Burnt....broken.......but I'm ALIVE. ----> Pics on Page 1 **56K Beware**
11-22-2004, 12:51 AM
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Burnt....broken.......but I'm ALIVE. ----> Pics on Page 1 **56K Beware**
Tonight as I write this story, I am thanking the Lord above. This could have very easily (and almost was) the last day of my life. For all the people that wanted to put money into the "When Katana will crash on a bike" contest, if you had picked Sunday, November 21st, you would have won. I just spent the past 10 hours in an emergency room. And I am lucky to be able to tell this story to you guys.
I was coming from my friend Brandon's (bdiddycl) house. Perfect weather, warm out, just a nice day to go for a ride. While going home on I-4, I was speeding a little bit. I was going about 100mph in a 65. There werent too many cars around me, and I was just cruising. Without warning, the engine blows up. It just blew up and started spewing hot oil all over my legs. Then it caught on fire. With me on it. This was the absolute WORST PAIN I HAVE EVER FELT. I thought I was going to crash and die and burn to death. I was in the middle lane and I couldnt jump off to get away from the fire. I mean, I could have, but then I would have been instant roadkill. So I slam on the brakes and veer off into the median so I could have some grass to at least help me out instead of just concrete. I lost control of the bike at about 40mph. I flew off and slammed headfirst into a concrete portion and then bounced on my chest, and then flipped a few more times until I finally landed in the grass. I guess me flying off and rolling into the grass put the fire out that was on my legs. If I had not been wearing a helmet, I would have died. I got up, definently shaken, and the pain was incredible. All the hot oil was still on my legs and my shorts were basically burnt to a crisp. Then the bike exploded about 15 feet from me. Not a big explosion, but enough so that pieces went flying everywhere and that the bike looked like one big bonfire. From the time to when the engine caught on fire and the bike blowing up, about 8 seconds went by. It felt like hours.
Now people are starting to pull off to the side of the road to help me out. I am definently not ok. My whole lower half is burnt, and I'm having trouble breathing. Police arrive. Fire trucks arrive. Ambulance comes on the scene. 2 undercover cops who I passed on the highway are yelling at me. A state trooper asks them what they saw, and they said I passed them at a high rate of speed and was driving like a maniac. There is some truth to that, I was going faster than the limit, but I wasnt doing any crazy weaving in and out, just driving nonchalontly. They say they think I wrecked the bike first, and then it caught on fire. I said its not possible, since I would have road rash all over me, not serious burns.
I call whoever I can think of....my friend Brian, Brandon, and my Dad. All of them rush to the scene. Brian also took a lot of pics on his camera phone, and as soon as I get a chance, I will post them. The paramedics took one look at the bike, at the skid marks, at what I told them happened, and at my helmet, and they all said the same thing. I was lucky to be alive, and they couldnt believe I wasnt dead. They did say I reacted and did the best thing possible by veering into the median, even though I was engulfed in flames at the time. If I had jumped off the bike at 100mph, on fire no less, I would have been scraped off the ground with a shovel they told me.
So on the way to the hospital it becomes apparent that I have 2nd, maybe 3rd degree burns on the backsides of both legs and calves, a concussion, and might have broken ribs along with a punctured lung. I was having difficulty breathing and felt really faint, like I was going to pass out. I get to the hospital, and all I see and hear is "Is that our motorcycle victim" and I see about 20 people prepared to work on me. They cut all my clothes off and treated me. Incredible, incredible, and I mean out of this world pain. I have never felt so bad before in my life. After they bandaged me and put all kinda tubes and wires on me, I have to go get X-rayed. Then I got an EKG. Then CAT scans. Luckily I find out that my ribs arent broken and my lung isnt punctured. Just really sore from hitting the concrete at that speed, along with my weight.
Then the news gets out to other family and friends, and everybody was going crazy. I had a lot of people out in the waiting room to see me. The trooper comes in and gives me a ticket for Reckless Driving along with a court date. Then the doctors come in, check me out, hear my story, and listen to what the paramedics told them, and even they said "You are lucky to be alive." One of the cops told me to go play the lottery, since I was the luckiest person he had ever seen. I spent about 10 hours in the ER.
So I have to go to court, and I will tell the truth about what happened. I'll play the hand I'm dealt. I know I was wrong for going faster, and I paid the price today. It just boggles me how the engine just blew up on me like that. And if I hadnt been wearing gear, I would have been done. Helmet saved my life for sure. Gloves helped protect my hands. But I was also only wearing a shirt and shorts since it was short trip, so I got screwed in that regard.
Looking back on it, it does amaze me how I survived. If I would see what happened to me on TV or something, I'd be willing to bet that the guy died or was either paralyzed. I am NEVER EVER going to get on a bike again. Today was the biggest wake-up call I ever had. I am done with bikes. My experience today was one for a lifetime.
Please do not turn this into a hate thread with a whole bunch of "I told you so" and "Got what you deserved", things of that nature. I know. While I was on fire and veering off the road about to fly off the bike, I thought that was it. I thought I was gonna die. I've never been in a situation where I honestly thought my life was coming to an end. Until today. I'm crying right now just typing this, I'm still so emotional. In the end I had a light concussion, 2nd degree burns over my legs, and bruises all over me from the fall. I am not looking forward to waking up in the morning.
Lucky for me, I'm at home tonight telling you this, and not in a morgue somewhere. I really am thankful to still be alive.
Eric
added pics to page 1 and re-hosted 11-23-04 - Jonesi
I was coming from my friend Brandon's (bdiddycl) house. Perfect weather, warm out, just a nice day to go for a ride. While going home on I-4, I was speeding a little bit. I was going about 100mph in a 65. There werent too many cars around me, and I was just cruising. Without warning, the engine blows up. It just blew up and started spewing hot oil all over my legs. Then it caught on fire. With me on it. This was the absolute WORST PAIN I HAVE EVER FELT. I thought I was going to crash and die and burn to death. I was in the middle lane and I couldnt jump off to get away from the fire. I mean, I could have, but then I would have been instant roadkill. So I slam on the brakes and veer off into the median so I could have some grass to at least help me out instead of just concrete. I lost control of the bike at about 40mph. I flew off and slammed headfirst into a concrete portion and then bounced on my chest, and then flipped a few more times until I finally landed in the grass. I guess me flying off and rolling into the grass put the fire out that was on my legs. If I had not been wearing a helmet, I would have died. I got up, definently shaken, and the pain was incredible. All the hot oil was still on my legs and my shorts were basically burnt to a crisp. Then the bike exploded about 15 feet from me. Not a big explosion, but enough so that pieces went flying everywhere and that the bike looked like one big bonfire. From the time to when the engine caught on fire and the bike blowing up, about 8 seconds went by. It felt like hours.
Now people are starting to pull off to the side of the road to help me out. I am definently not ok. My whole lower half is burnt, and I'm having trouble breathing. Police arrive. Fire trucks arrive. Ambulance comes on the scene. 2 undercover cops who I passed on the highway are yelling at me. A state trooper asks them what they saw, and they said I passed them at a high rate of speed and was driving like a maniac. There is some truth to that, I was going faster than the limit, but I wasnt doing any crazy weaving in and out, just driving nonchalontly. They say they think I wrecked the bike first, and then it caught on fire. I said its not possible, since I would have road rash all over me, not serious burns.
I call whoever I can think of....my friend Brian, Brandon, and my Dad. All of them rush to the scene. Brian also took a lot of pics on his camera phone, and as soon as I get a chance, I will post them. The paramedics took one look at the bike, at the skid marks, at what I told them happened, and at my helmet, and they all said the same thing. I was lucky to be alive, and they couldnt believe I wasnt dead. They did say I reacted and did the best thing possible by veering into the median, even though I was engulfed in flames at the time. If I had jumped off the bike at 100mph, on fire no less, I would have been scraped off the ground with a shovel they told me.
So on the way to the hospital it becomes apparent that I have 2nd, maybe 3rd degree burns on the backsides of both legs and calves, a concussion, and might have broken ribs along with a punctured lung. I was having difficulty breathing and felt really faint, like I was going to pass out. I get to the hospital, and all I see and hear is "Is that our motorcycle victim" and I see about 20 people prepared to work on me. They cut all my clothes off and treated me. Incredible, incredible, and I mean out of this world pain. I have never felt so bad before in my life. After they bandaged me and put all kinda tubes and wires on me, I have to go get X-rayed. Then I got an EKG. Then CAT scans. Luckily I find out that my ribs arent broken and my lung isnt punctured. Just really sore from hitting the concrete at that speed, along with my weight.
Then the news gets out to other family and friends, and everybody was going crazy. I had a lot of people out in the waiting room to see me. The trooper comes in and gives me a ticket for Reckless Driving along with a court date. Then the doctors come in, check me out, hear my story, and listen to what the paramedics told them, and even they said "You are lucky to be alive." One of the cops told me to go play the lottery, since I was the luckiest person he had ever seen. I spent about 10 hours in the ER.
So I have to go to court, and I will tell the truth about what happened. I'll play the hand I'm dealt. I know I was wrong for going faster, and I paid the price today. It just boggles me how the engine just blew up on me like that. And if I hadnt been wearing gear, I would have been done. Helmet saved my life for sure. Gloves helped protect my hands. But I was also only wearing a shirt and shorts since it was short trip, so I got screwed in that regard.
Looking back on it, it does amaze me how I survived. If I would see what happened to me on TV or something, I'd be willing to bet that the guy died or was either paralyzed. I am NEVER EVER going to get on a bike again. Today was the biggest wake-up call I ever had. I am done with bikes. My experience today was one for a lifetime.
Please do not turn this into a hate thread with a whole bunch of "I told you so" and "Got what you deserved", things of that nature. I know. While I was on fire and veering off the road about to fly off the bike, I thought that was it. I thought I was gonna die. I've never been in a situation where I honestly thought my life was coming to an end. Until today. I'm crying right now just typing this, I'm still so emotional. In the end I had a light concussion, 2nd degree burns over my legs, and bruises all over me from the fall. I am not looking forward to waking up in the morning.
Lucky for me, I'm at home tonight telling you this, and not in a morgue somewhere. I really am thankful to still be alive.
Eric
added pics to page 1 and re-hosted 11-23-04 - Jonesi
11-22-2004, 12:59 AM
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wow...that is crazy
but I am so glad to hear that you're alive Kats. Are they going to investigate into why the engine exploded? Even though you were speeding, wouldn't someone be liable for that type of malfunction? In any case, I hope your wounds heal quickly and you don't experience any more pain 
but I am so glad to hear that you're alive Kats. Are they going to investigate into why the engine exploded? Even though you were speeding, wouldn't someone be liable for that type of malfunction? In any case, I hope your wounds heal quickly and you don't experience any more pain
11-22-2004, 01:07 AM
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Happy that it was you able to make this post, and not bdiddy telling us we lost a member.
Shame it had to finally take getting fucked up to get the wake up people have been warning you about.
But I'm glad to hear you'll be around to whore it up with us
Shame it had to finally take getting fucked up to get the wake up people have been warning you about.
But I'm glad to hear you'll be around to whore it up with us
11-22-2004, 01:08 AM
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Wow, incredible story. Glad to hear you're alive and ended up with only a few burns and such. Obviously coulda been worse.
Hopefully the emotional pain heals as quickly as the physical pain. Just count your blessings.
I'm sure everyone here wishes you well....
Hopefully the emotional pain heals as quickly as the physical pain. Just count your blessings.
I'm sure everyone here wishes you well....
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11-22-2004, 01:08 AM
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Btw...did the winky get burnt 
11-22-2004, 01:10 AM
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Originally Posted by sarlacc23
Btw...did the winky get burnt
thanks all the concern guys.....and mr. winky almost did get burnt. my burns reach up until about 1.5 inches from my crotch.
11-22-2004, 01:10 AM
#10
Blown is Best
Wow Eric. Reading what happened to you just gives me chills. Glad you're here to tell about it. So ironic that you were just going to sell the bike.
Sounds like you handled it the best way possible. And you are right, someone is looking out for you. Not sure if you're spiritual or not but we are pretty powerless in the overall scheme of things. We like to think we're in control but we're not.
I'm surprised that they let you out and didn't keep you overnight. Take care of yourself and get some rest.
Sounds like you handled it the best way possible. And you are right, someone is looking out for you. Not sure if you're spiritual or not but we are pretty powerless in the overall scheme of things. We like to think we're in control but we're not.
I'm surprised that they let you out and didn't keep you overnight. Take care of yourself and get some rest.
11-22-2004, 01:13 AM
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Still though, I don't think that was right for the bike to catch fire like that. I'm sure Honda has some explaining to do.
But still, that is simple unbelievable. We're really glad you made it out alive buddy.
But still, that is simple unbelievable. We're really glad you made it out alive buddy.
11-22-2004, 01:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Katana18
thanks all the concern guys.....and mr. winky almost did get burnt. my burns reach up until about 1.5 inches from my crotch.
good thing Mr. winky only hangs an inch or so,
Hey man...I feel so cliche gay saying I am glad to hear you are OK.
but yeah, good thing you are.
11-22-2004, 01:17 AM
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Originally Posted by pgatour1
Hey man...I feel so cliche gay saying I am glad to hear you are OK.
but yeah, good thing you are.
but yeah, good thing you are.
hope everything works out for u...
11-22-2004, 01:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Katana18
The trooper comes in and gives me a ticket for Reckless Driving along with a court date.
Same shit happened to me, a big rig ran a red light and made a left turn infront of me, I hit him and ended up in the hospital. About an hour later as I am about to go in for an MRI and with a broken leg and lots of cuts and bruises the cop comes in and makes me sign a ticket for entering the intersection when the big rig was still in it
11-22-2004, 01:46 AM
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Originally Posted by Silver™
Same shit happened to me, a big rig ran a red light and made a left turn infront of me, I hit him and ended up in the hospital. About an hour later as I am about to go in for an MRI and with a broken leg and lots of cuts and bruises the cop comes in and makes me sign a ticket for entering the intersection when the big rig was still in it
My best friends grandfather was killed when he was struck by a car attempting to cross the street (he was old and his periphial vision was near gone...sad and tragic yes)
And a cop showed up and wrote him a ticket for jaywalking...um, duh
11-22-2004, 01:46 AM
#24
holy shit, so glad to hear you are ok
sounds like God wanted you to stick around a little longer..
sounds like God wanted you to stick around a little longer..
