Got struck by a hit and run drunk driver

 

My car was launched across the intersection.  There is no real way to describe the sensation of sound and obscene acceleration I experienced.  OnStar chimed in and a person started talking to me saying the car had been in an accident and was asking me if I was ok.  A guy who witnessed the accident from the oncoming lane on the other side of the light checked on me and told me the guy turned right at the intersection and took off steaming and smoking.  Said it was a dark colored SUV.

 

Cops show up asking me if I'm ok.  Was really jacked up on adrenalin so my bodily checklist was offline.  The witness was giving them info and I saw one of the cop cars speed off down the road where they guy had went.  Called my facility to tell them I was in an accident and I wasn't making it to the job site anytime soon.  Called my wife to tell her what happened and that I was ok.  Ambulance shows up and the cops say I should have them check me out especially as I was on the clock.  Transported to the ER where I spent around 3.5 hrs.  Several sets of vitals and a CAT scan later, I was pronounced with a sprained neck and prescribed Vicodin, Valium and Motrin.  My supervisor showed up 3 times to check on me, the third time with a critical incident report I had to fill out.  My parents kept me company and lent me one of their cars so I could get home.  Thankful that they lived close by for the assist.

 

Cops also showed up a couple of times.  They caught the idiot that hit me.  He was actually in the ER getting blood drawn since he refused the PBT.  I asked if I could see him.  They declined my request much to my disappointment.  He was definitely wasted.  3rd DWI or DUI as they called it.  Driving on a revoked or suspended license and no insurance to speak of.

 

All in all, the Public Safety officers and the medical staff were professional and courteous and I very much appreciated it all.  Today is my last full day of a free 3 month OnStar promotion and I am really glad I had it last night.  My cellphone and mount were still securely attached to the windshield, so I could have used the bluetooth connectivity to call for assistance, it just wouldn't have been as fast.  Never got to thank the witness before the police allowed him to leave.  He was very helpful when the OnStar representative and the police were asking their questions.

 

So, I guess I can honestly say my New Year started out with a bang. 

 

Yeah, he's facing some severe penalties.  3rd DUI/DWI.  Leaving the scene of an accident.  Causing an accident where injury is involved.  Other property damage as he fled.  He left some ugly bread crumbs that the cops had no problem following.  Of course, there is the glaring front damage of his SUV that smoked and steamed as he went.  The cops that brought him to the ER said he wasn't injured.  Thats ok.  Karma is a cruel mistress.

The day I bought her.

 

 

 

 

Pics taken the other day in the impound yard where it is being stored until my insurance company tows it to the bodyshop for evaluation.

 

Can't believe one stitch of glass broke.  How amazing is that???

 

 

I'll ask my wife.  She's a Chiropractor.  She might know a good one. 

FreeEnterprise wrote: Your car did a good job of protecting the occupants, especially when you see all the damage at the door seams... He must have been FLYING when he hit you.

I have to admit, the safety features in the frame itself seems to have absorbed or re-directed the brunt of the energy.  He was moving.  I only saw him maybe 4 car lengths away before he got me.  I didn't have time to draw a breath.  The posted speed limit is 45 mph.  He was easily IMHO doing 10 over before the collision. 

FreeEnterprise wrote: If he was driving under a suspended license, he probably was using someone else's car... And THEY have insurance that would cover you!

This is an unknown at this time.  I'm travelling back down to the area to stop by the Public Safety office to see if I can get a copy of the accident report, then I have to go to the Prosecutor's office at the courthouse to sign some documentation in regards to the accident.  I'll see what I can learn from there as well.  Last but not least, I'm going to see if the impound yard still has the car so I can get some of my stuff out of it. 

FreeEnterprise wrote: My guess on the car damage is $13,000.

We'll see.  If the frame is as bad as I think it is, they might end up totalling it.  That would be a shame, I really liked that car.  It isn't a fitting end for my first new car purchase. 

FreeEnterprise wrote: Soft tissue damage to your back is nothing to mess around with.

Agreed.  I'm plenty sore.   I'll let the meds handle the discomfort.

 

I noticed that.  I took some more pics of it today when I emptied her out this morning.  I'll put them up tomorrow.