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See article SignOnSanDiego.com > News > Nation -- Watergate figure Jeb Magruder hospitalized after car crash in Ohio.

I was the rider he hit. I was in the 2nd lane from the right on Rt 315 where it is a 4 lane highway. I was going about 60 mph and concentrating on the merging traffic ahead of me. I felt a tremendous push from behind and the bike rolled on to its right side. I hit the pavement with my helmet and right arm. Somehow he didn't run me over. When if finally stopped tumbling I was in the middle of the highway and managed to get up and run to the shoulder. The guy didn't stop, but plowed into a truck two exits later. According to witnesses he was going 80-90 and just cut across three lanes of traffic as he hit me. The EMS guys told me later that after he was extracted from the car he was unaware he hit a motorcycle. I have some bad bruises and road rash where the gear wore through, but nothing broke. I owe my life to an Arai helmet, armored Cortech jacket, First Gear gloves, and Oxtar boots. I wish I had my Aerostitch on or other motorcycle pants. Khakis don't cut it.

 

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I think I used up all my luck, won't be going to Vegas any time soon.

My bike was BMW R1200GS with only 2500 mi on the odometer. I haven't seen it yet. It will get towed from the impound lot to the dealer later today or tomorrow. The guy has insurance (more good luck) but I don't know what will happen or how long it will all take to get this sorted out. The driver is still in the hospital. I need to see a physical therapist for my neck wrist and knee, but nothing broke.

 

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Sorry to hear you got hurt. I hope you recover well.

 

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You are right. There really isn't a substitute that is as good. Just hard to commute to work in.

 

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I own one, but it wasn't doing me any good in the closet. I also own an Alpinstar leather suit for the track. I guess it was just such a nice warm day I wanted to be comfortable. I'd gladly trade a little sweat for less road rash right now. Again, another lesson learned.

I am also glad I didn't use an open face helmet looking at the chin bar.

 

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They have charged him with hit and skip as well as reckless endangerment. They won't arrest him until he is discharged from the hospital (otherwise the state pays the bill). Other charges may follow once the prosecutor gets hold of the case. I will be very interested in his prior DUIs being pled down. He is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. I'd personally like an apology for almost killing me. The difference between him facing another DUI vs. vehicular manslaughter is my wearing a helmet and getting very lucky with oncoming traffic. Also, now that I think about the accident, the large metal panniers may have prevented me from getting caught under the bike and/or the bike sliding under his car.

 

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Maybe I can write a book?

 

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It gets better

I guess I must have been more out of it than I realized at the scene. According to witnesses (I got a copy of the police report today) the driver actually came to a complete stop after he hit me. Once he realized what happened, then he took off at high rate of speed and crashed into a truck. I was never aware he came to a stop or even slowed down. Guess I was preoccupied with something else at the time (like traffic hurtling my way).