A little over a year ago, I experienced my first crash. Crashes are not fun —they're actually pretty frightening.
I was going 60 mph next to two exit lanes — one that was packed to the brim with people and the other completely empty. I passed by a jeep that was swerving in my lane and into the empty lane as well. I glance back at him for a second because this moron is going to cause a crash.
There were two vehicles in my lane trying to merge into the exit lane — the one that was packed no less. Thankfully I saw them. Unfortunately I didn't see them in time. I slam on my brakes and my wheels screech. The poor thing stood no chance.
The crash played out like a movie.
A screech, a loud pop of the airbag and my face plowing into the airbag. The darkness of closing my eyes in the airbag felt like an eternity. My ears were ringing and my face hurt. I run out and check both of the other drivers.
Turns out there was another car in front of the one I hit doing the exact same thing. I got out and both of them were fine...
These are the thoughts that went through my head.
1. My parents are going to kill me.
I called the cops immediately, since my jeep was bent to high-hell and the Ford Focus I hit was smashed in the back. The front car drove away after exchanging information.
The second call was to my mom and dad...and boy, that wasn't fun. Granted, they weren't angry, but so many problems were now ours because of this.
2. Can my insurance even cover this?
I couldn't tell you all what my insurance covers, but it worked out in the end. The worst thing is having to deal with your insurance and the other drivers'. Luckily, they appraised my vehicle's worth and paid me for the remaining balance and put a down payment for my next
3. Should I even tell my insurance?
My first crash totalled my car, so I had to. They paid me the value of the car so I could pay off the remaining car note.
My friend in another accident did not tell his insurance so his premium wouldn't go up. Picked up a new bumper, put it on and that was that. Use your best judgement!
4. The feeling of loss.
Granted, you would have had to have actually loved your vehicle — and I did. I poured a lot of sweat into that jeep. I had never used a ratchet before, a wrench or the like. Then with this jeep I had a whole tool set because of it.
5. Thinking about how everything could have been different.
It's always the wrong place at the wrong time. The first thoughts through my head: maybe I could have left work sooner, avoided the interstate or hell, even tied my shoes.
6. Anger.
WHY WERE SITTING AT A STANDSTILL ON THE INTERSTATE? WHY WOULD YOU BRAKE WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF YOU? Classic road rage coupled with the fact that collisions are always preventable. The worst.
All-in-all, I learned how stupid it is to take your eyes off the road. Distracted driving can catch you by surprise. Be safe out there and don't let yourself be another number on the growing chart of collisions!
