TOY RUN ACCIDENT
On 12-18-04, during the Cossacks MC Permian Basin Chapter Bykes for Tykes Toy Run, there was an accident. One of the toy trailers and a motorcycle were hit. We had a police escort, but a woman ran through an intersection because she had a green light. Mike Lindsey the Permian Basin Chapter Vice President & Western Regional Road Captain, was blocking traffic, and saw her speeding in his direction and talking on the phone. Mike was able to bail off of his bike and pull his wife off of the bike and run to safety just as the car entered the intersection where it collided with my father-in law's Chevy Suburban, which was pulling a trailer full of toys. A community volunteer was riding up front with Clinton; Smurf (CMC National Sgt. @ Arms West), his wife and another volunteer and her son were riding in the trailer. Thankfully no one was hurt. The collision sent the car into a spin and ripped the rear quarter panel and bumper off of the car. The debris landed on Mike's bike damaging the hard bag, tail pipe and bumper and maybe the fender too. Our police escorts were off duty volunteers, so an on duty officer had to be called in. Due to a "gray area" in the law Clinton was issued a ticket for disobeying a red light. Seems the law states that "you must follow traffic laws 'safely' when being escorted by police". The cop who issued the citation was going by the book, and doing his job as well as covering his own ass. He seemed to think the judge will work with us on the ticket, but it was up to the judge not the officer. The off duty officers, as well as the Chief of Police are going to speak with the judge on our behalf, and explain what we were doing. I feel the ticket will be dismissed. If the judge does not side in our favor, we will call for a trial by jury, our COC Attorney has been contacted. Then there is a matter of insurance. Mike & Clinton's insurance my go up over this, as well as out of pocket expense for repairs and insurance deductibles, and in the event of the ticket not being dismissed , there may be some pending legal fees. We are discussing a benefit for repairs, insurance, and legal fees to maybe occur in February. Monies will be split between Mike and Clinton as needed. I am going to start accepting any donations offered @ this time. Donations can be mailed to the Toy Run Accident Fund
c/o The Blonde Bomber
PO Box 3084
Big Spring TX 79721
May checks payable to Cossacks MC Permian Basin Chapter, write Toy Run Accident Fund in your memo line. It really sucks that such an event can happen to those who seek to do good for the community and the biker image. Be careful and learn the law. Always watch out for the other guy. I will let you all know when benefit plans are finalized. Remember this incident, next time you are in a toy run, parade, or funeral procession. Yes that is the law, if some disrespectful jerk runs through his green light an hits you in a funeral procession, it is your fault. I will do some research an maybe try to fix this problem in the next Texas Legislature, using what I have learned fighting for biker rights over the years. This is one more reason to get involved if you are not already.
Thank you for your support
Greg Bodin
The Blonde Bomber
Cossacks MC, Nomad
Northwest Texas Confederation of Clubs, Secretary
Chapter Coordinator, Big Spring Chapter - Texas Motorcycle Rights Association
