Hospitalized motorcyclist urges Colorado Springs drivers to ‘look twice, save a life’

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- On Aug. 30, John Quinata was on his way to work on his 1996 Harley when he was hit by a truck that failed to yield to him.

Quinata explained that a 2010 Chevy Tahoe failed to yield to him at the intersection of Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road.

Sixteen days later, Quinata is still in Memorial Central Hospital, looking down a long road to recovery ahead. While he survived his crash, he urges to drivers to be mindful of others on the road.

"Even if you think you're good, even if you haven't seen anyone coming, they can come up so fast," said Victoria Quinata, John's wife. "You know, just look twice. Save a life."

According to Colorado State Patrol (CSP), a 67-year-old woman driving a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe was driving eastbound on Constitution, attempting a left turn onto Peterson Road. However, she failed to yield to Quinata, who had the right of way.

CSP says Quinata skidded to try and avoid a collision. Despite his best efforts, he ended up crashing into the rear passenger side of the Tahoe.

Quinata admitted that he doesn't remember the accident or what caused it, but he was on his way to a work event. When he didn't show up, his coworkers started looking for him.

That's when his wife Victoria got the call.

"I was at work and his coworker texted me saying, 'hey, give me a call,' and I was like, 'that can't be good,'" said Victoria. "And he said that he had been in an accident and was at the hospital in emergency surgery. One of my coworkers drove me over here as soon as we could, and I just didn't really know what to expect."

While in the hospital, John discovered the extent of his injuries.

"I broke or fractured 15 ribs, my left arm, part of my left pelvis, and potentially my left shoulder."

The couple is eager for Quinata to be discharged and is grateful he is alive. At the time of the crash, Quinata was wearing a helmet and full protective gear including tall leather boots.

He hopes both bikers and drivers will be aware of the dangers that can happen on the road.

If you would like to donate to help the couple with medical bills, you can do that here.