accident

[chibifirefly]

Yesterday, I was involved in a large car accident. Both of our cars were completely totaled. I am completely fine, save for a couple bruises, and so is the other driver.

Comments

[boker_tov]

Holy shit Nin! That is so scary I'm so glad you're ok. I rear ended a pick up truck once and totaled the front end of my car and did nothing to his, ruined my neck for weeks and weeks and that was terrifying. I can't even imagine getting hit that hard so unexpectedly.

:(

[chibifirefly]

Thank you. It's very scary. It happened so fast! I'm just trying to stay hydrated and flexible, and I'm rocking the Advil, which is helping.

I just hope this doesn't ruin my finances. We're very very close to getting a house. :-/

[justbreathebaby]

Wholy cow! Glad you're ok.

[chibifirefly]

Thanks! It was really scary. I swear the whole thing felt like a dream, and I spent about 5 minutes sitting there waiting to wake up.

[sprytaen]

It'll be interesting to see what comes of this.. because from the way you've explained it, it sounds like you're at fault. So I don't know that you'd be able to go after her for the value of your car. Do you have gap insurance on your car loan?

Even if she was speeding, you pulled out in front of her.. she had the right of way, no?

Man.. what a shitty way to end the week. I hope you're okay though. I hope the stiffness goes away. Keep moving!

[chibifirefly]

Yeah, that's what my claims guy said. But he also said if I can prove that she was speeding, she's pretty much screwed because she was breaking the law. The speed limit had just turned to 45 (about 20 feet before impact), and when she hit me, she was going at least 55-60, which is what the witness told the police and the claims guy. I went out and took pictures of eeeeeeverything today, along with video of the amount of time it would take someone to get from point 1 to the point of impact if they were going the regular speed. It was about 6-7 seconds. My car (or any other manual car in first gear) would have stalled out if I made the turn that slowly

[sprytaen]

AND. One of my Things is to teach someone to knit. Perhaps I could help you get better?

[a_facade]

I'm glad to hear you're okay.

--

If the Nissan was equipped with ABS it's highly unlikely you would see skid marks. At best you would see light skid marks a couple feet long followed by no patches followed again by some light skid marks.

That's could also be why you didn't hear the distinct sound of wheel lock (skidding) before they hit you.

Most likely you are going to be found 100% at liable for the accident.

There's a device called a VDR that records about 10 seconds prior to an impact. They are installed in most cars since the 80s. That would be the only way to determine if she was speeding- even then it appears she had the right of way. It's also unlikely that you would be able to get a hold of the VDR.

1. I would be hesitant to give a recorded statement to the other insurance company
2. I would make this entry private or delete it just in case the person sues you
3. Hopefully your insurance has high liability limits IE: 100/300k- again to cover the person's property, medical bills, therapy, lost wages etc-

[chibifirefly]

Thanks for the pointers.

I'm prepared to be at fault for the accident. I just don't think that she should get off scot free. Her speed did play a sizable part in this, regardless of who was at fault for the collision.

1. I have no anticipation of giving any sort of statement to the other insurance company. That's why I have insurance.
2. She has no reason to sue, and my name is nowhere on this account. My insurance covers more than the value of her car, and she left the scene of the accident after declining medical evaluation/care in front of police.
3. It does. Her car was worth less than five thousand dollars, and that's with Kelley Blue Book being extreeeemely generous.