Every cyclist understands the inherent risks involved each time they embark on a road ride. The potential for encountering distracted or reckless drivers is a constant concern, and the consequences can range from serious injury to fatality. For years, despite extensive cycling and triathlon training, I managed to avoid direct collisions with automobiles—until recently. This personal experience serves as a crucial case study in understanding the immediate aftermath and long-term recovery process, especially when Getting Hit By A Car On A Bike Diagnosis involves not just physical injuries, but also significant psychological impacts.
On a Friday, September 24th, during what was meant to be my final training ride along the Pacific Coast Highway before the Malibu Triathlon, the unthinkable happened: I was struck by a car. Adding insult to injury, it was a hit-and-run. The driver showed no indication of slowing down after impact, leaving me on the roadside (the California Highway Patrol later informed me that the chances of identifying the driver were minimal). The point of impact was the rear of my bicycle. While my bike was completely destroyed, I was incredibly fortunate to escape with relatively minor physical injuries. Following nine hours at the UCLA Level 1 Trauma Center, I was diagnosed with a broken bone fragment in my right foot, two small fractures on my tibial plateau, and eight stitches to close two cuts on my right calf. This incident could have been far worse; had the collision occurred just a foot to the left, the outcome could have been catastrophic.
Alt text: Destroyed bicycle frame after being hit by a car, highlighting the severity of a bike car collision and the importance of post-accident diagnosis.
My bicycle, in essence, sacrificed itself to protect me. Rest in peace to my trusty ride.
Given the frequency with which cyclists and triathletes experience accidents, ranging from simple falls to serious collisions with cars, I felt compelled to share my recent experience. My perspective comes not only from that of a cyclist but also as a sport psychologist, providing a unique lens through which to examine the immediate and subsequent psychological responses to such a traumatic event. Understanding the nuances of getting hit by a car on a bike diagnosis extends beyond the emergency room and into the realm of mental and emotional well-being.
My immediate psychological state following the crash was surprisingly unexpected. Contrary to what one might assume, I experienced neither intense fear nor shock. In the immediate aftermath, I remained calm and clear-headed. There were no overwhelming emotions, and I didn’t exhibit a significant stress reaction, which I would have anticipated. The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) expressed concern due to my unusually low heart rate, recorded at 49 beats per minute, but I reassured them that my normal waking heart rate is around 40 bpm. Throughout the day and during my time at the trauma center, my emotional state fluctuated between a sense of equanimity and an almost strange feeling of exhilaration.
Research into near-death experiences reveals that reactions are highly individualistic. Some individuals develop debilitating fear and long-term post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others report a short-term period of calmness followed by a lasting decrease in the fear of death. It’s possible that I fell into this latter category, which could explain my initial tranquility after the collision and the subsequent sense of lightness and liberation, possibly stemming from a reduced fear of mortality. I even found myself with a somewhat dark sense of humor, feeling like I had earned a dubious “badge of honor” for joining the unfortunate “hit by a car” club—certainly not a club anyone aspires to join. On a less dramatic note, perhaps I was simply profoundly grateful to be alive.
Working with athletes in high-risk sports, including cycling and ski racing, and those recovering from injuries sustained in these pursuits, has given me a deep awareness of the typical negative psychological reactions that can arise after a serious accident. These can include persistent fear, intrusive and obsessive replay of the traumatic event, chronic stress responses such as anxiety, physical tension, and heightened sensitivity, and avoidance of similar situations in the future. This avoidance is often why many cyclists find themselves unable to return to outdoor cycling after an accident involving a car.
Paradoxically, these reactions, indicative of PTSD, are rooted in survival mechanisms. PTSD symptoms evolved as a way to cope with trauma, placing individuals in a state of high alert to potential dangers, which would have been advantageous for our ancestors facing repeated threats. However, in modern life, these once adaptive responses can become dysfunctional. The intensity and persistence of PTSD symptoms can be disproportionate to the actual threat, hindering recovery and overall well-being. Therefore, a crucial aspect of getting hit by a car on a bike diagnosis is recognizing and addressing these potential psychological ramifications.
Despite my initial calm and even positive emotional state in the days following the hit-and-run, I remained aware that this could be a transient phase. I understood the possibility that PTSD symptoms could still emerge. Therefore, I proactively employed strategies to mitigate the risk of developing a more negative and persistent reaction, determined to avoid becoming someone who abandons a sport they love due to fear.
Imagery Rescripting for Trauma Recovery
The vividness and emotional intensity with which traumatic events are encoded in our memory serve an evolutionary purpose. Our brains prioritize remembering these experiences to enhance our chances of avoiding or mitigating similar threats in the future. Research indicates that memories associated with strong emotions are consolidated into long-term memory more readily and deeply than neutral memories. A bike crash, particularly a collision with a car, is undoubtedly an emotionally charged event.
To lessen the likelihood of the intensely emotional memories of my collision with the car becoming deeply ingrained in my long-term memory, I utilized a therapeutic technique known as imagery rescripting. This technique involves consciously replaying the traumatic event in one’s mind and actively altering the narrative to create a more positive or less threatening outcome. Research, including studies from military contexts, suggests that imagery rescripting is most effective when implemented repeatedly within the first 24 to 48 hours after the event, before emotional memories become firmly established. This early intervention is crucial in shaping the getting hit by a car on a bike diagnosis and subsequent psychological trajectory.
Within hours of the accident, I began to mentally revisit the event. Initially, my imagery was naturally negative; I was simply re-experiencing the terrifying collision, which, if left unchecked, could reinforce the memory consolidation process I was trying to disrupt. Drawing on strategies I use with athletes to manage performance anxiety and negative thought patterns, I consciously directed my mind to create an alternative script. This involved techniques like slow-motion imagery and mental editing to consciously reshape the memory.
I experimented with several different scripts. My first attempt was to simply erase the car from my mental replay of the crash. This proved ineffective; the image of the car kept reappearing in my imagined scenarios. Next, I tried slowing down the sequence of events to allow both myself and the driver time to react and avert the collision. This approach also failed, as the vivid memory of the speeding car approaching relentlessly persisted. Finally, I arrived at a script that resonated more effectively with my brain. I imagined the car approaching, but through a combination of increased pedaling effort on my part and a swerving maneuver by the car, I visualized the car narrowly missing me.
Having developed this more manageable script, I repeatedly replayed and revised the experience. Over the subsequent two days, and continuing even now, I have mentally rehearsed this amended version of the collision hundreds of times. By proactively intervening and altering the emotional encoding of the event, I have effectively prevented the intensely negative emotional memory from solidifying in my brain. Consequently, I can now recall the incident and replay the revised script with minimal emotional distress. Importantly, the incident no longer evokes a strong emotional reaction when I think about it. Occasionally, I admit, an even more catastrophic scenario flashes through my mind—one where I am hit head-on and propelled into the air. However, when this occurs, I employ imagery rescripting again, this time incorporating an element of empowerment. I visualize myself soaring through the air like a superhero and landing safely, regaining a sense of control over the situation.
Alt text: Cyclist’s damaged bike after a car accident, emphasizing the physical impact when getting hit by a car on a bike and the need for accident diagnosis.
Regaining Control of the Narrative Post-Accident
Recovering psychologically from a serious bike crash goes beyond just rewiring neural pathways. It also involves acknowledging how such a distressing event can alter your thought patterns and internal dialogue. Perhaps the most damaging psychological consequence of such an event is the feeling of lost control and helplessness. This state of vulnerability can exacerbate PTSD symptoms because it fosters a sense of powerlessness to prevent similar incidents in the future. This feeling of helplessness is a critical aspect of the overall getting hit by a car on a bike diagnosis from a psychological standpoint.
This victim mentality can perpetuate negative thought patterns that further instill a fearful mindset, leading to increased distress. To counteract this sense of vulnerability and the negative thinking that can follow, I consciously initiated a regimen of positive self-talk. In the days immediately following the accident, whenever I noticed my thoughts drifting towards negativity, I consciously began reciting a series of positive affirmations aimed at reinforcing feelings of strength and control. These affirmations included statements like: “I choose how I will react to this trauma,” “I am strong,” and “I will not allow this event to dictate my life.” As these positive self-statements became a regular mantra, I could feel a tangible shift in my emotional state. I began to feel more empowered, and the accident started to feel less immediate and impactful, receding into the past.
Embracing Rationality in Trauma Recovery
When a highly traumatic event occurs, our prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for executive functions like self-monitoring, planning, evaluating options, self-control, and decision-making, experiences a significant reduction in activity. Simultaneously, the limbic system, which governs emotional processing and reactions, takes over, a phenomenon often referred to as an “emotional hijack.” From an evolutionary perspective, this neurological shift was crucial for survival in ancient, dangerous environments. In situations demanding immediate action, such as encountering a predator, there was no time for reasoned deliberation. The limbic system’s rapid response mechanisms—fight, freeze, or flight—were essential for survival.
However, these primal responses, while adaptive in prehistoric times, are often counterproductive in modern contexts, particularly when recovering from trauma like a car collision. Allowing the limbic system to remain in control can hinder rational thought and perpetuate fear-based reactions. Therefore, a vital step in psychological recovery and the broader getting hit by a car on a bike diagnosis process is to consciously engage the prefrontal cortex and regain cognitive control over emotional responses. To achieve this, I actively challenged any irrational thoughts that could prolong PTSD reactions.
I consciously reminded myself that while cycling does inherently involve risks, being hit by a car is still, statistically, an unlikely event. This rational perspective can be challenging to maintain, especially within cycling and triathlon communities where anecdotal accounts of accidents are common. It seemed that nearly everyone I spoke to about my accident either had been hit themselves or knew someone who had. However, this prevalence of anecdotal evidence can lead to a cognitive bias known as overgeneralization, where inaccurate conclusions are drawn from a limited or unrepresentative sample of data. In reality, statistics show that a significant percentage of fatal bike accidents occur in urban areas, involve less experienced cyclists, and those who don’t adhere to basic traffic safety rules. By following traffic laws, avoiding high-risk urban riding environments, and practicing safe cycling habits, the actual probability of being hit by a car remains relatively low.
Cultivating Gratitude as a Coping Mechanism
Gratitude has been the most prominent emotion I’ve experienced in the aftermath of my collision. Despite sustaining injuries that prematurely ended my triathlon season, I am acutely aware that the outcome could have been far more severe. Recognizing the potential for a much worse scenario has fostered a deep sense of thankfulness. This perspective of gratitude is an important element in the self-directed getting hit by a car on a bike diagnosis and recovery process.
Furthermore, while the hit-and-run driver’s actions highlighted a disheartening lack of empathy, I am also profoundly grateful for the kindness and support of the “good Samaritans” who stopped to assist me immediately after the crash. One woman called emergency services and stayed with me on the roadside, offering comfort and reassurance. Another man spontaneously attempted to pursue the hit-and-run driver, though unfortunately without success. Another individual thoughtfully moved my car to prevent it from being towed from its parking spot in Malibu.
I am immensely thankful for the prompt and professional care provided by the Los Angeles County EMTs who were first on the scene, as well as the physicians, nurses, and support staff at the UCLA Trauma Center. Their expertise and dedication ensured that my injuries were thoroughly assessed and treated, preventing potentially more serious complications.
I am also grateful to the California Highway Patrol officers who retrieved my damaged bicycle, stored it at their station, and documented its condition with photographs. Similarly, I appreciate Steve Dozier from Wheel World in Woodland Hills, California, who went above and beyond by driving to the CHP station to collect my bike, carefully packing it, and shipping it back to me. This allowed me to salvage any usable components and give the remains of my bike a respectful farewell.
The outpouring of care and support from the triathlon and cycling community has been deeply meaningful. Messages of concern and encouragement during this challenging time have provided significant emotional support.
Finally, and most importantly, I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering love and support of my wife and daughters. I know that sharing news of the accident caused them considerable worry, yet they have been incredibly supportive throughout my recovery. Their willingness to allow me to return to cycling outdoors when I am fully healed is a testament to their understanding and encouragement of my passions.
Ultimately, despite this unsettling experience, I am filled with gratitude that I will be able to return to cycling soon. While there may be some initial trepidation as I get back on the road, I look forward to continuing to participate in the sport that I, and so many others, deeply love.
