Author Topic: We were in a car crash (Read 7084 times)

KenP51 · « **on:** December 15, 2013, 10:42:35 PM »

Worked on my bi plane after church. Build thread is over on the Ring site

Then we (wife and I) headed off to the grocery store.

NEVER MADE IT. WE WERE REAR ENDED AT A LIGHT.

Just got home from E.R. We were back boarded out of the car. Poor Penelope, yes we named our little PT Cruiser.

WE ARE OK PRAISE GOD. We were immediately in a lot of pain with our bad backs. X Rays and pain meds.

I was stopping at a light on the way to the store that had just turned. And then WHAM AND WHAM AGAIN. Full size pick up rear ended us. The police was there within seconds as he he was across the street hiding watching for violators. He was there before the red light cycled to green. I was checking my wife as it was obvious she was in a lot of pain, she usually endures pain in silence. Not this time. When the officer opened my door and I started to move, Well I changed my mind and sat still.

My seat back collapsed in the first impact and the second knocked my glasses off. One of the paramedics found them all the way in the very back of the car by the rear hatch. Obviously the second impact knocked them off after my seat back collapsed.

No airbag deployment, a bit of a surprise there.

They took my wife out first then me on back boards and then transported us to the hospital.

There were we checked out and X Rays done. Pain meds and muscle relaxants given. The finally released.

We are OK, just hurt and will hurt for a day or so.

Got to make appointment with our primary care doctor and I have to notify my pain management doctor.

Already called my insurance company. Notified my work while I was still on the back board (dang man those thing are heck on the back).

Our dear friends from church got to the accident scene as the paramedics were getting me out (maybe live 1 or 2 miles from the scene) then they followed us to E.R. Took us to Denny's on the way home and bought us dinner. They have been so good and loving to us since we moved to Texas.

So now we are home in our recliners relaxing.

Ken

wwwarbird · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2013, 10:58:06 PM »

Ouch. Not a good day there, at least it wasn't worse. Hope everything comes out ok.

Dick Pacini · « **Reply #2 on:** December 16, 2013, 02:40:06 AM »

Was the driver insured? Was he cited by the police?

Serge_Krauss · « **Reply #3 on:** December 16, 2013, 06:35:33 AM »

Wow! I'm glad you're "OK", but guess you'll be living with this for a while. Don't assume it's fine while you're feeling better; you don't want to aggrivate the injuries. That must have been a real shock! Take it really easy for now!

Jim Kraft · « **Reply #4 on:** December 16, 2013, 07:04:00 AM »

Glad you are doing so well. It could have been much worse. I don't think air bags work much in a rear end like you had. I was hit many years ago by a rock truck in the rear end in the same way. Stopped at a red light and he didn't. It was still quite a jar for a 19 year old and I think I had a few bruises. Hoping and praying that you two heal up fast. Penelope can be repaired or replaced. It is great to have Christian friends to love you through it.

KenP51 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 16, 2013, 07:50:26 AM »

Thanks guys.
Yeah it was a big shock. Thank God it was a rear ender. Front or side that hard and we would not be at home recovering.

I am pretty sure the other driver was insured. I couldn't tell a heck of a lot from a back board but in this state the police are likely to arrest you if you are not insured, even for a otherwise minor offense. I was not aware of that happening by the time the ambulance started rolling.

For sure today feeling the ouch. When our friends are up we will be making a trip to the pharmacy to fill the scrips.

Ken

Larry Renger · « **Reply #6 on:** December 16, 2013, 08:57:11 AM »

Car crashes are very traumatic, and can give you the willies for quite a while. My Dad totaled a car on a wet curve when I was young, and it took a while to stop being nervous in that type of road condition.

I hope your recovery is swift and complete. Also that the other guy has great insurance!

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #7 on:** December 16, 2013, 09:30:52 AM »

hope you have a speedy recovery. take it easy.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2013, 09:44:28 AM »

Glad to hear you two are still repairable or recoverable. Anyway really glad you were not hurt that bad. Also great you have great Church people to help you out. Yes the vehicle can be replaced. Get well both of you.

Ed Keller · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2013, 09:48:17 AM »

Let me guess - the pickup driver was on his phone.

KenP51 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2013, 11:34:08 AM »

Thanks John You are correct on all accounts

I don't know if she was on phone or not

Ken

Bill Sequira · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2013, 12:51:12 PM »

Thankfully you and the Mrs. are ok. Speedy recovery to you both.

Dennis Toth · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2013, 05:08:02 PM »

Ken,
Glad you and your wife are recovering. Your next call needs to be to a good injury lawyer, don't wait. There are time limits to file. Don't sign anything from an insurance company until you have your attorney look at it. Neck and back injuries can seem to be fine then months later you can't move or get up and you need treatment that's why you don't sign away your rights.

Get well soon so you can get back to the field.

Best, DennisT

Bruce Perry · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2013, 05:51:28 PM »

Ken I can appreciate your situation. We were attending the 2004 worlds in Muncie, my wife Allana and Dave Royer were in the truck with me. We stopped at a light on McGalliard, the person in front of us decided to turn left from the left centre lane NOT the the left turn lane. They stopped suddenly to make the turn, i stopped and BANG!

The first thing from the driver that hit us was " I ain't got no in'shurnce"... The officer that responded took notes.... No charges. I paid for the repair. When I tried to get more information once I got home to Canada, I was told to come to the courthouse or send a numbered document that doesn't exist here!!!

Bottom line: no protection if you're from outta the country!!!

Sad state of affairs. The cost to repair was just under $2 k

B

KenP51 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 16, 2013, 05:58:05 PM »

Thanks for the well wishes, the prayers and the good advice. W bothe appreciate.

We now have wheels. My insurance is providing that. My car has been released for repairs. I am shocked it is not as badly damaged as I had imagined. I could not see me at the time of the accident, not strapped to a back board and my glasses all the way in back of my car.

Today we have our pain meds.

I will be contacting my pain management Doctor tomorrow.

Did not really need this (do we ever?). Next month I will be undergoing surgery on my back to have a SCS implanted. Spinal Chord Stimulator.

Again we are so thankful for getting off this lightly. And for all you guys on here.

WOW man that sucks Bruce. At least it was not more. I had a car hit while I was in bed asleep by an uninsured a few years back. They found the guy but nothing done about it.

Ken

Larry Renger · « **Reply #15 on:** December 16, 2013, 10:45:30 PM »

The last time I had a car totaled (2nd one) the driver was undocumented, no driver license, no insurance. I asked the cop if he was going to run the guy in, and he said that only if I swore out a complaint! Yeah, right, like I want to sign into a personal vendetta? I live in So. Cal. , so you can guess who the other driver was....

And then there was the year I got tail ended 3 times in 3 months. The last time I had to take a long walk before I could talk to the other drive without doing something violent. He saw my expression and was VERY cooperative.

Mike Lauerman · « **Reply #16 on:** December 17, 2013, 10:07:08 AM »

Just read this, Ken! Repeat, thank the Lord for you and the Mrs. for not being hurt worse...and for your benevolent friends that came to your aid.
I'd thank Texas for some of that...

As mentioned above, please see your attorney ASAP. No reason to end up paying for someone's lax behavior when you've got Bipes to trim and flying to attend to!

KenP51 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 18, 2013, 01:38:45 PM »

I am cleared to return to work tomorrow.

We both feel pretty good. Some residual soreness is all.

And the police reports lays the blame solely on the other driver.

Thanks for all the input guys and prayers.

And yes the other driver was insured and cited.

Ken

Brian Massey · « **Reply #18 on:** December 18, 2013, 11:49:06 PM »

I sure hope and pray that you enjoy a complete and full recovery! God's speed in that.

I was once rear-ended. I was driving my just re-painted 1965 Mustang on the freeway. The traffic backed up...I slowed and stopped, and then "wham"! The person behind me was on the phone. I was not hurt, thank goodness. But more repainting was in order.

Brian

EddyR · « **Reply #19 on:** December 19, 2013, 05:38:20 AM »

My wife Rebecca had her car totaled 5 years ago. The DEER didn't have insurance.

Allen Goff · « **Reply #20 on:** December 19, 2013, 06:19:33 AM »

Ken, great to hear you are recovering and going back to work, "WORK"!

Blessings
Allen

Robert Schroeder · « **Reply #21 on:** December 23, 2013, 09:12:39 PM »

Ken,
I hope that neurostimulator works for you. I had one put in in May. Two days earlier I had 3 vertebrae screwed and fused. 18 hours total on the table. I wasn't there for 2 weeks. Then I woke up and got to learn to walk again. A month in a wheelchair and 2 months in a walker with physical therapy 3 times a week. Constant pain has about tripled, I can walk about a quarter of what I used to and the back hurts whenever I move. I hope your test totally got rid of your pain. I'm no longer sold on that neurostimulator. I also hope I'll be able to fly when the weather breaks.

bob

KenP51 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 23, 2013, 09:35:29 PM »

thanks Robert

I hope so also obviously.

But I have decided that I will have to wait on the SCS till late next year. I lost my job because of the car crash.

Well here is the last bit (so far) to add to this story.

After E.R released us after the car crash Sunday I made Windy and I appointments with our primary care doctor I made the appointments early Monday morning. The appointments were for Wednesday Late morning. I then called work (Monday morning) and told then I had appointments for Wednesday and that is when I could a doctors release back to work as they require, And that I could then go back to work Thursday morning.

After the Doctor appointment when I had my release back to work I called them and got a start time of 7:00

I then got a call late Wednesday evening from the owner say don't come in as she had hire a replacement.

So now I need a job.

I do have a lead on a clean room job (I worked for about 6 years in one before) that is only 2 or 3 miles away that pays way more than I have made in about 4 or 4 years.

I am going to be a squeaky wheel and pursue it hard. I will just have to put off the implant surgery for some time to have a shot it.

So we are still in need of everybody prayers.

Maybe my heart needs the most. I do not want to be bitter or angry towards her (company owner). She cheated me a days pay (on last check) then replaced me even knowing exactly when I would be back. I have seen this play out several times since I started there, so I am not surprised.

Yeah the hardest battle I will face is with my own heart.

And today the car is being totaled.I think the insurance is trying to low ball me, so I am doing my homework. Not going happen easy for them.

There are still some things to check and a lawyer to talk to.

Ken

wwwarbird · « **Reply #23 on:** December 23, 2013, 10:25:07 PM »

Quote from: KenP51 on December 23, 2013, 09:35:29 PM

I then got a call late Wednesday evening from the owner say don't come in as she had hire a replacement.

Whatda???!!! What job was this?

KenP51 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 24, 2013, 04:24:54 AM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on December 23, 2013, 10:25:07 PM

Whatda???!!! What job was this?

For the past 2 years I have been driving for a medical transport company. Taking and returning people to medical appointments.

Ken

Dennis Toth · « **Reply #25 on:** December 24, 2013, 06:59:01 AM »

Ken,
I hope you have a speedy recovery but with all that has gone on you really need to get a good injury lawyer to help you through this.

I know some think we over lawyer things in this country but you are a prefect example of when this is needed, you had you accident, lost your job through no fault of your own and your auto insurance company is low balling your car payment and bills need to be paid. Get a lawyer now, if not for you for Windy's sake.

Best, DennisT

KenP51 · « **Reply #26 on:** December 24, 2013, 07:42:02 AM »

Quote from: Dennis Toth on December 24, 2013, 06:59:01 AM

Ken,
I hope you have a speedy recovery but with all that has gone on you really need to get a good injury lawyer to help you through this.

I know some think we over lawyer things in this country but you are a prefect example of when this is needed, you had you accident, lost your job through no fault of your own and your auto insurance company is low balling your car payment and bills need to be paid. Get a lawyer now, if not for you for Windy's sake.

Best, DennisT

Thanks Dennis

We feel pretty good now.

But there are a lot of loose ends to clean up and not much time especially considering the Christmas time slow things down.

I am going to consult a lawyer. To many issues to not do so would be folly. I will also be talking to the Texas Workforce Commission.

I have not wanted to cause any issues for anyone, BUT I am not going to be poohed on either.

Ken

john e. holliday · « **Reply #27 on:** December 24, 2013, 08:27:34 AM »

Ken, it is time for you to think of yourself and your better half. As stated find a good lawyer. Don't be afraid of letting everyone know who your so called ex-employer is. I know what the good book(BIBLE) says too. But when people start using you it is time to get something done. But, I hope you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and things will get better in the new year.

KenP51 · « **Reply #28 on:** December 24, 2013, 08:47:14 AM »

Yeah it is for sure time for a lawyer.

And a NICE LONG TALK with the TWC (Texas Work Force Commission). There are some things as I talk to relatives and friends here that are not adding up. I am none to convinced my former employer was fully in compliance with the some of the laws here or anywhere else for that matter.

A lot of things all at once.

Have merry Christmas John and everybody else on here.

Ken

Will Hinton · « **Reply #29 on:** December 24, 2013, 09:07:01 AM »

Hi Ken,
I'm with all the others here, there's nothing wrong with claiming your rights as a citizen. The more folks ignore that, the more we need to stand up because it will affect others later no matter what we do. If we stand up, we help the later people, if we don't they gradually lose some rights.
So...go gettem! And heal fast.

Robert Schroeder · « **Reply #30 on:** December 24, 2013, 12:24:30 PM »

Hi Ken,

I'm in total agreement with all the others. Being a Christian does not mean being a doormat. Go after your old boss if just on principle. I didn't go after mine because I needed him to do my disability which was worth more then any money I could have gotten. I did however get them for unemployment, just for principle. As a matter of course they denied all unemployment, especially if they fired you. The week after I got it I decided standing in that line for whatever that small amount of money was (It was in '88) it was not worth the trouble.

I do hope you get that white room job. It looks like a much better job than the one you no longer have.

At any rate MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR. I hope you and your wife get better quickly.

Bob

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #31 on:** December 29, 2013, 10:42:58 PM »

Sorry to hear of your car crash, Ken. I had a similar experience, rear-ended by a jackass that was going way too fast and not paying attention. DO NOT FORGET that your car insurance will go up because "you were in the wrong place at the wrong time". I think it's wrong, and I'm sure you will also, but that's the way it is.

The person that ran into you should pay for that, so get a good settlement. My lawyer said that the standard is the total of your pay lost, your medical expenses and your therapy costs. Obviously, you lost a lot of pay, but don't hesitate to use all the medical aid, 'scripts, and physical therapy you can stand, because it will increase your settlement amount.

Steve