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My Waco Accident
By Laurie | March 16, 2009
Thank-you to everyone who is saying prayers and sending messages after my accident this morning. I was very lucky being that I was able to walk away unharmed, and the other people involved were actually able to drive their car away from the scene. Here is the Waco news coverage of the accident that I found and another here.
I left Austin and SXSW early Monday Morning around 6:30 AM to go back to Dallas. I was driving down I-35, and as I left Temple and was approaching the southern portion Waco around 8:30 AM the fog became more dense. I slowed down below the speed limit, though many cars and trucks were following too closely and were on my bumper.
I was in the left lane and saw a truck stopped ahead, though no other traffic was stopped in front of them. It looked like there may have been an accident between the truck and another car. I was lucky that I was able to move into the right lane and go around before hitting them. Because of the fog, it was almost impossible to see them and slow down (or know that they were stopped) before it was too late. Once around that obstacle and back in the left lane, I saw cars swerving and braking and spinning in front of me. It was complete chaos and I knew that I was about to be part of a very big multi-car accident. I hit my brakes and braced myself for the impact. It is hard to say that I know 100% what happened (it went down very fast), but I think one of the cars from the right lane came over to avoid hitting someone in their lane and I was unable to avoid them in time. My car stopped running immediately, and I saw them start their car and pull to the side of the road. My car was smoking. I turned the key and my car did start again.
When I got to the side of the road, the driver and passenger of the other car were already outside looking at the damage. I tried to open my door, but it was stuck. I immediately found my phone and called D. Only a few moments later a DPS officer pulled up behind me. He was very nice and took all of the information from both me and the other driver. He also offered to call a tow truck for me when I told him (or sobbed) that I was from out of town. I asked him how bad the damage was, as I could not get out of my car to see. He said that the radiator was leaking fluid and that the car was not drivable.
This is my passenger door (not too bad though it still wouldn’t open) and the exit hours later.
I sat in my car crying to D for a few minutes and watched as the officer allowed the other car to drive away. I was never able to speak with them. Not too long after the tow truck came and helped me get out of my car. He drove me to the shop where I sat and called my insurance company to file the report. D left work and headed toward Waco, so by the time I was done talking to Progressive he was already in Italy and well on his way to rescuing me. When he arrived I was able to go back and empty my car of my belongings.
front and driver’s side damage at the tow yard
My claims adjuster called me back and we talked about what happened and what my next steps were. Originally I was told that if we wanted to have the car taken back to Dallas for repair, we would have to pay the tow fees. That would have been around $575! Not exactly what I need right now by any means. Luckily he called me back and said they would cover it in full after all, and my car would be on its way tomorrow or Wednesday at the latest.
So that is where I am right now. Basically without my car and without a job. Awesome, huh? At least I have nowhere important to be, and that my deductible is less than $300 no matter who is found at fault. Also I am safe and unharmed, and D came quickly to my rescue and brought me home. Now I will play the waiting game, as it may be up to two weeks before I have a vehicle again. Based on what I saw and read about the other accidents, I am probably one of the “lucky” ones. Accidents continued to take place for hours after mine.
The traffic at 11:30 AM on I-35, three hours after my accident when D picked me up.
Topics: Daily Ramble | 11 Comments »
So glad to hear you are home and safe.
Karens last blog post..Win a Vacation to Kissimmee!
Posted by: KarenOh my goodness! I am so happy you are safe and okay. So sorry you lost your car, though. Not good!
Bellesouths last blog post..Smartphone shopping: No, I’m not getting an iPhone. NO.
Posted by: BellesouthI’m glad everything worked out and that the Insurance is paying for the tow. How awesome of your hubby to be your knight in shining armor and be there so quickly!
Jean M.s last blog post..The Simple Woman’s Day Book
Posted by: Jean M.So happy it wasn’t worse and that you’re okay. Hope they get your wheels back to you promptly.
skeets last blog post..Remember Pooh?
Posted by: skeetI didn’t see this on Twitter until now. So glad that you and others are OK. Sorry about the accident and the whole mess though. So the ads about Progressive are true then? Flo was ready to help you right away
Connies last blog post..Rock and Roll Kids Clothes
Posted by: ConnieI’m so glad you are ok Laurie…I know you are probably still shaken up and just wanted you to know I’m thinking of and praying for you today.
Angelas last blog post..Bunnytown: Hello Bunnies!
Posted by: AngelaOh, Lordy. That was definitely an eventful weekend and I’m glad you’re safe!
corrins last blog post..He cleans up nice…
Posted by: corrinPraise God you are ok.
Cars can be fixed. What a rattling experience it must have been for you.
Just great news that everyone is ok!
Leslie
Leslie M.s last blog post..It’s Sunday Night.. Ask me if I got my little Doggie!
Posted by: Leslie M.You are so right…. it doesn’t look as bad as it feels. I totally agree. It hurts all over! I got so tense when I was in a car accident that it caused every bump and bruse to be 10 times worse.
Relax, take a day and go to a spa and get it all rubbed out!
Posted by: StaceyJust like what they said, what’s more important is that you’re safe and still loving life.
Take care.
Call Center Gals last blog post..Summer Getaway with Pool Toys
Posted by: Call Center GalI’m glad you’re okay! My hubby & I were stuck in this traffic that day. We were going to the zoo & the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco & were stuck for over an hour.
Jessica Maurers last blog post..Kyle & I went to the Exotic Zoo Ranch out in Topsey.
Posted by: Jessica Maurer