Need a windshield and lucky to be alive... (Anderson, IN)

Well. I will reserve the details for now as I don't feel like typing it all out but the important parts are the passenger was sleeping and covered with a blanket upon impact so other than some minor blistering from the glass spray that occurred, we are both fine.

 

Cannot get a windshield installed until Monday, at the earliest.

 

Thanks to the local PD and FD for being very VERY helpful in all of this. I guess a little professional courtesy goes a long way...

 

I'll update more info later, but I need to go eat and relax a little.

 

As of right now I will be staying at a local hotel and am in the process of trying to setup a rental car until I can get a replacement windshield, etc. (Unfortunately since I am under 25 I will get nailed with the stupid underage fee too, but oh well).

 

-- More to come.

 

Rick M.

 

 

EDIT: Here is a summary of what happend

I was the driver of the 2005 Ford Escape at the time of the incident.

S. bound I-69 Exit 26 (near freightliner dealership, just past off ramp but on overpass - etc. etc.) (~ 1500 hrs)

After traffic cleared, I moved into left lane to overtake Dollar General Selmi-truck & trailer (unknown trailer plate number, tractor number, trailer number etc). Second vehicle moved in behind me, as I was passing the rear axels of the trailer I saw a chunk of, what I believe was ice, lift off of the top of the trailer (near the front most point of the trailer) appering to be the width of the trailer and at least roughly twice as long as it was wide (~8 ft x 16 ft) and tumble next to the trailer and collide with windshield of the 2005 Ford Escape that I was driving.

When I observed the ice start to lift off of the truck I immediately moved as far left as I could safely do so and still maintain control of the vehicle and remain on the roadway. I was unable to reduce my speed due to the proximity of the vehicle behind me (make, model, driver, occupants unknown, and condition of that vehicle unknown).

 

After the impact of the ice with the Escape and wen safe to do so, I proceeded to move into the right lane and on to the shoulder. After clearing the bridge I parked on the shoulder and proceeded to inspect the condition of the passenger.

 

Anderson Fire department arrived on scene (~1510 hrs; within 10 minutes of parking on shoulder) in ambulance and continued examination of passenger.

 

Anderson Police on scene within 5-10 minutes of Ambulance arrival. Officer took report.

 

By ~1545 Escape was cleaned up enough and I proceeded to drive to Anderson Fire Department escorted by Ambulance, followed by APD vehicle and Fire Engine.

 

Vehicle secured in Fire Station. Cleaned by myself and AFD while passenger proceeded to call insurance company and file claim. AFD assisted in attempting to schedule glass replacement same day. Were not able to secure a windshield replacement until Monday 11-Jan-2010.

 

Etc.

Edited January 11, 2010 by LilBeaver
Added info

Glad you and the passenger are ok. That doesn't look like a fun ride for sure. Hope all turns out ok even with the insurance.

 

Margaret

Dang! That's one busted windshield.

 

Rick, I live in Alexandria just North of Anderson. We are having a meet and eat tomorrow with the local VentureRiders and I'd be glad to come pick you up if you want to go. If you need anything else please give me a call.

a chunk of Ice did that? Damn !!!! (saw it it one of the pictures)

glad to see you both walked away from that.

Glad to hear you're all ok. You're in Mariner Fan's area. He lives in Alexandria IN right next to Anderson. We're having a M&E in Kokomo tomorrow afternoon, it's not far if you want to make it. Need anything holler, one of us will help you out.

a chunk of Ice did that? Damn !!!! (saw it it one of the pictures)

glad to see you both walked away from that.

 

That was my first guess. I said several times you got to be carefull if you are behind a big truck and box trailer, especially if their coming south. Sometime after they sit in a parking lot up north, then come south, large chunks of ice will come off the roof. I've saw big pieces of ice go air-borne manu times......

Glad you all are ok. Could have been a lot worse.

Holly Crap!! Glad ya`ll made it out of that!! Get hooked up with one of the locals, go to the M&E and relax a bit!! Godspeed my friend..

 

K

glad everyone walked away ok.... thats whats important.

Dang! That's one busted windshield.

 

Rick, I live in Alexandria just North of Anderson. We are having a meet and eat tomorrow with the local VentureRiders and I'd be glad to come pick you up if you want to go. If you need anything else please give me a call.

 

 

Bob:

 

Thanks a lot! I would love to go but it sounds like I might be able to get this puppy fixed today so I probably ought to hang around here just in case I can pull that together.

 

Thanks anyways, it would have been nice to meet you and some of the other Indiana members

 

Someone eat some ice cream for me

a chunk of Ice did that? Damn !!!! (saw it it one of the pictures)

glad to see you both walked away from that.

 

 

Yup, chunk of ice about as wide as the semi-trailer and twice as long as it was wide (I'm guessing 8' x 16').

 

Yee-haw.

under 25 fee? what kind of crap is that?

Bob:

 

Thanks a lot! I would love to go but it sounds like I might be able to get this puppy fixed today so I probably ought to hang around here just in case I can pull that together.

 

Thanks anyways, it would have been nice to meet you and some of the other Indiana members

 

Someone eat some ice cream for me

 

That's good news! I would hate to be stuck sitting around Anderson and I live here!

 

Offer still stands for help if you need anything.

 

Bob

Anybody come forward with info on the semi that caused that? I spent 13 years in transportation safety for the trucking industry and the company that owns the semi can be held liable for all damages, injuries and incurred costs caused by the ice sheet sliding off.

 

Don't let anybody give you the "Act of God" story. Won't stand up in a courtroom.

 

In the eyes of the law, at least around here, it's no different than a wheel coming off a truck and causing damage.

 

Glad you both are ok and your are lucky as you can be. Buy a handlfull of lottery tickets NOW before it wears off.

 

Good luck on getting rolling again. I know the frustration. Check out the Jokes and Humor section for my adventure. (Lincoln for Sale) The ice was on the bottom in my case but the pucker factor is about the came either way. I'm going to change my BVDs to Fruit of the Loom. I don't care for the way Hanes taste.

 

Take care.

 

Mike

so who hit who?

Rick,

I'm glad that nobody was hurt but it must have been a scary experience for you and your passenger. What a way to get woke up. I was thinking about you yesterday, wondering if you had headed home yet and if you were going to come by. I guess this answers the question. I'm really sorry that it wasn't worse than it is.

under 25 fee? what kind of crap is that?

 

The worst kind... Lets just say I needed more than hip waiters to get through all of THAT stuff... But, oh well. I didn't really have much of another option.

 

That's good news! I would hate to be stuck sitting around Anderson and I live here!

 

Offer still stands for help if you need anything.

 

Bob

 

Bob: I really appreciate it and depending on what happens tomorrow with the glass company, I may be giving you a call.

Although the fire department has been taking really good care of us, so the vehicle is being stored in a dry and secure area. The captain and I cleaned the car all up while the other took care of my g/f. Including food, laundry, and arranging rides to where we needed to go. These guys have gone far above and beyond. I have drafted a letter to send to the Chief when this is all over. I wish there was something that I could do for them directly though...

 

Anybody come forward with info on the semi that caused that? I spent 13 years in transportation safety for the trucking industry and the company that owns the semi can be held liable for all damages, injuries and incurred costs caused by the ice sheet sliding off.

 

Don't let anybody give you the "Act of God" story. Won't stand up in a courtroom.

 

In the eyes of the law, at least around here, it's no different than a wheel coming off a truck and causing damage.

 

Glad you both are ok and your are lucky as you can be. Buy a handlfull of lottery tickets NOW before it wears off.

 

Good luck on getting rolling again. I know the frustration. Check out the Jokes and Humor section for my adventure. (Lincoln for Sale) The ice was on the bottom in my case but the pucker factor is about the came either way. I'm going to change my BVDs to Fruit of the Loom. I don't care for the way Hanes taste.

 

Take care.

 

Mike

 

Mike:

It was a Dollar General semi (I have no other information on trailer number, etc.). The ambulance was there before I was able to call 911. My immediate response after impact kindof resorted back to some of the training I have had in the past and checked on the well being of my g/f, before I called. So, someone DID see it. I have been in contact with the officer that met me at the scene and he said that he did have some information for a follow up call and when he got his report done he would let me know what he had... So we'll see.

 

I figure with the exact location, time, and description and possibly a witness or two it might be possible to actually identify the particular truck that it came off of.

 

I realize that there ought to be some responsibility on the company and what not, BUT I also realize that some of this stuff just does happen. It would be one thing if it was malicious or negelgent maitenence (ie wheel fell off, or the load came loose, etc.) but I am a little bit mixed about this snow thing. While legally, the liability IS on the truck/company or whatever; I am not all that concerned about it since there was no bodily injury, minor damage, and there is not any real hard evidence that I would be able to use to prove beyond resonable doubt that it was, infact, neglegence of the driver or truck company. Regardless, I believe this is something that the insurance company will (at least ought to) probably deal with anyways.

 

so who hit who?

Ice (sheet, 3-6" thick, 8' x ~16' outer dimensions -- that is the width of the trailer and it was about twice as long as it was wide -- so those numbers are based off of what I figured the average semi trailer's width is. The thickness is based off of what I found inside the car afterwords) off of of the top of a semi trailer collided with my windshield. I'll explain more in a later post.

 

 

Don: I am sorry I didn't end up getting back to you, I'll send a PM in a few minutes.

 

 

Again, we are both doing MUCH better than it could have turned out; so, it is what it is.

Glad you could walk away from that one. Just remember Insurance Companies will do anything to keep from paying a penny no matter who is at fault.

Rick,

 

Those are very scary pics buddy, I'm glad to hear you are both alright. Wish we would have been able to catch up with you folks while you were up here in Michigan, were still here taking care of Dad. All the best to you folks and even though your mixed on the feelings of the occurance, make the trucking co. insurance pay for it

Edited January 11, 2010 by Squidley

Glad you could walk away from that one. Just remember Insurance Companies will do anything to keep from paying a penny no matter who is at fault.

 

Yeah that's where the acts of god stuff comes in. It's in our homeowner's insurance. Unless it is the 2nd coming, don't see how anything else can be an act of God (sorta speak). Not gonna get in a religious debate but don't see weather as act of God.

 

Glad you guys are ok.

Thats what I ment to say its just hard for me to see the word Insurance without loosing it. Don't let them get away with it.

First post updated with more info, for anyone interested in knowing what happened.

 

I've got a glass on its way and it should be installed by 1. I should be back on the road by 4 or 5; provided everything goes as planned.

 

Thanks all, for the support.

 

The Anderson Fire Department has been amazing in helping out through all of this. I wish there was something I could do for them to thank them for all of their assistance.

Glad you could walk away from that one. Just remember Insurance Companies will do anything to keep from paying a penny no matter who is at fault.

 

 

Not True!!!

Slick,

Not gonna say true in every single case, but just hear too often of the ones the ins. co drags their feet on or don't pay.

 

I am sure I have posted the one previously about my friend who had to sue his ins. co. to get anything even though he had a letter from them stating it was not his fault. They later tried to say it was his fault and they weren't going to give him anything. After he got a lawyer and after the surgeries and what not, ins. co said they will settle for $2500. They gave the ins. co. the letter and ended up being from a claims supervisor. Settelment went from $2,500 to $25,000. Especially if you have a letter from the company no way in the world should the company try to come back and say it is your fault (despite what the letter says) and we aren't gonna pay.

 

Another ins. co. is giving my niece and her fiance a hard time when their house got broken into a few months ago. They gave a sworn written statement way back when this started and now have to do a disposition this week. The ins. co. is focusing on them while the cops are suspecting his ex-wife and her brother (who has a record). Funny enough ex-wife turned in one of the items to the ins. co. and no one has been arrested yet but cops have suspected them since the beginning.

 

They lost 12k, they talked to one lawyer and basically even if they get 12k, lawyer pretty much takes most if not all of it. I told them to talk to another one. Dad said tell the ins. company anything you need to know is in my 1st statement and refer to that. Fiance called the corp. headquarters and apparently it is in their contract that have to cooperate fully or claim will be denied. Also the ins. co. has 60 days to make a decision or else they have to pay up. Well 60 days is tomorrow and the disposition is after 60 days. They were told they have had some cases taking a couple years. How can you have something in a legal binding contract that says have 60 days or else have to pay and still not pay after a couple years.

 

 

This is something else I don't get about ins. companies. If you file a claim, why do they raise your premium. That defeats the purpose of having ins. It is a great discourager to file a claim.

Few years back was in a small fender bender in that my car was backed into in a parking lot. My ins. company said not to file w/ us or else we will raise your premium.

 

This Saturday, snow melted on my roof causing water to leak in the garage. I had water dripping off a light bulb. Huge Fire hazard. We have shut off the electricity to the garage which also turns off some of the lights in the house. Not that big a deal but an inconvenience nevertheless. We manually lock the garage door going out and in and there are other lights that do work in the house that can cover for the ones that are shut off. So I have a leaking roof somewhere and garage ceiling damage. I am going to call the ins. company but I know they will say if you file, we will raise your premium.

Just got off the phone w/our ins. co. As expected, if you file a claim, we will raise your premium. It won't cost extra to have an adjuster look at it but if there is a claim (meaning something coverable by the policy) then they will raise the premium if you tell them to proceed with the claim.

 

I just don't get it.