Friday night I was driving out of town on a single lane road, a ricer apparently didn't like that he couldn't pass me before his lane ended (was moving into my lane, too, without signaling...he must have been intoxicated), tailgated me for about a quarter mile, before launching into a turning lane where an innocent bystander in their car was waiting to merge into the flow of traffic, and forcing my car violently into a curb and embankment.
I say I was forced only because if I hadn't locked up my brakes (now I see the importance of ABS), he would have hit the rear end of the merging car at...well, if I was going about 60, he must have been going over 65. I looked out the corner of my eye in my rear view mirror and saw his headlights move to the left of my car, and immediately I knew what would happen. If I'd sped up to block him off, I, too, may have been part of the collision... We were SO close to that merging car, there was no room for error!! I've never been so scared. I seriously thought I was going to die. And to top it off, the road was very slightly damp due to the cold, humid air. I guess that's why my car skidded so far. The driver of the Honda Accord did not stop (not surprising), although he must have seen what happened...even in the dark.
I've been told by the folks at Les Schwab (closest and only place I felt comfy driving my car to after the accident) that the front end is bent, whatever that means? My husband took the car in and that is what he told me. I guess they meant the suspension or maybe wheel hub? The rim needs replacing and is bent! Tire is thrashed and has a flat spot. Tech guys said it was amazing the impact didn't break the wheel. Guess I sort of screwed myself by buying such strong, expensive rims. LOL! There are a couple scratches on passenger side fender and bumper from hitting the shrubs, too.
Insurance is sending somebody to look at my car in a week or so. The insurance company told me they weren't sure if my deductible would apply yet. What the hell does that mean? It sure applied when our Honda was totalled while sitting outside our house! I was actually driving my Mustang. I would be grateful if the $1000 deductible didn't apply! I just don't know how this will turn out. In accidents with a non-contact vehicle, how do insurance co's handle it? Anybody have experience with this?
Once the car is fixed, I'm going to trade it in or sell it. I've been seriously considering this for a long time, I think now would be as good a time as any. It'll probably never drive the same...and I know it sounds silly, but the car is tainted now. I loved the car and it has served me well, but I've been wanting a Cobra for a couple of years. I'm stuck with it for at least another month, though.
Cindy '96 laser red auto GTS