I was in a car accident Monday morning. I'm okay, sore but overall, I am okay.
I was driving to work on the 101, going south, when traffic started to build. I had to come to a complete stop on the freeway, and when I looked in my rear view mirror, I saw a black Pathfinder coming straight towards me. I eventually found out that he was going 60 mph, while my car was at a complete stop.
Next thing I feel the car get smashed, and I bumb the car in front of me. First thing I do, is make sure my car is still running, and drive the car to the left side of the freeway (we were in the fast lane). I grab my purse from the floor of the passenger side of the car and I get out of the car. I check the truck, to see that it isn't a trunk any more. Its completely smashed in. I check for my laptop, which was in the trunk, it was fine!!! My gym bag, nothing valuable in there. And my sub, was totally fine.
Next I start to go through all the necessary things. I get my registration, insurance card and drivers license out. I call AAA to get my car towed, and I call Adam. By that time Firetrucks had arrived, and an ambulance. Then a CHP officer showed up.
At first I had no neck pain at all, I felt totally fine. Then once the CHP officer showed up, I couldn't move my neck. I talked to the paramedic and they went through the list of possible symtoms if it were a serious injury. Thankfully it wasn't, so I didn't need to ride in the ambulance.
We were instructed by the CHP officer to drive our cars off the freeway; we were right in front of the Turnpike Exit. So I got back in my car, with the bumber dragging on the road, and once the Firemen had stopped traffic, we drove off the freeway. The CHP officer than had to get everyone's information.
I waited for him to get the information from two people in front of me, while I called my Insurance company, reported a claim and called the auto repair shop that my Insurance company uses.
AAA showed up and started to get my car ready to be towed. The CHP officer finally came to me to get my statement. I was the car that took all of the impact from the crash.
At this point, I was hurting. My neck had become so stiff that I couldn't move it. He was trying to hurry so that Adam could take me to the emergency room, to get it checked out.
The Car was now gone, and Adam and I were on our way to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital. They immediately put a neck brace on me, the paramedics told them I was coming.
I saw the doctor, and he told me that it was mainly muscle tightening. And that I just needed to do stretching when I got home and for the next two weeks. He also said that the next couple of days would be the worst. He gave me some pain medication to help. But for the most part, I was just sore and had a few bruises.
Adam than took me to get coffee, and an early lunch. He took me home, and I rested the rest of the day.
Adam has been AMAZING. Helping me get up, because it hurts so bad lifting my head, and if I need a glass of water, he gets it for me. I am truly grateful for him.
I went to work today, but ended up staying only a half day. I had to take some pain meds because it was hurting too much. Adam picked me up, and took me to Kahuna Grill for some burgers. We brought them home and watched one of our favorite shows, Lie To Me. Then I worked for a bit, and took a nap.
I haven't gotten the estimate back on my car yet, but I know its going to be a ton of work. I also still have to get the police report. I never found out if the guy who actually hit me had valid insurance.
So I will keep you all updated with the status of my cute little red car, as well as my health. But all-in-all, I was very lucky. Very, very lucky.
