There's the expression "Out with a bang." That was how 2008 concluded; and it most definitely made that "bang" sound, even if I did not officially hear it myself.
Let's just let it all hang out within the first couple paragraphs. This is how it all went down.
1) We go to Chicago for a weekend and parked the car on our street. (Our quiet, rather residential street). We come home to find out that the front end of our car was hit. It was a neighbor hit and run.
2) Civic LX gets hit again (while backing out) in the parking lot at Trader Joe's. No damage. It does, however, surface the anger from stupid neighbor hitting car and not confessing....[Watch face turn dark shade of pink]
3) The final incident: Car is parked outside of friend's home well away from the curb. (Friends live in a very residential area - so residential in fact that if you do not know someone who lives there or live there yourself you do not go there.) Civic is side swiped and totaled by a 17-year old who is 4 points away from losing his license.
Talk about bad car karma. Not to mention this happens just before the holidays, leaving us out of car and needing to get to Milwaukee. Ironic that when someone hits you and it is clearly their fault you suffer more.
And why do you suffer more, one may ask. Well, here is why.
I happen to be one who believe, much like Anne Frank once said, that all people are good at heart. For this very reason, I did not take insurance information from the driver, write down his license plate number or call the cops. No, instead I simply took his cell phone number. Very, very fortunately for me, the driver is a neighbor of our friends and daddy (with son in tow) came by to "access" damage and talk about next steps. They seemed like decent, fair people. No problem, right? A simple estimate and we'd have the check in hand. Hahaha
It was very clear they did NOT want to go through insurance. No big deal. (We did not know at this time of the kid's already tainted driving record). Avoiding insurance seemed like the best for the both of us. I have been brainwashed to think that all insurance companies want to do is steal your money and make a profit...oh wait... nevermind... (this may be a topic for another post ;))
So come Monday morning we bring the car in to get a couple of quotes. Each of these quotes nearly wiped me clean off my rocker. The estimates were for well over the value of the car. So it was deemed a "total loss." The real loss though was that the kiddo was no longer taking my phone calls and the parents didn't seem to think they'd have to cough up 3k.
To make a very long story short - we went through their insurance. I made a $250 profit (yes, profit) on the car. Bought it for $250 less than what insurance gave me three year ago. Sweet deal. As it turns out after all the going back and forth, being pulled through the mud with this family and their crap-driver son - we did end up ahead of everything.
However, that is the last time I assume everyone is good at heart. I have learned that there are plenty of people, that even after knowing what they did was wrong will still try to cheat you out of a buck. The whole, "Angela, we have tuition to pay. We need to reach an agreement that is fair for each of us" or the "You want 3k?! You want to rip me off? I'll give you 1500" or "Fine, we'll give you 3k and we keep the car." or my personal favorite "You'll have to talk to his mother. She will be dealing with this and her son."
I could go on, but it's really beside the point. It was an unfortunate thing that happened, but we got rid of a car that was starting to cause us problems and cost us money, and we got a good lump on money to get us a newer and better car. Happy Holidays from Progressive. :)
Lordly lordly lord. What a wonderful world we live in.
----
Side note: These are the following steps to make if ever in an accident.
1) Get all their information. (Insurance, license, address, cell phone, full name, SSN, birthday, sign... :))
2) Call your insurance and file a claim immediately.
3) Call the cops and file a report. (If they seem angered by this, do it from your car so they don't know the cops are a coming.)
4) If there are witnesses, get their names.
I would never want a friend (or enemy for that matter) to have to go through this process. It's a bear, plus being out a car makes for an uneventful life in these USofAs.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Ice Ice Baby
Since I told you last time I've only been in one major car accident, I should just clear something up right away before you read any further: the story i'm about to tell you doesn't constitute as a "major" car accident in my world. I mean, my first accident was when I ran my parent's car into a forest of trees, for Christsake. It's hard to top that one. So, with that being said, let me tell you of how I was in a car accident this January and broke a rib.
I hate driving when I go home. You know how your parents always used to tell you "I trust you, honey, but I don't trust the other drivers on the road..."? Well, I trust everyone else just fine. But I do not trust myself. Particularly when any forces of nature happen to be working against me and the giant aluminum and rubber death trap I'm driving -- i.e. snow, hail, sleet, ice, rain, sun in my eyes, etc etc...
But, as I said before, I always seem to find myself behind the wheel. In the case of this January the 2nd, it was because I was driving my brother whose license has been revoked for approximately the next 3 - 30 years to see my dying grandmother in the hospital. Another funny thing about me being "the bad driver": I'm the only one who will drive in cities, aside from my dad (but he grew up in one so he doesn't count). Everyone else in my family is scared shitless to do it, and I can't figure out why. The key to driving in cities is to remember this: no one actually wants to hit you, so they will stop. Have no fear on the road, my friends, because were all just trying to stay alive out there. Also, I am my own worst enemy and can do enough damage alone, I thank you.
So, half way to the hospital (which would be roughly 45 minutes from my parents house), we get word to abort mission and turn around; Granny has already said goodbye.
We turn around, and about 10 minutes into the ride...cue meltdown. I must say, I am a bit of a Drama Queen when it comes right down to it, and love myself a good tragedy. My brother looks at me and sighs. "Well...we may as well stop for a drink."
Couldn't have said it better myself, bro.
We actually stop at a liquor store first to gather some rations, and then go to a bar. I decide to order a Hurricane -- I don't know what it is, exactly, but it sounds just like what I need. It turns out a good old Jack and Coke would have been a little easier on the palette. After a couple sips I decide I don't need a Hurricane, but still finish half of it anyway. My brother is on his 3rd beer.
We proceed on the long journey home, me gripping the wheel with one hand and my tissues with another.
We near home, and I can't wait to get there so I can open the bottle of wine I bought. Instinctively, I take the backroads. Taking the "backroads" in northern Wisconsin in the winter is just about the stupidest things you could possibly do. You can ice skate down them until about March, which means you should try and avoid driving on them. Sometimes i forget these little nuances about the Midwest, unfortunately. I was going a brisk 30mph when suddenly I felt a *slight* pull on the back wheel. My brother picked up on it immediately:
Nick: "Jess, do NOT step on the breaks..."
Me: I'm not going to step on the breaks.
Nick: Jess...do NOT put my car in the ditch. (did i mention i was driving his car....? I was.)
Me: I'm not going to put yourcar in the ditch!
*sliding towards to ditch*
Nick: do NOT oversteer! do NOT oversteer! DO NOT OVERSTEER!
Me: AHHHHH I CAN"T STOP IT!!!!!
Nick: Shit.FUCK. Shit. Shit.
Now, out of the corner of my eye, I see a electrical pole. It's getting closer. And closer.
Nick: DO NOT HIT THE POLE!!
Me: I WILL NOT HIT THE POLE!!!!
I do not hit the pole. I slide sideways into the ditch and we thud to a halt, and briefly rock for the single most terrifying second of my life before the wall of snow that reaches the window of drivers side of the car stops us and pushes us on all 4 wheels.
Nick: (deep breath out) Okay, so, we didn't roll.
Jess: Thank.God.
*3 second lull of silence while our hearts start beating again*
Nick: Now...GRAB ALL MY BEER!!!
If you know my brother, he has been here before. I have not, but I know well enough that cars, beer, and police do not mix well. I start grabbing beer cans and hurling them into the field, into my pockets, and into the trunk. I wasn't sure which place was best, so i decide to do all three at the same time. 20 seconds later, we see car lights. The neighbors! They've come to help! Or have they....
I play it cool and tell the lady I've called someone to tow us out (which i have at that point...my friend's dad...). My friends dad arrives, and I run up out of the ditch to meet him. And I hit the ice. And then I hit the ground. And I land on a beer can in my pocket.
I lay in silence for a moment, trying to figure out if the day really just got worse for me, and listening to the hiss of a beer can that has been cracked open. With my very own ribs.
Moral of the story: Apparently God loves irony just as much as the rest of us, because I came out of the car accident unscathed, but whadda know, I can't seem to walk out of a ditch...
I hate driving when I go home. You know how your parents always used to tell you "I trust you, honey, but I don't trust the other drivers on the road..."? Well, I trust everyone else just fine. But I do not trust myself. Particularly when any forces of nature happen to be working against me and the giant aluminum and rubber death trap I'm driving -- i.e. snow, hail, sleet, ice, rain, sun in my eyes, etc etc...
But, as I said before, I always seem to find myself behind the wheel. In the case of this January the 2nd, it was because I was driving my brother whose license has been revoked for approximately the next 3 - 30 years to see my dying grandmother in the hospital. Another funny thing about me being "the bad driver": I'm the only one who will drive in cities, aside from my dad (but he grew up in one so he doesn't count). Everyone else in my family is scared shitless to do it, and I can't figure out why. The key to driving in cities is to remember this: no one actually wants to hit you, so they will stop. Have no fear on the road, my friends, because were all just trying to stay alive out there. Also, I am my own worst enemy and can do enough damage alone, I thank you.
So, half way to the hospital (which would be roughly 45 minutes from my parents house), we get word to abort mission and turn around; Granny has already said goodbye.
We turn around, and about 10 minutes into the ride...cue meltdown. I must say, I am a bit of a Drama Queen when it comes right down to it, and love myself a good tragedy. My brother looks at me and sighs. "Well...we may as well stop for a drink."
Couldn't have said it better myself, bro.
We actually stop at a liquor store first to gather some rations, and then go to a bar. I decide to order a Hurricane -- I don't know what it is, exactly, but it sounds just like what I need. It turns out a good old Jack and Coke would have been a little easier on the palette. After a couple sips I decide I don't need a Hurricane, but still finish half of it anyway. My brother is on his 3rd beer.
We proceed on the long journey home, me gripping the wheel with one hand and my tissues with another.
We near home, and I can't wait to get there so I can open the bottle of wine I bought. Instinctively, I take the backroads. Taking the "backroads" in northern Wisconsin in the winter is just about the stupidest things you could possibly do. You can ice skate down them until about March, which means you should try and avoid driving on them. Sometimes i forget these little nuances about the Midwest, unfortunately. I was going a brisk 30mph when suddenly I felt a *slight* pull on the back wheel. My brother picked up on it immediately:
Nick: "Jess, do NOT step on the breaks..."
Me: I'm not going to step on the breaks.
Nick: Jess...do NOT put my car in the ditch. (did i mention i was driving his car....? I was.)
Me: I'm not going to put yourcar in the ditch!
*sliding towards to ditch*
Nick: do NOT oversteer! do NOT oversteer! DO NOT OVERSTEER!
Me: AHHHHH I CAN"T STOP IT!!!!!
Nick: Shit.FUCK. Shit. Shit.
Now, out of the corner of my eye, I see a electrical pole. It's getting closer. And closer.
Nick: DO NOT HIT THE POLE!!
Me: I WILL NOT HIT THE POLE!!!!
I do not hit the pole. I slide sideways into the ditch and we thud to a halt, and briefly rock for the single most terrifying second of my life before the wall of snow that reaches the window of drivers side of the car stops us and pushes us on all 4 wheels.
Nick: (deep breath out) Okay, so, we didn't roll.
Jess: Thank.God.
*3 second lull of silence while our hearts start beating again*
Nick: Now...GRAB ALL MY BEER!!!
If you know my brother, he has been here before. I have not, but I know well enough that cars, beer, and police do not mix well. I start grabbing beer cans and hurling them into the field, into my pockets, and into the trunk. I wasn't sure which place was best, so i decide to do all three at the same time. 20 seconds later, we see car lights. The neighbors! They've come to help! Or have they....
I play it cool and tell the lady I've called someone to tow us out (which i have at that point...my friend's dad...). My friends dad arrives, and I run up out of the ditch to meet him. And I hit the ice. And then I hit the ground. And I land on a beer can in my pocket.
I lay in silence for a moment, trying to figure out if the day really just got worse for me, and listening to the hiss of a beer can that has been cracked open. With my very own ribs.
Moral of the story: Apparently God loves irony just as much as the rest of us, because I came out of the car accident unscathed, but whadda know, I can't seem to walk out of a ditch...
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