Today, I was in a car accident.
First of all, no one was hurt. I think the worst part is the replay that keeps running through my mind. Other than that, I'm okay. However, when I keep thinking back to the first moments-those moments when I knew I wasn't going to stop in time, the moment of the impact, and those seconds directly after-I keep finding blessings and humor in the situation.
So, this afternoon, I was on my way to work. I was heading south on Parkway in Battle Ground, because it was the quickest way with the least amount of stoplights. I was heading through the stoplight at the intersection of Parkway and Main. The light was green, so I didn't think about slowing down the car from its cruising speed of 25 or 30 mpr. As I crossed the crosswalk entering the intersection, another car-heading north-turned left, directly infront of me.
Immediately, I tried to stop. But, even after doing all that I could, I knew I was going to hit the Ford Explorer. I think I braced myself for the impact. All I remember thinking was, "I'm going to hit her."
The next couple of seconds seemed to speed by and last forever at the same time. I sat in my car, freaking out. I couldn't believe that this had happened! My first thought was, "Dang! I'm going to be late for work!" My next thought was, "How's my car?" Then, I thought, "Crap. I need to call Mom and Dad." In the next second, I realized my car had come to a complete stop in two seconds. I looked around, and saw the Ford Explorer driving down Main Street. My instant reaction was a glare at that truck. How dare that driver make me hit her, and then drive off. I then realized the truck was just pulling into the parking lot.
I looked around the intersection. It had come to a complete standstill. Everyone was looking at me, and I was looking at them. I realized my car had turned back on (can it really turn off and then back on from that impact? I'm not sure. I vaguely remember the music stopping in the moment of impact, and then the clock flashing off, and then back on). I took another look around the intersection. I could see bits of the front of my car scattered around the intersection. I looked over at the Ford Explorer, and saw part of my fender imbeded in the Explorer's wheel well. Honestly, I kind of laughed, but I'm not sure why.
I put my car in reverse, and backed up slowly in the intersection to be able to get onto Main Street, and followed the Explorer to the old library parking lot.
This all had to have happened in just under a minute. I could already hear the sirens of the approaching emergency response teams. I was so grateful that someone else had called 911. Truly, it wasn't on the top of the list of people I needed to call. First I called my dad, forgetting he was on a business trip in Oregon. Then I called work, letting them know I was going to be late. I then called my grandparents, and my grandpa, the wonderful man he is, talked me through, calmed me down, let me know what I needed to do, and came down to help me.
I then got out of my car, and a fireman was there instantly, making sure I was okay. I told him I felt fine, but wasn't quite sure. I started to take out my insurance and licensing information. I went to the driver of the Explorer, and told her my side of the story. She had the audacity to accuse me of being at fault. HELLO! You didn't have a green arrow. You had a green yield light, meaning, YOU WAIT UNTIL THE COAST IS CLEAR TO TURN! I then just turned my back on the other driver and returned to my car. I talked to my grandpa on the phone (He told me not to worry, it wasn't my fault.) and then phoned my mom, who said she was already on her way. I talked to the cop. He was so nice. I think he took some pity on me. The other driver had passengers there to comfort her, and her husband (that's who I think it was) was on the scene within a minute or so. I was standing next to my car, by myself, in my scrubs, crying, weeping, (I must have looked insane, just standing there, holding my information and sobbing, my eyes blotchy and red, and my nose running. And, I just kept looking at my poor car.) The officer took my information, and told me I'd be just fine.
Just then, my mom pulled in, and gave me the big hug that I needed. She told me I was going to be okay, and that the important thing was that I was okay. She also told me how amazing it was that I had my first fender bender about 5 years after getting my license.
I then stood there and watched the street sweeper come to the scene. I watched as the intersection was closed for a couple minutes as the street sweeper sucked up the last little bits of my car. I laughed (inwardly right now. I'd giggle about this throughout the rest of the night. I mean, come on. I thought that I'd just be working tonight, not standing in my ugly scrubs watching a street sweeper drive around the intersection sucking up bits of my car.).
At this point, Grandpa showed up. I got a big hug, and he said he was glad that I was alright. By now, its been about 20 minutes? The firefighters were gone, but the police remained. The Explorer's grandkids (they were sitting in the back seat. When the little girl saw me crying, she exclaimed, "It'll be alright! I'm sorry my grandma hit your car!" ) I saw some realative of the Explorer yank out part of my fender from the wheel well. He carried around for some time, and then gave it to me as a "souvenier." Yeah. Some prize, treasure, that I get to have forever. I think I'm going to get rid of it as soon as I can. Actually, maybe I'll keep it. I dunno. But, again I laughed. Why? Because my dinky little car my be yucky looking now, but it managed to show that Explorer who's boss (okay, not really. The Explorer is still the boss. But, my little car can dream, right? It got bruised and broken today, but it made sure that Explorer doesn't forget today....)
Well, all in all, everything has turned out just fine. After close to an hour, I was able to go home. Now the daunting task of getting the car home. Grandpa drove my car home, and I drove his. Mom followed. The drive home was intense. I gave EXTRA space between me and the cars around me. I went exactly the speed limit. I freaked out when a car merged into my lane, a good 15 feet in front of me. "What's wrong with you!?! Don't you know that I hit someone today? I really don't want to do that again! Please let me know when you are stopping!"
Luckily, I made it home. I'm safe. The Lord has blessed me SO much. My car is going to be okay. I'm okay. I work at a great place where my shift was covered so I didn't need to come in to work. My family is amazing, and super supportive. My friends are amazing worry warts (which is why I didn't tell them until about 2 hours after the fact). The emergency personnel were so attentive and quick to respond. They really did save the day.
I look back at today and am able to recognize all these amazing blessings that I have. I'm so glad that I can look back on today, and laugh. Because, really, I'm okay. I'm just fine. I just can't say the same for my car. :(
My poor car!!!!
Seriously. This is all the damage to the Explorer. That's it....
PPS. The Explorer said her insurance is going to pay for it. I just about did a happy dance when she told me this!
