ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: MostlyBonkers on July 12, 2019, 04:17:55 AM
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I'm posting this here as I know many of you don't use Facebook but know Brian well from this forum. The fundraising page has only been live for a little over two hours at the time of posting and yet we've raised over $2,000!
I hope this makes a real difference for Brian, who has given us his time and expertise so generously over the years.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/brian-t-rice
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Thanks for posting this here Tom!
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Done.
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Donated. Best money I'll spend all week. Get better Brian.
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I just donated. That is just awful about what happened to Brian.
I wish you a full and speedy recovery Brian. You have been an incredible resource to the Zero community and I truly appreciate all that you have done.
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I just donated. That is just awful about what happened to Brian.
I wish you a full and speedy recovery Brian. You have been an incredible resource to the Zero community and I truly appreciate all that you have done.
Me also--on all of what you said. I donated last night. I am glad to see all those donations.
-Don- Reno, NV
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Done. God speed healing Brain!
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Well done mostlybonkers!
Brian seems like a great guy and many of us including myself would be completely lost without his work on the unofficial zero manual. Only wish I can give more. Thanks for posting.
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Well done mostlybonkers!
Thanks alko, and thanks also to everyone who has shown their generosity so far. It would be fun to beat the target and make this really special.
Most of the credit for this should go to Terry. I simply had an idea and made the suggestion to Terry. Terry had already been talking to his friends at Zero to see how they can help with regards to supplying Brian with a new bike. Terry has set up the fundraising page, is administering it and will no doubt end up doing any legwork when the time comes. Then of course there's everyone who is supporting this campaign.
I'm quietly hoping that this will turn out well for all parties. It would be cool if some press coverage could be arranged when everything comes together. I think it will make a great story, create good publicity for Zero, the community and of course help Brian out. We'll all benefit from this in some form and it's something we can be feel good about. At the very least, I hope it helps keep Brian's spirits up as he goes through all the trauma of multiple operations and the pain. He said it has been rough.
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It's nice to see that 146 people have already donated at this time, in less than 24 hours.
-Don- Reno, NV
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Only $150 to go hitting the goal in one day.
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WOOT! GOAL!!!!!!
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WOOT! GOAL!!!!!!
Will it go over $5000? Or does the campaign end?
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WOOT! GOAL!!!!!!
Will it go over $5000? Or does the campaign end?
I think it'll continue. There might still be a lot of people who would like to donate and haven't had an opportunity yet. It'll be interesting to see where it goes from here. It's entirely up to the community if people feel they want to donate and there's certainly no pressure.
It's a fantastic result and so rewarding to see people rally round like this.
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It's over $5000, so it'll keep on going. Sweet! I wasn't sure how gofundme works.
I'll donate more next payday if it's still going.
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The power of community in action.
Pretty cool.
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It's over $5000, so it'll keep on going. Sweet! I wasn't sure how gofundme works.
I'll donate more next payday if it's still going.
I expect it to be 6K$ by the time I get back home from this ride. Almost there at this time.
-Don- (Honey Lake Rest Area, CA <on the way back from Horse Lake, but on an ICE bike (MG)>
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$6,480 by the time I got home, by 215 people!
-Don- Reno, NV
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Have to admit I'm pretty hooked on this fundraiser; I check it every few hours -- sort of addictive. Like Zeros. Now over $7K. I know Brian will have a long recovery -- this should go a long way to replacing his bike, etc.
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I wonder if a fundraiser to help pay his medical bills would be more appropriate at this time. Insurance only pays so much.
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I wonder if a fundraiser to help pay his medical bills would be more appropriate at this time. Insurance only pays so much.
I had a friend who passed out while riding around a turn in the Santa Cruz Mountains almost two years ago. He spent two weeks in Stanford Hospital and then a month in a convalescent hospital in San Francisco. His medical bills came to over $850,000 and were completely paid by his company's medical insurance policy - after the usual arguing and negotiating, of course. He is now back riding his 2015 BMW R1200GS, although it cost almost $10K to repair the bike.
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Have to admit I'm pretty hooked on this fundraiser; I check it every few hours -- sort of addictive. Like Zeros. Now over $7K. I know Brian will have a long recovery -- this should go a long way to replacing his bike, etc.
I'm the same! Quite fascinating watching how quickly the target was smashed.
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I wonder if a fundraiser to help pay his medical bills would be more appropriate at this time. Insurance only pays so much.
I think we'll all wait and see how things pan out over the next few months. Ultimately, the money will be gifted to Brian from Terry. If Brian's most urgent needs don't include funds for a new bike then I'm sure nobody will object to him spending the money otherwise. The reason for the fundraiser was appropriate but life might dictate a different outcome. Who knows? As long as it helps Brian and the people around him, I think the objective will have been achieved. We'd really like him to be able to spend it on a new bike though! :)
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I had a friend who passed out while riding around a turn in the Santa Cruz Mountains almost two years ago. He spent two weeks in Stanford Hospital and then a month in a convalescent hospital in San Francisco. His medical bills came to over $850,000
That's over 20 grand per day. What do they do there for that kind of money ?
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I had a friend who passed out while riding around a turn in the Santa Cruz Mountains almost two years ago.
Did they discover what made him pass out?
-Don- Reno, NV
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I had a friend who passed out while riding around a turn in the Santa Cruz Mountains almost two years ago. He spent two weeks in Stanford Hospital and then a month in a convalescent hospital in San Francisco. His medical bills came to over $850,000
That's over 20 grand per day. What do they do there for that kind of money ?
That $850K number was the total from both Standford and the SF convalescent hospital, along with surgeries, emergency room fees, various tests, doctor charges, etc. at Stanford. I can't recall what the breakout was just for Stanford's bill, but they have extremely high medical costs. Some of the highest in the nation. Partly because they are a research hospital and their medical charges help to cover their research and partly because they need to charge patients who can pay for patients who don't have insurance and can't (or won't) pay their bills.
Just as an example of the very high hospital medical charges in the SF Bay Area: Two years ago my daughter spent three hours in the emergency room at the Marin General Hospital and received a bill for $11,000! :o She really couldn't believe it and no one seemed to be able to explain the costs or justify much of it. They just demand that she pay it. Fortunately, her husband's work medical insurance took care of most the bill, although she did have to make a co-payment of $1,100. :(
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That $850K number was the total from both Standford and the SF convalescent hospital, along with surgeries, emergency room fees, various tests, doctor charges, etc. at Stanford. I can't recall what the breakout was just for Stanford's bill, but they have extremely high medical costs. Some of the highest in the nation. Partly because they are a research hospital and their medical charges help to cover their research and partly because they need to charge patients who can pay for patients who don't have insurance and can't (or won't) pay their bills.
Just as an example of the very high hospital medical charges in the SF Bay Area: Two years ago my daughter spent three hours in the emergency room at the Marin General Hospital and received a bill for $11,000! :o She really couldn't believe it and no one seemed to be able to explain the costs or justify much of it. They just demand that she pay it. Fortunately, her husband's work medical insurance took care of most the bill, although she did have to make a co-payment of $1,100. :(
Yeah, that's some outrageous stuff. If the accident doesn't kill you, medical bills will.
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It's now over 8K$ and still growing. I would like to see it get over 10K$, looks like it could happen.
-Don- Auburn, CA
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Forgive me if I've missed this.
I've already gladly and gratefully sent some money to this worthy cause. But I not really clear on some important details, and where the money is going. Was Brian hurt and our donations are to help with medical costs, or is he uninjured and it's all about replacing a damaged e-moto? Was he at fault? If not, the other guy's insurance will buy Brian a Rolls Royce rather than go to court.
I'm good either way.
Just a thought, if you want this to go even larger: A "I support Brian", electric moto thing, or similar tshirt would be a cool reward for contributing. Just might pay for itself 10 times over.
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Here you go Heroto this was a thread I put up when I first saw Terry talking about it on FB. Very bad freak accident with injury.
At first the fund was to cover the gap in insurance pay out and a new bike but I'm of course fine with him doing whatever is best for him with the fund at this point.
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=9118.0
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Forgive me if I've missed this.
I've already gladly and gratefully sent some money to this worthy cause. But I not really clear on some important details, and where the money is going. Was Brian hurt and our donations are to help with medical costs, or is he uninjured and it's all about replacing a damaged e-moto? Was he at fault? If not, the other guy's insurance will buy Brian a Rolls Royce rather than go to court.
I'm good either way.
Just a thought, if you want this to go even larger: A "I support Brian", electric moto thing, or similar tshirt would be a cool reward for contributing. Just might pay for itself 10 times over.
Read the gofundme page. It will answer your questions.
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Forgive me if I've missed this.
I've already gladly and gratefully sent some money to this worthy cause. But I not really clear on some important details, and where the money is going. Was Brian hurt and our donations are to help with medical costs, or is he uninjured and it's all about replacing a damaged e-moto? Was he at fault? If not, the other guy's insurance will buy Brian a Rolls Royce rather than go to court.
I'm good either way.
See here. (https://www.gofundme.com/f/brian-t-rice)
Also see here. (https://register-pajaronian.com/article/downed-power-lines-snag-motorcyclist?fbclid=IwAR3F2N7P22EBDZsp6a9wZXcIMEvotLHqpOt2z-9e9b_ZNg1SLY8FYtB6Ke0)
-Don- Auburn, CA
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Hello from my home in SF. I’m still tube fed and outpatient but was only in the hospital for two weeks with two surgeries.
First I want to thank all of you for forming a fund and donating at all. It really makes me feel appreciated especially being isolated for a while.
For my recovery, they’re rebuilding my mouth and nose (but my jaw and tongue are fine). I don’t know how this will pan out but am just grateful any compensation might improve my chances at getting back to normal. I’m in no inclination to waste funds but I also have no clear picture on the financials here. If I somehow turn up overcompensated by some miracle, I’ll be glad to put the funds to some appropriate nonprofit use. I do know the CHP rules I was not at fault and there’s more in reports to consult to see for sure what various insurance companies will make of this.
I wish I could say how I might have improved my response to the situation but I only saw cables for the briefest of moments before my world got violent and messy.
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Brian,
I am glad to see you posting again! This forum wasn't the same without you. And I am hoping you have a quick recovery!
-Don- (recharging at the Library in Sacramento at 6.3 KWs with my new chargers)
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I’m in no inclination to waste funds but I also have no clear picture on the financials here.
You should at least consider lawsuits as well as various insurance claims. It's well-known that PG&E isn't maintaining anything these days, including cutting back risky brush and trees. Sounds like that could be a very big factor in what happened to you. I'm guessing you're not the litigious sort (you're too honest and straightforward for that) but you should at least think about it. You'd be one of few people suing for the right reasons.
I hear what you're saying about not understanding the financials, too. I just got out of the hospital a few weeks ago (pulmonary embolii) and it's really irritating how they just expect you to write a blank check that they'll fill the number in on later. I was conscious and aware the whole time, so I was able to force them to give me some estimates BEFORE I'd allow procedures to be done, but it was like pulling teeth, and I know that almost nobody does it (or is in a position to do it -- emergency treatment must come first, after all).
Best of luck navigating the maze and getting healthy. Count your blessings, too. Recovery ain't no fun, but it's waaaay better than the alternative.
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Really glad to hear from you again Brian. Best of luck!
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Thanks. Naturally, I can’t discuss what I would consider about the original cause. I’ll do my best.
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It's great to hear from you again Brian. I wish you all the best with your recovery. Try to keep a positive outlook. One day this will all be behind you.
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Wishing you a good recovery. It's great to see you active on this forum again!
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I just saw this thread this morning, l haven’t been on here much lately. Chipped in what I could, and I wish it was more.
Brian, it is fantastic that you are up and running enough to post here. I wish you a fast and full recovery, and look forward to hearing that you are back in the saddle.
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So good to hear from remarkably magnanimous Brian. I/we all wish him the best.
Brian understandably and appropriately is saying nothing much about his crash. As a rider of modest ability, I am always eager to learn from others’ mishaps, in order to perhaps avoid the same misfortune. Does anyone have more to add than “cables�
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I have the CHP report and I’m awaiting another report. There are witness statements for me to process. I’ll try to account for everything once I’ve read through fully, but it seems I just got caught at the wrong place and time (time of day and lighting angle seem to have played some part). I know I saw cables, but they probably distracted me from the ones that hit me, and there really wasn’t much time to evaluate the situation.
I think my only quick takeaway personally so far is that it seems wisest if you see cables or the like on the road or suspended wrong, to brake hard and swerve to get drivers attention behind you so you aren’t rear ended. That would at least have bought a bit of time and shed momentum, but I cannot say whether it would have done me better, just that I wish I’d done that instead of preparing to coast over a ground hazard.
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So good to hear from remarkably magnanimous Brian. I/we all wish him the best.
Brian understandably and appropriately is saying nothing much about his crash. As a rider of modest ability, I am always eager to learn from others’ mishaps, in order to perhaps avoid the same misfortune. Does anyone have more to add than “cables�
Did you read the gofundme page? It explains it pretty well.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/brian-t-rice
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Un-sticky as Brian is stable and the irony of an EV rider getting their ass kicked by a downed powerline is the kind of sticky-topic award no one should win ever again.
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I see it's getting very close to ten grand. I am glad to see so much support, almost double what was expected, but I am hoping it actually gets to the ten grand mark.
-Don- Auburn, CA
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Un-sticky as Brian is stable and the irony of an EV rider getting their ass kicked by a downed powerline is the kind of sticky-topic award no one should win ever again.
I was happy to at least make that remark to the EMTs in the helicopter as they transported me to the hospital. Although I had trouble saying it.
And yes it was deeply unpleasant.
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I see it's getting very close to ten grand. I am glad to see so much support, almost double what was expected, but I am hoping it actually gets to the ten grand mark.
-Don- Auburn, CA
Wow. I had stopped looking in the last couple weeks. It feels like too much, maybe, but I’m grateful.
I have a reasonable (so far) insurance situation which admittedly I don’t know how it will end, but my out of pocket expenses might not break my savings. I will say that the bills we see from hospitals and the medevac service are eye-watering. If my insurance didn’t hold together for some reason, I’d be wiped out, personally.
I guess we’ll see how this goes. I just want my body back together.
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I see it's getting very close to ten grand. I am glad to see so much support, almost double what was expected, but I am hoping it actually gets to the ten grand mark.
-Don- Auburn, CA
Wow. I had stopped looking in the last couple weeks. It feels like too much, maybe, but I’m grateful.
I have a reasonable (so far) insurance situation which admittedly I don’t know how it will end, but my out of pocket expenses might not break my savings. I will say that the bills we see from hospitals and the medevac service are eye-watering. If my insurance didn’t hold together for some reason, I’d be wiped out, personally.
I guess we’ll see how this goes. I just want my body back together.
Is the city or electric company taking responsibility? I hope so.
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Is the city or electric company taking responsibility? I hope so.
Short answer: no.
Long answer: no comment.
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Wow...In France the maximum you can pay out of your pocket is 20 euros per day, even if you have no private insurance. At that price you can have the best hospital with the greatest specialists.
Just for my education, what is the order of magnitude of the amount tho hospital will bill you ?
Is the city or electric company taking responsibility? I hope so.
Short answer: no.
Long answer: no comment.
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Wow...In France the maximum you can pay out of your pocket is 20 euros per day, even if you have no private insurance.
You probably pay as much, but by a different method-- such as much higher taxes than here in the USA.
-Don- Auburn, CA
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Oh, the amount I’ll pay out of pocket isn’t eye-watering.
The eye watering bills are more showing what they want the insurance company to pay. The helicopter ride alone was the price of a well-configured Tesla Model 3. Then there’s a few weeks of hospitalization with multiple surgeries and procedures, with outpatient nurse visits now and more surgery scheduled.
We get handed that bill as a matter of record, with a subtle threat that if insurance doesn’t pay it, they’ll pursue me.
I know it’s uncivilized, but this is the situation.
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Wow...In France the maximum you can pay out of your pocket is 20 euros per day, even if you have no private insurance. At that price you can have the best hospital with the greatest specialists.
Just for my education, what is the order of magnitude of the amount tho hospital will bill you ?
Is the city or electric company taking responsibility? I hope so.
Short answer: no.
Long answer: no comment.
I have a friend that fell over on his BMW GS on the highway while rounding a 25 mph curve. Although he was wearing a new top-of-the-line Shoei helmet, he apparently suffered a concussion. He spent 2 week at Stanford Hospital and another month in a rehab facility. His medical bills totaled almost $1 million. Fortunately, his bills were paid by his workplace private medical insurance - after a year of continual negotiations. The cause of his accident was never determined, although his insurance company did everything that they could to determine if there was someone that they could sue to recover their expenses.
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I have a friend that fell over on his BMW GS on the highway while rounding a 25 mph curve. Although he was wearing a new top-of-the-line Shoei helmet, he apparently suffered a concussion.
Did you see the Harry Hurt Report on helmets back in the 1980's (IIRC)? A big study on motorcycle accidents and helmets. The best helmet for MOST motorcycle accidents (most happen at the bike riding at 25 mph or less) were the cheapest ones, such as the one WalMart used too sell back then for $15.00.
Faster speed accidents generally require a more expensive helmet.
His bottom line was "you tell me what type of accident you will have and I will tell you the best helmet".
But he also mentioned having the wrong helmet for your type of accident is always better than no helmet at all.
The problem with you friend's helmet could have been it was too expensive for the type of accident he had. Cheap helmets are softer and absorb more impact at slow speeds. The more expensive helmets are usually better at higher speeds, but worse at lower speed impacts.
If this has changed with new helmet technology since the 1980's, I do not know.
-Don- Auburn, CA
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That's not the way I remember the Hurt report AT ALL. The conclusion I remember is that ANY helmet provides about 80% of the benefit of the very best helmet. Helmet cost isn't very strongly correlated to how well it protects, but coverage is -- a good full-coverage helmet is better than an open-face helmet, which is better than those soup bowls the Harley guys wear. But the difference isn't all that great. First, WEAR ONE!!!! (I love those little stickers the Harley guys put on their helmets that say "I wear this helmet under protest." That's EXACTLY why we have helmet laws in CA. You're telling me that it's working!) Second, step up to a full-face helmet. Third....well, there isn't really a third. Get one that fits your head shape and size. And that, regardless of price, is about the best you're going to be able to do.
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That's not the way I remember the Hurt report AT ALL.
I don't see how you could not remember it as that was one of his main points.
Do you remember where he mentioned those cheap $15.00 Wal-Mart helmets?
Do you remember his line "you tell me what type of accident you will have and I will tell you the best helmet" ?
That most cycle crashes happen with the bike going less than 25 MPH at the point of impact?
Was there more than one report? I think the Hurt report I read was in Rider Magazine, which I used to subscribe to.
I see there is some info. on the web. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurt_Report)I will do some more searching and see if I can find the exact words.
Edit: Here is the entire study. (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d5/MOTORCYCLE_ACCIDENT_CAUSE_FACTORS_AND_IDENTIFICATION_OF_COUNTERMEASURES_VOLUME_I-_TECHNICAL_REPORT.pdf) Obviously this is more than would fit in Rider magazine. I think what Rider did was interview H Hurt and wasn't this exact study, but questions and answers based on it.
-Don- Auburn, CA
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Wow...In France the maximum you can pay out of your pocket is 20 euros per day, even if you have no private insurance.
You probably pay as much, but by a different method-- such as much higher taxes than here in the USA.
-Don- Auburn, CA
He probably doesn't. The US spends ~17% of its GDP on health (more than twice that of most developed countries), with far worse outcomes by almost any metric. The US non-system has a lot of admin overhead.
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The US non-system has a lot of admin overhead.
It's not just admin overhead. The US system is a FOR PROFIT model. Every entity from the insurance companies to the labs to the drug companies to the pharmacies to the doctors' offices to the hospitals demand, and receive, a "fair profit" for services rendered. (And we know what "fair" means when peoples' health is at risk.) Add them together and that's when the eyes start watering. It's staggering how much profit there is in something as relatively simple to build as a wheelchair.
Ours is truly a very broken system.
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Unfortunately, I have to agree with Doug S, here. Financially, our medical system sucks. But if you can afford it you can get good care most of the time and you rarely have to wait for it.
Regarding my friend's accident: I am pretty sure that he suffered a minor stroke as he had no knowledge or memory of what had happened that day and for a week afterward while he was in the hospital. When the insurance company started grilling him about who or what caused his accident, he made up a story that he crashed because he was trying to avoid a deer running across the road. That story did get the insurance company off of his back. It took him about a year before he seemed to be able to carry on a conversation like he used to do. But almost 2 years after his accident, he still can't walk very well, or land his plane well enough to be able to fly it again. While he still rides one of his 23 motorcycles every week, he doesn't seem to want to go on any long trips nowadays. I might add that he is 15 years younger than I am. :(
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Please Please Please keep this thread on topic.
Best wishes to our mutual friend and guide Brian.
The political and economic tangents are very worthy topics but mods please move them elsewhere. Let's keep this on Brian and his recovery. He deserves to be made whole.
Get in line forumites: If the slick lawyers for the opposition need some pressure, perhaps we can help in the court of public opinion.
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Please Please Please keep this thread on topic.
Weather is nice today.
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Weather is nice today.
A little too hot here, around 100°F!
IMO, we should communicate normally in forums just as we do normally face to face, in person, which usually means different topics come up.
Often there is very good info. in these hijacked threads.
So I have wondered for years who first came up with that stupid rule that we must stay on topic. I strongly disagree, except in some rather rare cases where it is best to stay on topic, but again, just like in a face to face conversation.
Usually after a few messages, the main part of the OP's question or whatever is answered anyway.
-Don- Auburn, CA
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I agree completely that in most threads a wide ranging exchange of information and ideas is great.
But this thread is different.
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I agree completely that in most threads a wide ranging exchange of information and ideas is great.
But this thread is different.
I don't think much more can be said on this topic, other than the fact that it's now up to $9, 265.00.
And BTW, it is 99F here in Auburn. :)
-Don- Auburn, CA
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More can be said:
This man, who has selflessly helped many or most on this forum has gotten a raw deal.
We can help fix that.
Please stay on topic, which is the funrasier. The other stuff you're talking about should be here.
(http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=9118.0)
-Don-
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Weather is nice today.
IMO, we should communicate normally in forums just as we do normally face to face, in person, which usually means different topics come up.
Often there is very good info. in these hijacked threads.
So I have wondered for years who first came up with that stupid rule that we must stay on topic. I strongly disagree, except in some rather rare cases where it is best to stay on topic, but again, just like in a face to face conversation.
Brian ... any thoughts here?
BTW, hope you've got a good lawyer. After my recent crash (a mosquito bite, compared to yours) I learned I could sue my insurance company for pain and suffering. Who knew? And it works. And I won't publicly post any details until the case is settled. (Brian, if interested PM me)
We're really close to ten grand, gals and guys. Let's make it happen!
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BTW, hope you've got a good lawyer. After my recent crash (a mosquito bite, compared to yours) I learned I could sue my insurance company for pain and suffering. Who knew? And it works.
Great. I bet insurance company will take a loss to settle the lawsuit for your benefit, and for the benefit of their other customers... Nah, more likely the insurance company will increase the rates for all of their customers to settle your, and any future lawsuits. The only party that benefits from this situation is lawyers.
Keep America suing, my friends!
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The only party that benefits from this situation is lawyers.
Keep America suing, my friends!
That was my first reaction. And my first questions to my lawyer were something like: 1) what will it cost me if I win/lose? If I win, what is your commission/percentage?
To my (great) surprise, the answers were: 1) unless the law firm collects $, doesn't cost me anything (caveat below); 2) 35%
Caveat: If we go to trial there are expenses (expert witnesses, etc). And the ruling could go against us. So possibly $ out of my pocket. But, prior to trial (which is a last resort) the insurance company either denies everything (no $ out of my pocket) or offers a settlement. In my case they offered a settlement. My lawyer (with my consent) countered with (something like), "that's just a standard 3x medical bills. We believe more is justified."
Am waiting to see what happens. I don't plan to go to trial. Initial offer was ... 1/2 of an SR/F -- after lawyer fees and medical insurance subrogation.
Though I wished I hadn't crashed ... this has been an interesting learning experience.
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That was my first reaction. And my first questions to my lawyer were something like: 1) what will it cost me if I win/lose? If I win, what is your commission/percentage?
To my (great) surprise, the answers were: 1) unless the law firm collects $, doesn't cost me anything (caveat below); 2) 35%
Caveat: If we go to trial there are expenses (expert witnesses, etc). And the ruling could go against us. So possibly $ out of my pocket. But, prior to trial (which is a last resort) the insurance company either denies everything (no $ out of my pocket) or offers a settlement. In my case they offered a settlement. My lawyer (with my consent) countered with (something like), "that's just a standard 3x medical bills. We believe more is justified."
Am waiting to see what happens. I don't plan to go to trial. Initial offer was ... 1/2 of an SR/F -- after lawyer fees and medical insurance subrogation.
Though I wished I hadn't crashed ... this has been an interesting learning experience.
Pretty sure you misunderstood what I was saying. All these lawsuits and settlements are paid out of our pockets. Basically it's another fundraiser, for you, but insurance company and lawyers take their cut. A form of redistribution in the capitalist society :)
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Pretty sure you misunderstood what I was saying. All these lawsuits and settlements are paid out of our pockets. Basically it's another fundraiser, for you, but insurance company and lawyers take their cut. A form of redistribution in the capitalist society :)
I can see what your saying and I agree that if you start making stuff up as part of your claim(not saying this is the case in the least bit) it verges on fraud and we all pay for it. Saying that, if the claims are justified and the pain and suffering occurred, then you have all right to get a just settlement. We pay the insurance companies a lot of money just for situations like this and what usually happens is when an accident occurs, they try to low ball us with a settlements to maximize their profits. They are some of the richest companies in the world. They do this by never losing. If they have to payout, they raise the rates to keep the profits from diminishing. Now that is true capitalism. So instead of blaming the guy who get's into an accident and is looking for a fair settlement after years of paying into the insurance profits, lets look at the greed of some of these huge insurance companies. And don't even get me started on the lawyers.
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So, my next facial reconstruction surgery was moved up to next week! Then I’ll heal up for a week while a plan for installing teeth is worked out.
In the meantime I’m in a bit of pain from the facial structure still not fully together, and trying to keep my pre-surgery tissue together and body as healthy as possible.
The question regarding riding is when my face will be able to sit safely in a helmet. I think that’ll take a while yet.
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Thanks for the Update! I hope your surgeries heal fast and that the pain is manageble. Stay strong!
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Someone tagged me on Facebook asking how I was doing, so I composed an update. I'm copying it here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/zmcowners/permalink/2368431903226004/?comment_id=2369068366495691 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/zmcowners/permalink/2368431903226004/?comment_id=2369068366495691)
I just went through my fourth (depends on how you count) surgery seven days ago. They're rebuilding my facial bones and tissue around the nose and upper mouth.
The hope is that once it all fuses and heals, that I can get teeth implants installed. Currently, it seems to be going as planned.
I can speak more easily than after the prior surgery that put the bones and tissue in but left me with bulk that made it hard to drink or speak. I'm also thankfully in less pain (the pain is smaller, more occasional, but sharper) and more lucid.
My body itself is fine, with remaining scar tissue all fused, and generally I have plenty of energy although my stamina is low.
If I had to explain in a sentence why I'm not riding yet, it's that I have a tube to my stomach and if I fell on my face, it would be BAD. So putting a helmet on is a no-go still.
I don't know how long this will all take, but it's been 9 weeks since the accident, so this is going about as quickly as I can imagine. Honestly, my body heals a lot faster than average in some ways.
I'm still practically stuck at home and would appreciate visitors, and I'm mostly self-sufficient although my girlfriend runs grocery errands for me.
My recent milestones were: drank a beer, ate some soup, and walked a mile or so in a park.
There's some titanium underneath holding all the new bones and tissue in place, which right now is the main source of pain. It's sort of weird being able to move most of your body, but having to hold your face very still.