Bumbercars on I-95

[sorrowmonkey]

So I woke up at 6:30 this morning, when the alarm went off. I lazed around in bed until about 7, and then got up. By the time I got showered and dressed, and cleaned the truck off, it was nearly 8 AM, and my chances of getting a convenient train were basically zero.

So, I decided to drive in to work this morning. No good trains, it's cheaper, and the roads looked fine.

I knew there would be some traffic, especially once I passed a sign (typical) that said, "Delay next 22 miles, exit 35-14," or some such. However, I was at about exit 38 and things were rolling smoothly. There was a nice blank area of traffic, and I was sailing along in the left lane at about 70 MPH. The center lane was empty, and there was a little room behind me too. That's my favorite way to drive: all alone.

Somehow, a white sport utility appears perpendicular to the road, in the right two lanes. I'm guessing that he was coming down the entrace ramp, and went into a counter-clockwise spin.

I almost got past him (in fact, I thought I was clear), when he hit me. I could tell that it was far back on the car, but my truck immediately started spinning in a clockwise direction. I didn't try and steer out of the spin, I was too afraid the truck would bite and roll, or end up running right into the median or guardrail. I did, however, go around completely, probably around 400 degrees or so, before I was able to regain control of the car. I rolled it off to the shoulder.

The engine was stalled, not a big surprise. I released the clutch, my left leg was cramped hard; and I took inventory. I was fine, no impact. I looked over the truck: out the back window, I could tell that the tailgate was not right, but the wheel well looked okay.

I stepped out, and looked it over. I took the hit on the right rear quarter panel (pretty much the same as my F-250 before, just on the other side) but since the other driver was rotating widdershins, he basically tore that part of the truck towards the rear. The lamp assembly on that side is basically gone, and the bumper looks like an oversized dental tool. However, I looked underneath, and it looked like the frame and the suspension were undamaged.

I got back in the truck, and try to start it. It didn't want to, but finally did. I'm guessing it got flooded or something like that when I stalled it out, since once it finally started, it rolled back and forth just fine in reverse and first.

A few minutes later, a snowplow came along and helped the other driver from the median (where he ended up) to the shoulder, and I think he radioed for a cop, too. A policeman arrived almost within a minute, and asked me what happened. I handed over my paperwork, and waited in the truck.

Probably about twenty minutes elapse. I call my boss, and tell him I'm late, and why. I consider my options, whether or not to tell the insurance company, and consider how long I can keep driving this vehicle. Finally, I get my accident summary and drive off. The other guy got towed.

To sum up: I'm fine, the truck is damaged. I can make it legal again with a little effort, and it is uglier now than it ever was.

Comments

[baronessmartha.livejournal.com]

I am glad you have no immediatly obvious damage to you. You will be stupid sore in the am though. Hot shower and anti inflammatories.

It was the other driver's fault, I don't think your rates should go up.
hmm

smoooches

[kuzu-no-ha.livejournal.com]

I'm so happy you are ok. I Love you!

Ugh - that's no way to start a week.

[parsedgarnish.livejournal.com]

I'm SO glad you're fine and that the car is still basically working for you.

*Baci*

[jeep-squire.livejournal.com]

Dude! Very glad your OK!
If you need any help with the truck let me know, I'd be glad to help.

[nrawling.livejournal.com]

I might look for some magic tea, too. I'm not worried about the rates, since I didn't get a citation, and I don't dare mention it to my insurance company, or they will total the car.

[nrawling.livejournal.com]

I love you too, honey.

Re: Ugh - that's no way to start a week.

[nrawling.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I was unlucky to get into an accident this morning, but I was lucky in every other way possible. The lack of traffic behind me, and in the other lanes, really prevented it from being much worse.

[nrawling.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Aside from getting the lights working again (I will have to look at that later) it is going to be mostly a big hammer job. There's not much use for finesse at this point. I appreciate the offer.

[temair.livejournal.com]

Depending on what you you think the value might be, that could be bad :( It did work to my advantage once - paid $3k for a car that got totaled and got a $5k settlement....

Glad to hear you are ok. Take the train in this kind of weather. Please and thank you.

[darthluna.livejournal.com]

When you get home tonight I will mix you some magic tea.
Also we have tiger balm linement, Osgkar turned me on to this stuff. I could slather it on your back on GP. It wouldn't hurt and might save you some aches and pains down the road.
If the car gives you trouble, call. we can come & rescue or send help.
The man has a ex-autobody guy at his shop. He mostly does painting, but he can bang out dents and do basic body repair. he may be bribable for way cheaper.

Glad you are okay.

[master-mr.livejournal.com]

Ultimately things can be replaced or refurbished. Our friends - we prefer to keep them as they are. Life and friends are preciousss....

yesssss they isssssssss

[zosime.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that the sports utility vehicle wouldn't play nice with other cars, but I am very glad to hear you are ok. If you get any paper work with that guy's address on it, I could send my dirty townie kids from the YMCA on a field trip to pay him a visit, if it would make you feel better.
"Are you here to Christmas carol, little kids?"
"No, we're here because imma cut choo."
*shank*

[thstlenshmrock.livejournal.com]

LMAO at you, Sarah--and glad you're all right, Nathan!