"Baby, that was a hood crumpler"

[StaceyMc]

As if there wasn't enough stress with Joe's unemployed status, I decide to have a car accident Friday afternoon. There weren't any serious injuries, thank goodness. I came over the brow of a hill....two people were stopped, with the first going to make a left hand turn. I tried to stop and couldn't. It's a bad intersection. Everytime I go through there - someone pulls out in front of me.

I wasn't speeding, wasn't fiddling with radio or phone and wasn't putting on lipstick - just driving along. I hit the girl in front of me, she hit the girl in front of her. I won't be going that way anytime soon. All I can remember is thinking "Holy SH*T! She's stopped!!" It's bothering me that I can't remember if I saw brakelights or not - I don't think I did - maybe her lights weren't working - it's a little late to prove that now, I suppose.

I called my father after calling 911. I burst into tears when my dad answered the phone - I'm sure he jut loves calls like that. About 5 mins. after he gets there, Joe drives up on the accident, recognized my license plate frame and paniced, until he saw me standing - he figured if I was standing, then I must have been ok - physically anyways.

Apparently my grandfather drove by right after it happened and was ticked that an accident was tying up traffic and thought to himself "That looks like Stacey's car", but didn't see me and kept going - now he feels bad - said that he could have at least given me a hug.

After all was said and done, police gone, ambulances all gone (there were five ambulances for four people in three cars - ching ching)....my dad was going to move his truck to an empty lot, drive my car home (I was in no shape to drive) and then have Joe bring him back to get his truck. As dad is turning left at the intersection, with a car behind him, a truck comes over the hill and crashed into the backend of the car behind dad. Same type of accident, same exact place - except the truck took off without stopping. There I was again, calling 911 and waiting for Trooper Montgomery (I'm sure that he wished I'd just go home), who had just left about 15 minutes prior. Thankfully, no one was hurt in that accident either - there was an infant in the jeep that was hit. Another guy was telling me that there had been three accidents earlier in the week right there as well.

Joe told his sister that I was in a fender bender - I didn't bend the fenders, I crumpled the hood, broke the grill and bent up some stuff inside and whatever else the adjustor will find today. Unfortunately, the Ford Focus that I hit didn't fair as well.

This morning, I had to drive the crumpled car to the collision center - I was in tears by the time I got there - I just didn't want to drive it. Joe followed me, just in case something leaked or overheated. I almost pulled over three times to trade cars. Dad e-mailed me earlier to see how the car drop off/rental pick up went and told me that he was proud of me that I drove the crumpled car this morning - he wasn't sure if I would. My father deserves a medal, I can tell you that much. Joe does too - I can't imagine his thoughts when he saw my car and the ambulance right up on my bumper.

I'm just left feeling so awful that it happened - it was an accident, I know - I didn't wake up Friday and decide to go rear end someone. I wasn't goofing off, not digging in my purse for something, nothing. If I was going to wreck, I'd rather hit something else - a pole, a wall...whatever - anything but another car with passengers.

One of the passengers was a juvenile - an older teenager. They took her in a neck brace and back board and told myself and my father that it was strictly precautionary - I understand that. Her driver said she was ok and talking and told her that she was sore. She was hysterical when I got up to the car after it happend. Later, one of the ambulance guys told me that they airlifted her to the hospital. I believe she wanted to go to a hospital that was some distance away - so maybe that was the reason. I'm concerned and wondering why she was airlifted - I asked my insurance guy to find out.

So much for changing my insurance company to save money - that lasted almost a year. I can hear the ching chinging in my head. Thank goodness, I kept my deductable low and have rental car insurance.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading - I'm just beside myself that this happened and have been teary eyed since Friday.

[brewsells]

That really sucks, Stacey. I'm sorry! I can imagine that you are shooken(SP) after that. I have never been in an accident, and don't really want to. I think I would freak out! I am glad that you are OK! (I would give you a hugs icon, but I can never find it)

[KMac]

Stacey,
I am sorry to hear that this happened to you. Relieved to know that you are ok. I think you handled things quite well under the circumstances. I was recently (2 months ago) in a small accident. Going through the advance green and a teenager was turning left in front of me. Not a huge amount of damage, but things like this are very nerve racking.
I am sooo happy that you are ok though.
Take care, and if you need anything, let us know!
KMac :cool:

[WhiskeyGirl]

Wow Stacey that sucks!! (I have no better way to put it!! :) ) But in these situations you just have to jump back into it or it will rule you kind of thing!! I've been in two car accidents (neither of them my fault and always as a passenger!!) and I know how bad they can be! (imagine almost going through the windshield of a car traveling at a high rate of speed....like 80km/h...45 miles per hour I think. And then being knocked unconcious by hitting your head on a window and having lots of glass in your pants! Yeah not fun!) Yeah its scary but these things happen, don't blame yourself! You are not at fault, this sounds like a terriable place, I would avoid this area myself too!! I wish you the best of luck with all the insurance and everything and hope that it doesn't sky rocket!! Take care and just remember, ice cream might make you feel better! (somewhat!!lol) :wink:

[AngelinLove]

I'm sorry to hear about you accident..but happy to hear that you were not injured. Just remember that it is only a car and although your insurance might go up a little..it's only money. The important thing is that you are okay and that no one was seriously injured. I'm sure that everything will turn out okay. I have been in three pretty serious car accidents...and in the last one my brand new car was totaled and I went off of the freeway and into a tree at 70 miles per hour. At the time I was worried about my car and insurance rates and money...but in hindsight I am just relieved that noone was injured.

[StaceyMc]

I certainly hope that I don't sound like I was concerned about money and insurance at the time of the accident - I wasn't. I didn't even look at my car when it happened - I jumped out, (stupidly) left it running and ran down to the other cars. I ony saw the front end when I ran back up to get the cell phone and shut off the car - and I really didn't even "look" at it. I am so very thankful that no one was seriously injured.

But, I am concerned now about an insurance hike. This little mishap is probably going to cost me a pretty penny when it's all said and done with - three automobiles and three people going to the hospital, five ambulances, one helicopter - I'm sure the insurance company isn't going to let me off lightly. Maybe I'll be pleasantly surprised. I'll deal with what happens when the time comes.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Yikes Stacey!! That will cost a pretty penny!! I wish you the best, and hope that it won't be too bad!! Take care! I'm just glad you are alright!!

[WebLady]

Wow, I am sorry to hear about your accident but am happy to hear you are ok. I have been in a couple of accidents myself so I know how unnerving they can be.

The last time I had an accident that affected my insurance, I had to pay a small monthly surcharge and it took 3 yrs for it to come off my record.

Maybe the repair and surcharges it won't be too bad for you. Did you get a ticket at the scene? (sorry if I missed that in a PP)

Be sure to get a copy of the police report for your records ... it should have all the info about the accident and a statement from the other people involved.

[StaceyMc]

Nope, no ticket issued at the scene, thank goodness. My insurance guy said that the cop probably would have written it up there or put me on notice that I'd be getting one. I'll be sneaking up to the mailbox for a few days, I'm sure.

I am going to see if the adjustor will send me a copy of the report or I will order one from the police department - I'd like to see how it was written up.

[ikkin510]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident. That's tough. I'm glad no one was badly injured. I do know anyone under the age of 18 without a parent has to be transported to the hospital. Although I'm not so sure why the Helicopter ride. That's normally only for serious stuff around here. Might be different in your area though.
Best of luck with getting everything fix!

[usahgrad]

I'm sorry to hear that happened Stacy. On a plus side, at least you didn't have to call Joe to have him come get you. I put my car in a ditch a couple of months ago (avoiding a woman who decided to get fruit and didn't use her turn signal) and once someone got it out for me and I drove to a gas station on a flat tire, I called Jason and begged him to leave work early to come get me. He did, reluctantly, and then we went home together and he held me to calm me down.

I know how it feels to be really shaken from that type of thing. I hope your nerves settle a bit. And I hope nothing too expensive results from this.

They should do something about that particular spot if there's that many accidents there! We have an intersection here in which six or seven roads all come into one intersection; it's like a death trap!

[Jenn060306]

Wow, That's kinda un-nerving when you have no idea if they are stopping or what. I'm glad to hear you're ok. Sorry about your car and the added expenses of it now on top of the wedding.
I had an accident a couple of years ago where i was changing lanes going into a turn lane to make a right at the lights. In the turn lane there is a driveway to a plaza and there was a car in the driveway waiting to make a left out of the plaza parking lot. For some idiotic reason she thought i was going to turn into the plaza even though i was going about 50km/hr. I T-boned her pretty hard. My 86' Pontiac was shortend by about 2 feet. :bbeek:
Anyways, i'm very happy to hear you're ok. Take care of yourself.

[Kacie_bride]

Sorry to hear about your accident. It really sucks. Just a few weeks ago I got into an accident myself. It was raining and I hydroplained and went into the ditch. I cried and cried about it. About 3 years ago I did the same thing in the same car, but instead of the ditch I hit a big rock.

[StaceyMc]

I got my estimate on Tuesday *shudder* It was almost $5000, right where my father and bil thought it would be. I should have my car back by next Friday - I'm very surprised at that. I'll be happy to have my own car back.

I have a nice rental - a 2006 Kia Sorento. It's a shame how people beat a rental car. My car is a 2004 and it's in better shape than a car less than 6 months old. I opened the back on Monday and the plastic inside is all gouged - like someone was moving stuff with it - I called and put the rental place on notice - I'm not going to be held responsible for that mess.

I am watching the payouts on my claim climb - maybe it's not so great that they have all of the info available online.

Ahhh...anyways - Dad brought up a good point last night when Mom and I were talking to the neighbor about my accident "Honey, if you can call me from an accident - that's all that matters." He's right.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Your dad is SO RIGHT!! I'm glad you are ok. It sucks that it will cost 5000 to fix it but at least you are still here! Because you can't put a price on your life!!

[WebLady]

Your dad is SO RIGHT!! I'm glad you are ok. It sucks that it will cost 5000 to fix it but at least you are still here! Because you can't put a price on your life!!

definitely right there!!

I have been in a few fender benders, never fixed the car, there are sever dents and dings in my car now :( seems most on the passenger side, the car still looks nice on the driver side :bblol:

[rainbowtreat]

definitely right there!!

I have been in a few fender benders, never fixed the car, there are sever dents and dings in my car now :( seems most on the passenger side, the car still looks nice on the driver side :bblol:

Mineis like yours. The right side has a nice dent and the hub cap is gone on that front tire from blowing a tire and then it not fitting on the new one right. So I lost that one. You look at it from my side and all is good. I have a year and 1/2 and it will be paid off. So I am holding on to it. Th eonly reason to get rid of it was if I have another baby. Well I can fit 3 in the back seat but if I end up with Twins ( the run on Nicholas' dads side ) I will need a mini van then lol.

[WebLady]

yeah my car is paid off and it runs so it works for me right now ;) Hopefully in a year or two I can get a new Ford Mustang :D

[WhiskeyGirl]

yeah my car is paid off and it runs so it works for me right now ;) Hopefully in a year or two I can get a new Ford Mustang :D

Hey you sound like me!! We've even been looking at 'em! My dear old dodge durango is getting to be on her last legs!! I could really use a nice (fast and HAWT!! lol) car like a mustang!! lol. I'm not going to say "Oh but what is we get pregnant" because right now I'm not and I can't put my life on hold any longer! lol I have to be selfish for a while because I put my life on hold for a year and a half and still no baby! :wink:

[Kacie_bride]

Be careful with those mustangs. I have a mustang and it is so bad in the rain. I slip and slide all over the place. And yes I have new tires. As soon as I graduate and hopefully get a good job that car is gone!!! I am going to get a SUV.

[WhiskeyGirl]

Be careful with those mustangs. I have a mustang and it is so bad in the rain. I slip and slide all over the place. And yes I have new tires. As soon as I graduate and hopefully get a good job that car is gone!!! I am going to get a SUV.

I've got the same problem with my gas guzzling SUV!! So really I think it all depends on exactly what kind of tires you've got!! Apparently I've got the sh!ttiest tires on my truck!! I almost had an accident the other day, it was crazy!! My DH is all about GOOD tires (but we can't afford new ones right now!! lol) and knows exactly which ones he wants and will put on it. What year is your mustang Kacie? Sorry you are having such problems with it. My ex had one when we first started dating, I used to drive it all the time until it cr@ped out and he got a new car. We had no problems with it except for the fact that it went through oil like crazy! lol..but thats a different story! (oh and the signal lights didn't work and neither did the seat belts!! Yeah it was a death trap!!! lol)

[Kacie_bride]

Mine is a 98. The funny thing is that it is a hand me down from my younger brother! I had a Dodge Avenger, which I liked better (it never hydroplained or slide around on the road), but it had some mechanical problems. Anyway while it was sitting in the driveway and going from mechanic to mechanic my brother was in basic training for the Army. Since he was gone I drove his car. Well, when he got back he bought himself a new car (a Z28 camero).

The reason I want an SUV is because we travel a lot. Justin drives a Ford 3 quarter ton diesel and I have the car. It is to cramped up in the car and with the truck you always have to worry about it raining or your stuff flying out. This way we'll have the truck, which we need for hauling horses, and something for me to drive that we can travel in. And about the gas, my car used to get good gas mileage. Now it only gets a little better than my mom's Tahoe. If I wanted another car I think I would buy one of those Kias because they get really good gas mileage.

[WhiskeyGirl]

I've got a 99 durango and get 13.5 m/g on the high way! Its rough fillin it up because a tank costs around a hundred and twenty bucks!! I 've had a lot of people tell me if I want a decent sized vehicle and good gas mileage I should buy a van....boo! I don't want one! lol. I'd rather have something nice and stylish! lol. My brother had a kia, he had the same problems with the kia as you do with the mustang and it was always breaking down! (it was brand new too!) I hate vehicles and how they all work! I worked in an auto garage, I was a parts person so I know a LOT about cars! (And i almost went ot school to become a mechanic.) I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly! I won't mention too much, but dodge is definately the way to go! lol. Or at least thats the way it is in Canada. I wouldn't mind the mustang because it would just be a town car, I don't go out much and in the winter we have my Dh's '05 Ram 1500 4x4. I guess really its all personal preference! My dad swears he would never buy a dodge but keeps ending up with junkers when he buys fords!! Hmmmm....lol....like I said, I guess its what you are accustomed to! lol

[Kacie_bride]

I don't know if I would buy another Dodge cars because of the bad luck I had with the Avenger. However, as far as trucks go (especially diesels) I think Dodge is the way to go.

I wouldn't want a van either. I would be wanting a new viehicle I was you as well paying that much for gas. I drive an hour and half four days a week one way to school and my gas bill is $600/month. It sucks.