Last Tuesday started out just like any other day. I got up at 5 AM, exercised for an hour and a half, got ready for work, and ate breakfast. I got in my car and began my 25 minute journey for work. That is where the "regular day" ended.
As I was approaching 3900 South on Wasatch Blvd, the light was red. I slowed down and got in the right lane like a good, courteous driver does. Before I got to the intersection, the light changed to green. The car in front of me accelerated and went through the intersection. I was following them and then all of a sudden there was a truck in front of me in the intersection heading east on 3900 South and my car crashed into his truck. The only thought that went through my mind right before the accident was, "I'm not going to stop in time." After the accident, my first thought was, "Ouch, my neck hurts."
I tried to move my car out of the intersection, but that was all in vain. The car was totally immobile. A witness came up to me and asked if I was hurt. I said, "My neck hurts." She told me not to move. Then the driver of the truck I hit came over to me. He asked me, "What happened? I was reaching for my mug." I told him, "You ran a red light and I hit you." He said, "Oh" and walked away to the curb. The witnesses told me later that he told them he was talking on his cell phone, his mug had spilled over, and he was reaching for his mug when he ran the red light and I hit him. Smoke was coming from where my airbag went out on the passenger side (which I guess is normal) but the witness thought I should get out of the car.
My coworker, Jenn, was in a Hummer behind me. She saw the whole accident and stayed with me through the whole ordeal. She also drove me to work after it was all over.
Two police vehicles, an ambulance, and a fire truck showed up at the scene of the accident. I gave the police my information and just stood there on the sidewalk. The witnesses filled out their witness papers. I think the police talked to the guy in the truck more than me. The fire fighter checked me out (not in the way that a girl wants to be checked out) and told me they advise me to go to the hospital. I told them no and then signed away my right to sue them if I found out later that I should have gone to the hospital. The ambulance and fire truck left.
I had to figure out where to tow poor Sammy (my car). I decided to send her to a nearby body repair shop but I had no hope she would be repaired. She was totalled. After 13 years together, I felt horrible how our relationship ended. She had been so good to me through the years. She was very reliable and dependable. I will sure miss her.
The police came over to me, gave me the guys information, and told me he was cited for the accident and for NOT having insurance. Now that is the news every person involved in an accident that isn't their fault wants to hear.
I cleaned out most of my stuff from Sammy. Loaded up my sacks of car stuff into my coworker's Hummer and proceeded to work. Everyone at work knew what had happened. Jenn had the presence of mind to tell them we would be late. Everyone felt so bad for me.
As the day progressed, the pain in my neck, shoulders, and back got worse. I ended up leaving work an hour early and having my mom take me to the Urgent Care. After four x-rays and more touching than I care to have from strangers, it was decided that I didn't have any broken bones. I had just pulled the muscles and ligaments in my neck, shoulders, and upper back. I didn't even get any prescriptions for pain medicine or a muscle relaxer.
I went home and rested. About five days later, I continue to be on the mend. I am really stiff when I wake up in the morning. By mid-morning, I feel great. Then I get a pain under my left shoulder blade in the evening. I also got one bruise on my left arm (but I'm not really sure if that is from the accident).
If the accident would have happened one second later, the truck would have plowed into my driver's side. He would have totally taken me out. He wasn't even breaking when the accident happened. He was accelerating. One second seemed to be the difference between minor injuries and major injuries or worse. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who spared me from a lot of pain and suffering.
Here are some pictures my mom took of my car at the body shop as she cleaned out the rest of my stuff from the car before we released her to be sold as parts.
Now I have the task of buying a new car. Does anyone have a suggestion on what vehicle I should purchase? I am not accepting any answers of a Hummer or a tank. Very funny! Ha-ha! I don't know whether to go fuel efficient or a nice ride. It doesn't seem you can get both. I went car shopping with my dad last Saturday so I have a pretty good idea of what I'm going to get. I'm just curious as to what you have to say. (Stephanie I already read your blog about the new car so I don't need you to repeat that!) I probably won't be getting this new car until after I return from Nashville in January.
This week I'm relying on the kindness of others to get to and from work. I'm grateful I already had a trip to Lake Powell planned for the end of this week. Yea! It is just what my body needs to get some rest and relaxation. In my mind, there is no better place to get r & r than Lake Powell.
