Modern Vespa

This is a true story of events that happened last thursday on August 12. It is equally moronic and ironic.

Every thursday, I go with two coworkers to a famous Kebab restaurant in Crystal City. This last thursday, I drove my 2010 Vespa LXV150 from home to meet them there. It was a sunny day and after lunch, we headed back to work; I on my Vespa and they in their car. Knowing there are many police officers in Alexandria without a damned thing to do besides play with their balls, I drive pretty slowly whenever I'm in that area.



The road I normally take back to work is fraught with idiot drivers. This day, I was approaching an intersection with a car in front of me who stopped at the intersection. In order to avoid getting stuck at the light which was turning yellow, I changed lanes and drove around him through the yellow.



Apparently, a police officer in an unmarked police car wasn't too thrilled that I did this and decided to pull me over. He asked me where I lived and where I was going then asked me if what I did in DC was legal. I didn't think what I did was particularly illegal but I said "probably not" anyways to avoid arguments. He simply gave me a warning and said not to do it again because I'd get myself killed.



So we both proceeded along, driving in the same direction. Several blocks later, I see him still behind me. At this point I'm thinking he must be watching me so I had better drive perfectly.



We approach another intersection which is turning yellow. I knew if I went through the light it was going to turn red half-way through the intersection and he would give me a ticket for sure this time. I assumed he was closely watching to see what I would do. So I quickly brake and stop before the crosswalk. What I was about to discover is that he wasn't watching me. In fact, the idiot wasn't paying attention at all. This was made obvious by his screeching tires and the expression on his face visible in my side-view mirror as he death-gripped his steering wheel.



I feel his POS crown victoria smash into the back of my poor Vespa. It lunges us forward. I instinctively jump off and land on both feet. I turn around and simply look at him thinking: "WTF, you just yelled at me for running through a yellow light and here I am stopping for one and you plow into me!"





The guy tells me I can come sit down in his car if I want while we wait for his chief to arrive along with another officer to write an police report. His chief gives me a special form to fill out describing the situation. I believe it's simply used for incidents involving an officer. The chief walks away as I'm filling out the form and the officer writing the accident report comes over to ask me some questions. Strangely, he tells me I don't need to fill out the special form I was given. He kept telling me "It's not mandatory. You don't have to do it if you don't want to." At this point, I could see he was trying to keep the lieutenant from getting in trouble. He walked away and I kept filling it out. Their boss walks back over and (perfectly knowing what was going on) ask "do I need to fill out this form? Cuz that guy told me I didnt have to." He resonded with "WHO TOLD YOU THAT?" I didn't really say anything and he followed with (annoyed) "The officer? No. You need to fill this out."

So after he and the lieutenant who hit me leave, I'm helping the tow truck guy move the Vespa. I hear the officer get a call in his car and a couple moments later he comes out and says "Mannnn! did you tell my boss I said you didn't need to fill out that form?" I'm thinking to myself "HAHA. you just got clowned on! HAHA."

So here are pictures of the some damage. It subsequently got fucked up when the cops moved it and laid it down on the sidewalk on its other side. Then some more during the towing process due to the big winch hooks (used to hold it steady) digging into the paint.




Right now it's getting towed to the dealership. The appraiser (who doesn't seem to know anything about Vespas), of course, already came up with some lowball number based on cosmetic damage. We'll see what happens.

Any of you have any clue if something like this is even worth repairing? I'd rather just get a new one given the fact that it was 2010, the accident will greatly reduce the value and who knows what other stuff got messed up. Probably the steering column when it fell down, the rear shock, the wheel probably needs to be replaced and the entire body since it's one solid piece all the way through....?

That cop sounds like a right arse and if there's any justice in the world will get his come-uppance. So probably not, then...

I am gutted for you but pleased you are unhurt. At the end of the day, it's just a scooter and you can always get another one (easy for me to say, huh?). I don't have any first hand experience, but from threads on here understand that modern Vespas get written off pretty easily because of the cost of repairs to that one piece metal chassis. From the pics it isn't immediately apparent, but the shunt could've done a lot more than just damage the metalwork.

Thanks for posting. Great photos and love the Paint drawings, by the way!

Best,

Mark

PS - What's the key cylinder on the side of your saddle for? Is that the pet carrier lock??

Get the vespa mechanic to appraise the damage so you get a fair insurance quote.

That's a great story - though not for you. Thanks for the drawings! I think it will work out with a real appraisal. That will not be cheap to repair.

Is that the intersection on Jeff Davis Highway right by the Steak and Tits (Crystal City Restaurant) and the EXXON?

I used to work in a classified location over near there. Coming to work on the Ducati one morning (it's raining lightly) I'm going through that intersection and someone slams on their brakes to turn right into the Exxon. The guy behind him isn't paying attention and so he brakes late - I'm next and I grab a handful and slam the Ducati down on the left side (apparently there was a wreck there earlier that morning and no one bothered to clean up the radiator fluid all over the road, which by now had mixed with the rain and was super slick.)

I slide a good 100 feet, grab my head in my hands to keep my head off the ground and come to a stop just in time to see a van miss my face by inches.

I don't have insurance or a license at the time so I hobble back over and someone helps me get the Duc back up. I've now got a broken left wrist and a broken right kneecap. The centerstand is jammed in the chain so I borrow some guys tire iron and bend the stand out of the chain, start the bike up and ride to the Holiday Inn garage where I park so I can then limp/hobble across the highway to get to work.

Later I went to CVS there, got a knee brace and some ace bandages for my wrist and self-medicated myself back into health.

I hated riding into Crystal City.

Nice MS Paint.

So sorry this happened but i love the pics 8) I'm glad you didn't get hurt. The vespa took for you like the chivalrous fellow he is It's totaled and don't let them low ball you. Demand a new one. I bet you don't even have many miles on it and make sure you point that out to the idiots. 4yrs ago i had an accident on my LT 150 and my friend tries to find it to bring it home(i'm in the hospital in not so good shape). The cops tell him they leave scooters on the side of the road When i got out of the hospital i searched CL for LT parts etc to see if it was stolen. A little over 2 months later i get a letter in the mail saying my scooter will be auctioned off in 2 days. I read the riot act to the police dept attorney He's like how do you know it will even be salvageable and i'm like who cares YOU lost it. They had to pay 1k to get it out of the tow yard It's still running as i write this but it's all plastic and had it been the LX it would of been totaled because of the metal. Good luck and keep their feet to the fire so you aren't out anything for the officer's stupidity. Sucks 'cuz your in prime riding time now and winters coming

10:1 odds they'll total it out.

Happy new scoot hunting--glad you are okay and loved your drawings--especially the subtle Alanis dig . . .

Haha.

Almost nothing in that song is ironic, but your story is . . .

Bummer. Glad you're OK.

The lower trim is plastic and replaceable, but that crease in the cowl just ahead of the left indicator looks bad news to me.

The initial appraiser figure should be irrelevant. It's what the repairers say. Then your insurers go from there.

Is it your only transport ? If so hire of an alternative is a valid claim against the PD.

Hope you get sorted out soon.

Awesome MS Paint skillz. Sounds like that cop needs a desk job.

all I kn is my back would be so messed up if ceazy cop did that to me. dare I say get legal help ASAP

Seat lock.

WOW WOW that really sux!!! But the illustrations are FN awesome!!! Glad you are ok.

Thanks!

Specifically ask if the wheel/frame alignment is OK- if you've tweaked the frame it's pretty much a write off (I.E. insist on replacement).

Here's an example:

Wow glad you weren't hurt. Great pics but I don't get the Alanis dig?

Thanks for all the kinds words.

I have a personal injury lawyer. I had just gotten a settlement check 2 weeks prior for back problems due to a car accident (rear ended in a car) i was in 1 year ago. same spiel over again. they said they dont take cases involving police with their lights on but in this case the guy was just being an idiot and not paying attention with his lights off.

the appraiser estimated like $750 or something. pretty ridiculous.
I got it taken back to the dealership where I bought it. I'm gonna go there and talk to them once it arrives. I ate right near there. at the kebab place next to the exxon.

but the accident was down by Whole Foods. sorry to hear about your accident man.

he yelled at me for running through a yellow and that it would get me killed. then he almost kills me when i don't run through a yellow.

"isn't it ironic"

Oh duh Nice one.

Oh i forgot to mention. The vespa has been sitting in the thunderstorms this whole time. I'm gonna make them replace the leather seat. I don't think she realized that it's like 500 bucks.

I am not an expert but I would say they need to buy you a NEW Vespa.

IIRC, the paint alone is nearly $750. If they think they are going to blend a metallic paint, they are mistaken. It's pretty much paint the whole scoot.

The way the body is bent seems expensive to fix.

Not related to this guy, was he...?

Heheh

that's informative. thanks. yeah i don't know what they would do with the body. if they would try to rebend it back into place or just get a new one. It wasn't drivable. It was hard to push because it didn't roll fluidly. i'm really hoping they give me a new one.

I'm thinking that the whole rear swing-arm assembly is suspect given the force of impact on your scoot.
Fortunately you were not hurt seriously, but I would make them replace the scoot.
It looks like a salvage (total loss) to me. The cost of the body work alone would be about a grand, including paint. And replacing your seat would be more $$.

If your were bruised during the hit, you are also entitled to a pain and suffering claim on their insurance.

Love the pics, it was a stupid incident, but the illustrations really made it humorous.

That is just nuts. Glad you weren't hurt any worse.

First of all I'm glad you were not hurt. Second as a police officer thank you for adding cartoons to your story made it easy for me to understand (LOL).

Entering a yellow light is not illegal. But what you did by changing lane before an and or in a intersection might be in your state. By doing so your view into the intersection might be obstructed, thus not seeing if someone is running a red light.

Just last night I was behind a young lady on her Yamaha Zuma scooter. As we were coming to a intersection the light turned yellow. She locked up her brakes and somehow regained traction which in turn highsided, slamming her to the pavement. I pulled over and ran to her she, was shook up with both hands and knees skinned up. While paramedics cleaned her up I picked up the scoot and pushed it of the roadway.

She told me that she didnt want me to ticket her, so thats why she locked up the brakes. Explained to her that entering the intersection on yellow was not illegal. Felt so bad for her did not tickect her for causing the crash.

Andy

Hate to break it to you, but one of the photos seems to show your frame is bent.

Make sure it is checked -- your gorgeous bike may actually be a write off.

Please make sure you get a clean bill of health on the alignment before you accept any settlement!!

P.

Pixar ain't got a thing on your animation skillz! Those sketches were the dogs... I'll be Windexing soda of my monitor for hours now.

Glad you weren't injured, and best o' luck on the insurance claim.

No, that's a Paint drawing!

Best,

Mark

At least you didn't run her over. sorry couldn't resist.

I always believed that as long as the light is yellow you can enter an intersection and have had arguments with friends about it. Thanks for verifying that.

In Albemarle, VA I was pulling a camper with my truck. Coming up to the intersection a car switched lanes in front of me so I started backing off.(i like to leave extra distance when pulling the trailer) but the light turned yellow and the car hit the breaks. I had nowhere to go so I just locked em up but I still pushed the hatch of that Rav 4 most of the way to the back seat. And of course I got the ticket.

That sux.
He hit you pretty hard.. Knocked the numbers right off your license plate.
I am glad you are OK, scoots can be replaced.

Forgot to add in my above post. Officer involved accident, with officer at fault. You will have no trouble collecting you claim, just hold your ground.

Andy

Also, the lower plastic cowls (the rear reflectors are attached to it) is at least $100.00 a piece. Don't let them lowball you, make sure you take it to a vespa mechanic as I'm sure they have a garage that they work with when something like this occurs.

The scoot was difficult to push as the rear "underfender" and plate mount are shoved up against the rear tire. I would have to assume the much of the force from that impact was transmitted directly from the bumper into the rear tire and then into the CVT and then the front of the bike. The rear body on a Vespa is mainly a steel shell but as far as I know, it cannot be replaced (at least not cost effectively).

As for the insurance, you need to be sure you get your fancy seat (is that standard or an add-on?) and any gear (helmet? jacket?) paid for too as part of the settlement as they are protective elements and they are designed for ONE impact. If your head touched the group, they should replace the helmet... PERIOD.

As for the paperwork, the LT was trying to prevent his butt from getting in trouble and that is not your concern. He was at fault and as such, his employer should take the proper correctional actions. I am surprised he asked you to not fill it out with the Chief at the scene.

Yeah its definitely bent/folded inwards.
I was under the impression that the body was basically the "frame" of the whole thing. But the adjuster seems to think it will be cheap to repair. When I bought it the dealership told me that if monocoque body gets messed up you basically trash the whole vespa because it's so expensive to repair.

It's great that you were not hurt. Sorry about the scoot.

Based on the comments here, I would not settle for a repair or a "fair value" settlement. This was completely his fault and they should put you into a brand new scooter. You are entitled to know what company insures the police car. Once you find out, call the insurer and tell them you are making a "third party claim." Fax or PDF them all the police reports and a cover letter. They will assign a claim number. Go to the dealer and get an invoice for a replacement scooter, and tell the cops' insurance company that's what you are looking for. Your insurance company will love you, you'll get a new scooter, and you won't end up with a negotiated deal between the two companies, which could possibly result in an accident on your policy despite the fact he rear-ended you.

First off, let me say that I'm glad you're ok.

Secondly, based on your artwork, I'm going to guess you have this helmet...


Am I right?

Excellent writeup, and I have to say, that scooter's a write off.
There's no way the bent frame can be sorted for a sensible figure.

Still , at least there should be no disputing the liability here.

The adjuster doesn't know what they are talking about. Get a real professional quote from a mechanic. Your scooter should be replaced, most likely, not repaired.

i wish i had known this two days ago. i wasn't sure if i should do it myself or file a claim. The police department is self insured. I ended up just telling geico I would file a claim. They weren't very good at explaining the difference to me.

I just called the dealership. The vespa just arrived there 10 minutes ago and they said its basically irreparable.

Update. I just called the adjuster/inspector from Geico and she told me if I want, I can cancel the claim with them and then just file a claim with the police directly. So I guess once the dealership confirms its wasted, if I cancel the claim I will end up with the broken vespa back in my possession (which I can use for parts)? And then i simply send the price of a new one to the police's Risk Management office through my personal injury lawyer.

Thanks for the great advice. It seems you've been in a similar situation?

I, too, am glad you are not hurt. What you posted did not make it clear as to what the officer said was not legal or dangerous. Was it entering the intersection on the yellow light or passing on the right of a car that occupied the right hand traffic lane at the intersection? You diagram shows you moving into the parking lane to pass on the right, and not only is that unwise, but in many jurisdictions it is illegal.

That said, everything thereafter is as unfortunate as you describe.

Al

wow you are good.
see Les Atelier Ruby - Belvedere Shibuya yeah i don't know exactly what he was referring to. i didn't bother to get all inquisitive and ask. the lane i changed into isn't always a parking lane I don't think. Cars definitely use it for turning onto side streets. And there was a lot of space between the parked cars and the intersection on both sides of the intersection. Cars that turn right from the cross street into the direction I was going have to merge from that "parking lane" into the main lanes. I don't know. I looked in both directions before going through the light which was still clearly yellow when I went through it and I wasn't speeding. I definitely changed lanes before going into the intersection.