. He was standing on the edge of the road, and I only saw him (and him me at the same instant) a fraction of a second before passing within what seemed like a couple of feet. He was about the size of the Hound of Baskerville. I was so startled I didn't even have time to say, "Hi, pooch", but instead yelped some scared little exclamation and started pushing the pedals. I was already in second-from-the-top gear, but got some good acceleration. I could hear him coming after me, but apparently I got a good enough jump and he was a "good dog", 'cause I got away. (I typically greet barking dogs with, "Hi, pooch", because it seems to immediately inform them that I'm a man, FWIW, not a gazelle or something.) Another time one of those big dogs came after me and was really closing the gap, when a couple of cars came along from both directions and I got away. Another time a dog ran out into the road after me and I watched over my shoulder as he bounced off the bumper of a car going the other way. |
#8
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
Pat wrote:
Sorry, but my experience is different from yours. You seem to be saying that nothing can be done about dogs vis a vis chasing bicyclists. I lived and rode a bike in Germany for 8 years and was never once chased by a dog. My own dog showed no prediliction to chase after cyclists, either. Why? I trained her to be disciplined and not to chase. I trained her to know when to chase something and when not to chase. The problem here is not "dogs will be dogs, they can't help it" but the lack of responsibility on the dog's owners. Ergo, the owner is totally at fault in a legal situation. Would that it were so in this country. Around here about two months back, a little boy got his face nearly ripped off by a pit bull. The dog owner stoutly insists that the kid provoked the dog. And the owner of the dog that ran in front of me insists that my fall was my fault. Bill __o | _`\(,_ | Subvert the fuel-based-transportation paradigm! (_)/ (_) | |
#9
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
On Nov 15, 12:20*pm, "Pat" wrote:
Norman wrote: Dogs, as predators, are hardwired to chase fast- moving things. *This instinct is very useful when subsumed into herding behaviour, and very dif- ficult to overcome when mounted on a bicycle, because if the dog sees that you are not attacking him, he is compelled to pursue. *The only fool- proof method that I know of (having tried water, shouting "no", etc etc) is 280 grains of plumbum applied carefully to the skull of the animal in question. *Applicators do vary, so be familiar with the one you choose, & remember that the irate owner may inadvertently request that a similar application be applied to him. *Make sure you have a good excuse. Sorry, but my experience is different from yours. You seem to be saying that nothing can be done about dogs vis a vis chasing bicyclists. I lived and rode a bike in Germany for 8 years and was never once chased by a dog. My own dog showed no prediliction to chase after cyclists, either. Why? I trained her to be disciplined and not to chase. *I trained her to know when to chase something and when not to chase. The problem here is not "dogs will be dogs, they can't help it" but the lack of responsibility on the dog's owners. Ergo, the owner is totally at fault in a legal situation. It's a pretty story, but a well trained dog is a well trained dog. Once the dog is chasing you, you ought to realise that you are not dealing with a well trained dog. Whether or not you can force the owner to accept responsibility is subservient to (A) nullifying the immediate problem, (B) locating the owner, if such exists, & (C) nullifying the owner, if there are no witnesses. |
#10
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Dog & Bike Stories Wanted
On 15 Nov, 00:17, wrote:
Norman wrote: On Nov 14, 2:26*am, wrote: * *I continue to try to recoup damages for dog/bike accident I was in last year. *A dog ran in front of me, causing me to swerve and crash. * But the dog owner's insurance people are laying the blame on me, claiming that I was riding too fast (I was doing about 15 mph), lost control even though the dog was thirty feet away from me, fishtailed for sixty feet (really, that's what they're saying!), and finally went down. * *So I thought I'd solicit the experiences of others here who may have had run-ins with dogs, which might have caused a crash or injury, or in which you were able to avoid the dog. * *Anyone have a story they'd like to share? Dogs, as predators, are hardwired to chase fast- moving things. *This instinct is very useful when subsumed into herding behaviour, and very dif- ficult to overcome when mounted on a bicycle, because if the dog sees that you are not attacking him, he is compelled to pursue. *The only fool- proof method that I know of (having tried water, shouting "no", etc etc) is 280 grains of plumbum applied carefully to the skull of the animal in question. *Applicators do vary, so be familiar with the one you choose, & remember that the irate owner may inadvertently request that a similar application be applied to him. *Make sure you have a good excuse. * *I appreciate the advice to seek legal redress in this case. *I have retained a prominent local legal firm that specializes in accident cases. *The case is still in the negotiating phase, and I'm not particularly eager to see it go all the way to court. *I have little doubt that I'd win, but court can take a LONG time. * *My OP was motivated by a letter from the dog owner's insurance company that my attorney copied to me. *I have already written back pointing out how the dog owner's claims violate everything from common sense to the laws of physics. *(It's clear that neither the insurance person nor the dog owner knows anything significant about riding a bike.) *I also mentioned the canine predatory instinct. *I also pointed out that the dog should not have been out there unleashed, period. *And I said that it seems an odd coincidence that I have ridden that route literally 1000 times before without a problem, but suddenly would coincidentally crash just when the dog happened to be there. * *Clearly the dog owner is liable. *In fact, since he's insured I don't know why he feels motivated to try and stonewall like this. *What I'm looking for is anecdotes like thirty-six's about other, preferably experienced, cyclists, who have been injured because of an unrestrained dog's persuit/harassment/attack behavior. * *My thanks for all the responses so far. *Anybody else got something to chip in? *If nothing else, I'd happy to tally up some votes about my speed. *Is 15 mph too fast to keep a bike under control? *(I know, I know, but I'm asking for YOUR opinions.) Only if you're not using studded tyres on black ice, and there's a wind blowing, and your trying to get a new car battery home by balancing it on the handlebars. That may cause a less experienced cyclist to lose control or fall. Yes, the only reason you would lose control is if the wheels were unstable, you were carrying a heavy load and travelling too quickly. Actually there's no such thing as to quickly on a bicycle, it the environment that's wrong. Oh, like stray dogs. For you to suddenly lose control at 'speed' the bike would have to be defecvtive in some way. Could be useful to get a report in the days following the incident, you have kept copies of performed maintenance history which can be presented in court, and would be so much the better if authorised by an acknowledged mechanic./ technician/engineer etc. 15mph may be a bit quick for a child's bike but I seem to recalllthat Raleigh tested their childrens bikes for stability using a speed test which accelerated the bike up to 40mph. Adult bikes should be stable at all speeds, unfortunately not all are and it is possibly that this is the angle of attack. No way at all should a bike be unstable at 15mph and if it was you would hve rejected it as being unsuitable. Stability is also affected by load, so if you were carrying more than a packet of cornflakes someone may attempt to claim you were overloaded. It is certainly possible to lose control of a bicycle at 15mph if it was overloaded and on rough ground but extremely unlikely. 15mph - too fast? It's the stopping that hurts, not the speed. Make it 45mph and I'm happy. 15mph is slow. |
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