My Automobile Accident

I left work at my usual time today for my lunch hour. I take the same route home each day. Familiar surroundings through the heart of a not so small town. Each day is much the same as the previous,
until today.

I approached the signal lights, green, intending to drive through only to see a white blur through the corner of my eye. I slammed on my breaks and hit that white blur. A small two door Toyota Celica with an elderly gentleman at the wheel and a passenger. I began shaking horribly and realized I was sitting in the middle of the intersection and the other car was to the left of me still facing the same way they were heading. Instinct told me not to but since my vehicle was still running I decided to pull out of the intersection and next to the curb. I looked over my shoulder and noticed the other driver had followed my lead and was doing the same.

I remembered I had my cell phone so I grabbed it and dialed 911. My hands were shaking so much. My thoughts were racing, "Am I hurt?" and "Are they hurt?" The 911 dispatcher answers and I tell her what happened. She asks my name and I tell her. She inquires if I am hurt and I say no. My mind wanders again, "No, I'm not hurt, but are they?" The dispatcher asks about the other vehicle, any injuries. I tell her I don't know. She again asks my name. This time I spell it for her. A gentleman approaches my vehicle. I'm not sure if he is from the other vehicle or not. My window is halfway down and he says he is a witness. He tells me he seen everything and will stay with me. The dispatcher asks for the make of my vehicle and I tell her. She then asks about the other car. My witness tells me it is a Toyota Celica and I relay this to the dispatcher. She again asks my name. Feeling flustered I tell her again, for the third time. The witness tells me he asked if the others were hurt and the driver did not seem to understand him. The dispatcher hears this and asks what language they spoke. I am told to tell her he did not answer at all. The dispatcher states she will send a unit right away and to stay put, she then hangs up.

The witness speaks with me and tells me the accident was not my fault. (His name, Did I ask for his name?) The other driver ran the red light. He says the other driver did not even slow down. I say I should call my husband and he nods in agreement. I call and tell him what has happened and that I am OK. He asks if I am injured and I say no. He asks how bad the damage is and if he should come. I get out and the witness follows me to the front of the vehicle. It's not too bad. The big hard bumper is smashed up against the vehicle body. The front tag with frame was torn off the bumper. (I tell my husband the tag was in the intersection until a car hit it and sent it towards the curb.) The headlight mount is cracked. The grill is loose from the body slightly on one side and it's cracked too. I tell my husband I'm not really sure as to how bad it is and he says he is on his way.

The paramedic that has been tending to the couple in the other car approaches me and hands me a piece of paper. He says he is required to give it to me and them asks if I am injured. I look at the paper. It is a privacy policy statement. I momentarily laugh, as if I really care about my privacy at a time like this. Passers-by are gawking at us and several people I know have driven by. I understand it is his rule he must follow. I let him know I am fine, no injuries, just a bit shook up. I realize I've almost stopped shaking. The paramedic explains he has to take down my name for his report and asks that I sign a statement refusing medical attention. I agree, we have to keep it all legal. I may need the report at some point, one never knows. I ask about the couple. He assures me they are fine. The driver had a spot of blood on his ear. A tiny glass scratch from his shattered window. He is OK and his passenger is too. No head bumps. I note that they are elderly and I fear they will feel the impact in their muscles more so tomorrow. He says it is possible we all will.

The first police officer that drives by speaks to the witness and says that an on duty officer is on his way. While I was being tended to by the paramedic the police officer arrives. He speaks to me briefly and I tell him the little white car at the corner ran a red light and I hit them. My witness is across the street with another witness. The officer asks for my drivers license and proof of insurance. I already have it in hand to give to him. He then goes over to the other car. I can see that he is getting the same info from them. He then returns to his squad car. With nothing to do but wait I decide to call my employer and let her know I may be late returning. She understands and is glad I am OK.

My husband arrived and gave me a gentle hug. He inspects my vehicle and says it is not so bad. My witness comes over and greets him. He tells my husband the same, it was not her fault. Fault! I'm just so grateful everyone is OK. But, I am also grateful that I was not facing a moving violation. Then to see this couple so gently comforting each other. Wrong place, wrong time...and I know it could have been worse.

So to shorten this long story that seems in written out form to have taken a long time when really it all happened very fast. The gentleman received a citation for running a red light. The officer was careful to get everyone's side as to what happened. He took photos of both vehicles damages and even our license plates. He went over the report info with us and made sure we each had the others insurance information. I was proud of our small town. People stopped to help, they were friendly and kind. Those that did pass-by and gawk at us kept the traffic flow moving. Those passing by that new us took the time to stop and ask if we needed assistance. Did I state that the accident happened right next to the main fire department? If an accident is going to happen that is the place to be near. No loud sirens to deafen your ears.

If you are in an accident I have these tips for you:
*Stay calm.
*If it is safe to do so move your vehicle out of the main traffic flow. I did ask the officer about moving our vehicles as we did and he said it was OK as neither of us moved very far from the initial impact site. Since we were in an intersection moving our vehicles prevented possible further accidents. (Check with your states laws on this matter.)
*If you cannot move your car, and are able to get out of your vehicle, go to the side of the road out of further harms way.
*If you are not injured and are approached by witnesses ask them to check on the other vehicle(s) occupants. Checking for injuries should be done first and foremost. Remember this, property can be replaced, a life can not.
*If possible have your drivers license and proof of insurance ready for the officer before he asks for it.

I was lucky today and I am grateful that no one was injured. I never did get the witnesses names. I would like to thank them. I've already called the insurance company and getting the repairs done is in their hands now. I'm sure I'll have to recite what happened several more times, to insurance agents and repair shops, family and friends. It's OK, because I and they are OK. And that is all that matters.

Slow down, drive defensively and Be Safe.

I will...will you?