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Today will be a day to remember in my life as a man and motorcycle rider. They say the decisions we make now can affect us immensely in the future. I think the most important decision I have made regarding riding a motorcycle is actually taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class. Just plain PRICELESS!!! I was going to play soccer, so I had my soccer cleats, shin guard, warm up pants, warm up jacket, and my textile riding jacket, and of course my helmet. I hopped on my bike and hit the road keeping to every safety rule I have practiced over and over and making sure I was not in blind spots etc. Three cars in from of me slowed down and, as I was taught in MSF class, I slowed down and moved over to the faster lane so I could see ahead, accelerating but staying within speed limit. As I caught up with the first car (farthest from me) of the row of three, a woman driving a Mazda pulled out! I pull in my front brake and I knew I wasn't going to make it, so I lay the bike on its right while I slid along...on my butt. It was surreal! I remember sliding and trying to maintain composure as the motorcycle hit the front driver side of the Mazda. I and stopped. I stopped about two yards from the bike. Got up and looked around. All the cars had stopped. I walked to the side of the road and removed my helmet. My upper body had no contact with the ground. The rest were just normal protocol as cars stopped to see what was going on, cops came, blah, blah blah. The woman received a citation from "failure to yield." I have a few questions for those of you who have been through this, and those who know this process. 1. The wrecker took my bike to his yard. I let him do it without thinking, especially after he said the insurance will pay the fees etc. At that point in time, I was just glad that all I had were bruises and skin scrapes that were no worse than what I could get from a very physical soccer game. Was this the wiser choice? I am hoping that I can purchase the bike from the insurance company and possibly put it back together....it's totaled. 2. The cops got the insurance info, although I took a snapshot with my phone. And upon getting home, I noticed the insurance only showed that it was valid for only one month (ended July). What would happen if the lady driving really wasn't insured? (she is on her bf insurance, she told the cop) 3. The cop found her at fault from the statements I, she, her bf, her bf's son (he said he saw me and she shouldn't have pulled out), and a witness (I laid my bike right next to her car). How does that play into insurance dealing, usually? I'm sure I would have more questions, but for now. Tire side down! Thanks guys I thank the Creator for sparing me. I shall ride again....sooon!!!