Sharing an accident I had last year

[Gangis]

This accident took place a year ago, almost to this day. While reading about this, keep in mind that I live in Florida. Back then, I used to live in Melbourne, on the east coast, which is chock full of old people. Put two and two together, and you can probably figure out what happened.

That day I had finished my last final exam for the fall semester of college (Psychology, in case you were wondering, and passed with an A ) and picked up some lunch at Wendy's. For those of you familiar with Melbourne, this all happened on Eau Gallie Blvd., beachside, east of Riverside. I was approaching the plaza when I looked to my left and saw a silver '99 Honda Civic try to cross the 6-lane road into that same plaza without even stopping or checking for traffic. I knew right away that he was gonna T-bone me if I didn't do something, so I checked for clearance on the right lane and immediately turned right. Luckily he hit me in the front right quarter, instead of the drivers' side door.

So, the aftermath of the accident? I was more concerned for the other guy's health so I immediately got out of the car, tried to get his attention to make sure he was okay. He just sat there like a stunned bunny for several minutes. I contemplated opening the door and helping him out, but I decided against it, since I didn't want him to think I was attacking him or something. I asked a witness to do it instead. While he was getting out I took a quick look at the damage... My car definitely fared better than the Civic. It was still very drivable, but the left headlight got knocked out of alignment, and the front quarter needed to be replaced. The Civic, though, the front passenger side wheel was turned up almost horizontally and had to be towed.

Oh, here's the kicker. He told the insurance company that I hit him, and his car spun around on the road a few times.



I had 5 witnesses, including an undercover police officer, who backed me up. Later I found out that he was nearly legally blind, 73 years old and was on his way to pick up his wife at a Bealls clothes store. While my car was in the shop, I was stuck with a '04 Ford Focus. 'Twas a horrible beast, and I don't want to subject myself to that horror ever again.

Okay, enough talk. The moment you've been waiting for... Pictures, straight from the body shop. This all happened a year ago, and I was reminded of it while looking through my pictures folder.

Accident Pics

Ain't Florida grand? I'm glad I live in Orlando now.

[PsyKoh]

It's kinda sweet to see a good body shop doing its magic.

[Gangis]

Yeah, we went to the Lane Pontiac of Melbourne to have it fixed, and they took pictures every few days. It's pretty interesting. One can go on their site and check out the status of their car or somebody else's. <a href="http://www.lanebodyshop.com">Lane Body Shop</a> (though the site seems to be down...)

[dsuave624]

Another reason they should put an age limit on drivers. Many states restrict the age of drivers to be at least 16 because they feel that most of them are irresponsible, they should do the same thing with older drivers. A lot of them have seeing and hearing problems that should be addressed as well as slowerer reaction times.

[Gangis]

My grandfather is 75 and he drives very well, like you and me. Though, I feel that once a person hits 60 (provided they haven't plown down their first farmers' market before then) he/she should be tested for vision, knowledge and reflexes every other year to prevent such a tragedy like mine or the farmers' market a few years back.

[JLewisinSyr]

OK, and you think living in Orlando is better then Melbourne, there are a hell of alot more old people in Orlando. And to top it off, you also have to deal with all the tourist drivers, which can be worst then old people.
If I had an accident as minor as that, it would have slipped my mind a month after it happened, hell I cannot even remember all the "little" accidents I have had in my life because of stupid drivers hitting me (I think I lost count around 10).

[Gangis]

Heh, this was the biggest accident I've ever had, so give me a break. :P I've seen a few old people here, but not quite as bad as Melbourne, trust me. Anyway, I was reminded of the accident when I was sorting through my photos directory and came across them.

The biggest problem in Orlando is the teeny drivers who do 70 on University (which has a 45mph speed limit), switching lanes without signaling and being general asshats, but at least they don't slow things down for the rest of us.