Before the impact: I looked in my rearview mirror and saw headlights coming up behind me, very fast. For a split second I wondered if I should swerve over into the right-hand lane (I was about to make a left turn up ahead, so I was in the left lane). But I didn’t think I should risk moving over—I knew he had to see me, and he had to be planning to whip around at the last possible moment. I just knew he was going to go around me. Me: “He’s going to pass me, he’s going to get over…um, he’s not passing me.” CRASH.
After the impact: He hit the back of my car so hard that I lost control of the wheel. I know I hit a few things while I was trying to straighten the car out, but I’m not even sure what I hit (not any other cars, thank goodness). There were a few extra dents on the side that I don’t believe were caused by the initial collision. Then I tried to hit the brakes but they weren’t working. I coasted down the road a short way and tried to stop myself by running into the curb, but I just bounced off (I guess I was still going too fast; the road is slightly downhill). Finally I jerked myself up onto another curb (an intersection was coming up and that didn’t seem like a good place to be). The front of my car hit a tree, so there’s damage to both the front and back. When the car bounced back from the tree, that’s when I thought to pull the emergency brake.
I didn’t have to call 911 because by the time I got out of my car I could see flashing lights behind me, back where the other car was still sitting in the middle of the road. (I never did think to ask how the officer got there so quickly. I don’t know whether he was sitting on a side road and saw the other car fly past, or whether he was already in pursuit.) I waited by my car for him to drive over, and in the meantime several people came out of a nearby apartment to make sure I was okay.
I walked around the car. Back smashed-in. Damage to the front (”Hello, Mr. Tree”). The front driver’s-side tire was flat. Which just so happens to be the brand new tire that I just replaced less than two weeks ago. I also loaded up everything inside the car that was loose, including the contents of the glove compartment (I had an empty paper bag under the passenger seat that I had specifically left there for a “just in case” situation). I even remembered to take the audiobook out of the CD player. (It belongs to the library. Not a good thing to lose.) I don’t keep anything in the trunk, so no problem there. Not that I would’ve been able to open it anyway.
Hot cop: When the police car was driving toward me, I had a feeling the man inside was going to be good-looking. And then when he walked up…rawr.
After asking me if I was okay, his next question was if I’d seen where the driver went. Me: “You mean there’s nobody in the car?” (Errrm, obviously not, Ms. Brilliant.) That’s when I found out the car had been abandoned in the middle of the road and the person fled on foot. I guess I had been too preoccupied with trying to get my car under control to notice the lowlife doing a literal hit-and-run.
When he asked me for the details, I wish I could say that I spoke in a calm, modulated voice. But I believe I was babbling. (Inevitable! I couldn’t just shut up and collect my thoughts. But, you know, crazy situation and all. Couldn’t help it.) Me: “Babble-babble, crazy-lunatic hit me! Babble! Almost home. Babble!”
He got my driver’s license information and telephone number, and then asked me to wait by the car while he went back to the other vehicle. A few minutes later Cop #2 drove up and came over to talk to me. He was still there when the tow truck driver arrived and they told me I could go home, so I didn’t get to say goodbye to Cop #1 (or, you know, ask for his contact information just in case I had any questions about the case that only he could answer). I did, however, have the presence of mind to ask (and receive) Cop #1’s name, thanks to Cop #2 (who was, alas, not nearly as swoon-worthy).
I walked home (this literally happened right around the corner from my apartment). I put everything down, went to the kitchen to pour myself some water—and, not realizing I was shaking, proceeded to spill water out of the pitcher and all over the floor. Cleaned it up. I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep right away, so I wrote yesterday’s post and sent a collective email to friends and family to let them know what had happened.
About an hour and half after I got home, around 2am, my home phone started ringing. Who could it be? Why, it was Cop #1…and by that time I was a bit more coherent. I wish I could say Hot Cop was calling because he couldn’t stand the thought of going another minute without talking to me—but it turns out he’d written my license plate number down wrong and needed to confirm what it was.
I asked if they knew anything about the other driver yet. Apparently the registered owner of the vehicle is a woman who said she’d sold the car to someone else a few weeks ago—even though it’s still titled in her name. And she only had the person’s cell phone number as a contact. What the hell?
I finally went to sleep sometime around 3am, and woke up at 7:30. I tried to go back to sleep but all my thoughts were jumbling around in my mind about what had happened and all the things I needed to do, so I got up, drank some coffee, and called State Farm.
Things happened pretty quickly from there. I talked to them about the claim, got in touch with Enterprise and had them pick me up from home to get the rental car (I’m paying an extra $2 per day for the car-level above “compact”…because that one came with a CD player and I couldn’t imagine not being able to listen to audiobooks for however long this is going to take), and drove to the auto body shop to sign the paperwork for the appraisal. My car hadn’t been delivered there yet from where it had been towed last night, so I didn’t get to see the damage in the light of day.
If I don’t hear from Hot Cop in a few days with an update on the case, it would be totally inappropriate for me to call the police department and leave a message for him. Right?
23 Comments
I’m glad you are OK, and I hope they find the guy who hit your car.
Yes, call the hot Cop Zan. You just never know!
When you find out if your car is totaled or if they are going to be fixing it?
At least the hot cop made it all worth the trouble! And I too hope they find the guy who hit your car… and maybe let you take a few swings at him before locking him up
Hey, something good has to come out of that accident! Call the hot cop, my dear, or even better: stop by his office!
So glad you are OK! Can’t wait for a hot cop update (although way unprofessional of him to call at 2am and not ask you out…).
Oh dear! I am so glad you are okay, Zandria. And here I was TO’ed at a man for nearly smashing into me when he decided my lane looked more drive worthy then his own yesterday. I hope that the police are able to find the person who hit you. I think it’s appropriate to call the officer for an update.
I still can’t believe the guy ran away. Who does that? And then, that the woman who sold her car only had a cell phone number? Who does THAT?
At least you have some eye candy along the way, I guess. Are you sore?
definitely call the hot cop for an update. AND THEN ASK HIM OUT.
I agree. Call him. Leave a message and suggest…I don’t know..coffee? A massage? No. Don’t suggest that – you might get arrested.
I’m so glad you’re okay. Geez! That is really horrible. But…didn’t you say your car was just at the point where it was breaking down and needing a lot of work?
It’s a sign!
Thinking of you.
Tam
PS – call the hot cop.
Darn it, every time you said, “then hot cop’s next question was…” I was so hoping that he would ask you out or something. Wouldn’t that be an interesting story to tell people how you met your significant other? Anyway, I look forward to hearing updates(hopefully positive ones about how they catch the guy and your car is repaired quickly, etc.)
I’m glad you’re OK! That’s some story. I hope they get the person who hit you.
You should definately call the hot cop! `
another vote for call the hot cop. I’d say that you should offer to take him out for a cup of coffee in thanks, but that might be a job conflict of interest. Even better might just be to write a handwritten thank you note to the hot cop, making sure that your contact details are included. Much more subtle
You didn’t mention if you woke up sore, so I am glad to hear you are better than to be expected. RING*RING… Hello Hot Cop,? This is Zandria and I was wondering when I may be able to pick up my copy of your police report of my accident? ( Sounds Good eh?) Then perhaps you’ll run into him again and notice perhaps a wedding band on his finger…..OR NOT!!!!! Play the DAMSEL (in distress of course)
Damsel in distress is definitely the way to go. Not only is it fun on your side, but guys love playing good cop .. well and bad cops sometimes too. Maybe he’ll show you both personalities .. hee hee.
So sorry to hear about your accident and really do hope the cops find the little chicken shit perp.
Hope you are feeling ok.
Everything will work out and who knows maybe this bad experience will lead to something good .. as many a person has told me .. all things happen for a reason. So maybe it was destiny that you met hot cop.
Take care hun!
OMG, I can’t believe it. What a crazy and bizarre accident. I really hope you’re ok. I was rear ended many years ago and my neck has been screwed up ever since. I lost a lot of my range of motion. The funny thing is that I felt fine for about 3 days before it the pain really hit me. And it took me another couple of weeks (duh!) to connect the pain to the accident. I kept thinking I was sleeping funny or needed to get a new pillow or bed. I think even if you feel fine, you should consider being seen by a dr or a chiro. If something is out of alignment, therapy/treatment now can make a huge difference in the long run.
I love Aunt Cathy’s suggestion. Right on!
Oh chook.. it sounds even scarier reading about it now! With the way your brakes failed and your car was spinning all over the place, it’s lucky you weren’t seriously injured. I hope they find that asshole.
Hot Cop definitely needs a phone call or three…
OH MY GOSH!!!
i think your BETTER call!!
you two are meant to be!
your destiny.
I am happy to hear that you are alright!
WOW.
how scary and YOU WENT HOME ALL ALONE!?!
you are a tough girl.
Try. Live life without regrets. Call him. However, keep in mind that hot cops often have hot girlfriends that know how to shoot….
That’s one hell of a story! You were really lucky things turned out the way that did!
As for the cop:
Call!!! You only have one life and nothing to lose.
I’m glad you’re okay! Take care, lady
Sorry to hear about the accident, Zan. My experience, from having once worked in the auto insurance industry, is that most “hit and run” drivers either stole the vehicle they were driving or else bought it recently from someone else but didn’t switch the title into their name. (The accident was obviously not a great way for you to be introduced to this unfortunate fact of life.)
I was searching for some wisdom to offer but can’t really think of any. I’m glad you weren’t hurt.
Sure he didn’t write your license plate number down right. Why that’s the oldest trick in the book!
Holy cow, I’m glad you’re okay!! Funny, the part about this story that got me the angriest was the flat new tire. I HATE that.