This Oughta Be Fun.
I need a new car. Not because I want one. Not because I want to give up a perfectly reliable, good looking, completely paid off car, but because someone T-boned us on Peachtree Street last Saturday. My neck, shoulders and upper back have been sore all week, and Melissa has a bruised knee and seat belt bruises but right now, I don’t think we’ll be filing a personal injury claim. It was a hard impact, but the Panzer we were driving kept us pretty safe.
It was wholly the idiot’s other driver’s fault. Damn suburbanite didn’t know where he was and decided that because he had a green light (but no green arrow), he could just turn left across one of the busiest intersections in Midtown Atlanta without looking. He hit me. Yes, me. The nose of his car crushed in the driver side door and front wheel well.
The only person more daft was the officer, who didn’t cite the man for several infractions, including failure to yield to oncoming traffic and no proof of insurance. I think the cop took pity on the other driver, who walked with 2 canes and looked like he had MS or MD or something.
Thankfully, the idiot guy had insurance, just not current proof. So, I’ll be sure to have some stories in the next week or so as I engage in two of the most hated transactions: dealing with a claims adjuster for the at-fault party to value my car, which he decided was a total loss; and dealing with used car salesmen and/or private party car sellers who all think their car is a creampuff and the best example of that model out there. Two sides of the same coin. It should be fun. And by fun I mean annoying as hell.
One Response to “This Oughta Be Fun.”
©2007-08 Christopher K. Annunziata Legal Disclaimer: The material on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have a legal question, please consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Chris, wow, I’m so sorry. I’m relieved to hear that you and Melissa are okay and that your injuries were relatively minor.
What happened sucks. A guy who probably shouldn’t have been driving; an accident that should never have happened; and a law enforcement officer who didn’t do the right thing. I know first-hand how much it stinks to have to deal with claims adjusters and car dealers, and I offer you my condolences. I’ve been in your shoes. 8 years ago Steve and I were rear-ended by a cellphoning driver going about 45 MPH while we were at a full stop in heavy traffic on a Boston highway. The car was totalled. We were both wearing seatbelts; I walked away shaken but unscathed and so did our dog. Steve though was hurt pretty badly with head and neck injuries, and took months to recover. We eventually had to file a claim with our own insurance company because the other driver was underinsured (of course). The negotiations with the insurance company were the most loathsome I’ve ever had to participate in. The claims adjusters we dealt with were absolute bastards. I definitely feel your pain.
If I can help in any way, let me know. In the meantime, take good care and let Melissa know I send you both my best. Glad you’re both safe and sound.