So basically this last weekend I went out for a joyride, and I stopped at a mall (last minute GameStop gift card). I somehow got a spot up front near the handicap spaces, park my bike towards the back of the spot so people can see that it is taken, and go inside. I head to GameStop to get the gift card, and decide to head to the food court for their grade A food. I get done eating and already hating myself for eating there return to my bike.
What I expect to find is my bike sitting where I left it undisturbed. What I don't expect is my bike laying on its side, with some guy laying next to it moaning in pain, with what I assume to be his wife in hysterics next to him. So naturally I run over, to see wtf is going on, see if my bike is ok, and as an afterthought the guy laying next to it.
So I ask wtf happened, and the wife starts screaming at me that my bike almost killed her husband. Now as informative as this statement was I needed more clarification, so my next questions was "What?"
Turns out the husband tried to pull into the space my bike was occupying, only to discover that it was taken. Rather than finding another space, he decided that he wanted my space. He got out of his SUV, walked up to my bike, and tried to move it into the striped area that the handicap spot had next to it. Unfortunately it seems he didn't anticipate me locking my bars, and when he tries to turn it he instead tips it over and falls onto it. Lucky for him he probably landed on my drive shaft, rather than the engine itself. So his wife pulls him off my bike and flops him down on the pavement and calls 911.
It is about this time that I showed up, and I am just standing there trying to process how this is my fault. Luckily the paramedics arrive, and he is carted off to the hospital. Meanwhile I have to give a statement to the police about what happened, I also showed them the damage to my bike (luckily the highway bars took the brunt of the fall and got away with some minor scratches). Gave the cop my insurance info just incase. Well it turns out that this was a mistake, because they tried make a claim against me.
So I get a call from my insurance, tell them wtf happened, they deny his claim. But this is not good enough for them so they sent me a nice letter about how they are going to be taking me to court, but are willing to settle for me covering the medical expenses and $10k for pain and suffering.
So I have decided that I shall not pay for someone elses stupidity, and have been looking for a lawyer. I will probably be putting in a counter suit for damages to my bike and legal fees.
Edit: God damn guys, I was not expecting the amount of attention this got. Anyways I went to the on base legal office, showed them the letter, and told them my side of the story. They helped me type up a response letter, and recommended several good lawyers off base. I have been advised to stop posting any further details until the matter is settled, either in or out of court. I will update as soon as the matter is settled, and I will continue to read and reply to as many comments as I can.
Edit2: I would just like to thank you all for your comments and advise. I would just like to let everyone know that I have shown my insurance the letter that was sent to me, and they have agreed to take care of it. I still can't say much, but hopefully it will be resolved soon.
