I don’t know if this applies to 36ers (I would think it would apply MORE to big wheels) but my way is that “When in doubt, ditch the uni” and by that I mean, unless I am absolutely positive I can catch the uni as I’m falling, I will just let it go down by itself. This new way of thinking has kept me injury-free for a while now knock on wood. Also, rolling is an easy way out of a lot of crashes that seem like they are going to be really bad. Go out on some soft grass and do some rolls and stuff, without your uni, just do some fall rolls. I like to fall off my uni onto grass intentionally, can be fun. I think there are even some martial arts classes that teach roll techniques.
Jeff, I am sorry to hear about your accident. I am learning my 36er and I wear Hillbilly full fingered gloves cause I am too old to keep getting hurt. Hope you heal OK!!