Jeez Ruth....I've only just seen this.
As everyone else has said it's really unlucky that you've taken a tumble and have some pain to go through but in this case I think the bad luck has been far outweighed by the good luck of having the thing let go at slow speed.
I disagree with Beancounter about having a quiet word with the shock repairers - I'd be screaming blue murder at 'em.
I'm so glad it didn't happen when you were going quick...just for the record I never, ever, EVER want to be picking you or any of my mates out of the hedge.