My van got smashed last night.

[coriolis]

Last night I was driving down the street minding my own business and a car didn't stop at a stop sign and smashed into the side of my van. No one was hurt. Police came and did a report. They had to tow her car away but I was able to drive my van home. The car initially hit at the back of the drivers door and due to my forward progress, the whole side is smashed in. Due to the unibody construction they won't be able to just unbolt a panel and replace it. Both sides and the roof are all one piece. The drivers door and the door well are bent.
I do have collision insurance with a $500 deductible. I paid $4000 for the van 1 year ago and now the book value is $2500 to $3500. Because of this value, and the nature of the damage, I think that they're going to total it. In a way, I hope it is totaled because I think that the engine was going bad. I was going to use my Xmas bonus to get the engine fixed, which could have been $1000, easy.
The insurance adjuster is supposed to contact me Monday. We might end up being without a car for the christmas holidays if its in the shop or totaled. Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, there won't be any suing or going to court.

What a royal pain, but at least no one was hurt. I am hoping that my insurance won't go up now since it was clearly not my fault.

[Lindaloo]

Thank goodness you were not hurt Ed. I tell you, people need to pay more attention when they are driving.

[wx247]

Yes, I am glad you were not injured. Things like that can happen in a flash. I hope things work out the best possible for you!

[TexasStooge]

I tell you, people need to pay more attention when they are driving.

I second that.

[JenBayles]

A word from the wise: do NOT sign off on any medical issues for one year. I got rear ended at a stop light years ago, signed off on the medical part of the claim thinking I was OK since I was only having what I thought were muscle spasms in my neck. Six months later I had to have major neck surgery for the ruptured discs in my neck caused by the accident.

Too late to matter, I learned that ruptured discs may not bulge out enough to cause nerve pain for up to a year after injury. Just a bug I wanted to put in your ear so you don't end up the way I did. The insurance company will be in a huge hurry to wrap this up, so be very careful about what you sign. In my state of Texas, once you sign the release, that's the end of it forever. I understand some states will allow you to bring suit after signing a release, but not here.

[Miss Mary]

You're right Linda! My dad always prepared me for drivers to come out of nowhere, to disobey road rules, to change lanes rapidly, etc. My dad was a very positive person but when it came to driving, he said you can never trust the other driver - ever! Finally, he said never, ever trust a turn signal. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've longed to pull out into traffic, with an oncoming car wanting to turn right, b/c their turn signal was on but I hestitate, b/c of what my dad said. Car behind me is impatient but I still wait. And at least 40% of the time, they have no intention of turning so I would have been at fault for pulling out!

You do not want to get behind me when I drive like this - b/c it will be maddening. But at least my dad's long ago suggestions are not lost.

The craziest thing I ever witnessed was in busy, almost gridlike traffic, on a our 4 lane main road, with a center turn lane. Businesses all up and down this 1 mile long road. An impatient driver wanted to just drive straight across, with openings on both sides. She just shot out into traffic and kept going. Amazingly, she didn't hit anyone and timed it perfectly. But as all the cars around me came to a stop at the traffic light, we kept looking at eachother shaking our heads! I think we all drove under the speed limit after seeing that near disaster, averted b/c of some miracle.

Ed - so sorry to hear of your accident. Glad you are okay!

Mary

[breeze]

Glad you're ok, too, Ed. Hope they total the van, too - you'll be able to get another
ride via compliments of insurance, thanks to your collision insurance.

I only have liability on my '92 Liminator - I'd be biting the bullet.


~Annette~

[Stephanie]

I'm glad that you didn't get hurt.

[azsnowman]

Ditto here too Ed....bottom line, material things can be replaced unlike your life. I know it's a PAIN in the @zz not to have wheels but it's better than the alterantive!

Your insurance shouldn't go up, I mean WHY would it? As far as totaling the van, let's hope they do! As Jen said, DO NOT settle the medical part, stall 'em as LONG as you can!

Take care Brother!

[cajungal]

Since my wreck, I have taken extra precautions. I finally drove to my boyfriend's house last night for the first time since my wreck. This time every time I approached a green light at an intersection, I still slowed down and looked both ways. Because I still saw a few cars darting across the intersection even though I had the green light. And I don't pull out even if a car's turning signal is on. There is no guarantee they will actually turn. And I never talk on my cell phone while driving. If it rings, I ignore it until I get to my destination, then call the person back. I am taking every precaution possible now.

[azskyman]

Hi Ed,

Glad you were OK.

I was hit in the approximate same location in June of this year. Through no fault of my own, some $1800 in damage by a driver (from NJ) with no insurance. She fled the scene but I got her tag number, and they tracked her down.

So far I have not had to pay anything, but I've been told I will have to pay a portion if she doesn't.

I hope yours has a happier ending. And again, glad you are safe!

Steve

[Pburgh]

Ed, I'm so glad no one was hurt. What a pain in the butt that it happened around the busiest time of the year. I don't think your insurance will go up.

[coriolis]

Thanks everyone. My insurance company's adjuster filed a claim on my behalf with the other driver's insurance company. That adjuster called me today and asked a series of questions (more probing than the ones by my companies adjuster, but I did ok).

Next step, get an estimate.