I sat stunned as the car radio had a
robotic female voice say, “Emergency call sent out for Honda Accord at Bryan and
Red Hill. Remain nearby.” I didn’t know the car could talk unprompted. The
screen said to talk to the agent so I touched the screen and the voice stopped.
I said something but got no answer.
I was on my way to the CrossFit gym on my
usual Friday routine at 6:40 in the morning. I was driving Rich’s Honda Accord
because I had loaned my Civic to Aidan while his Robinette grandpa was in town
and was using his Rav 4. As I set out, I was musing how much this Accord seemed
heavier and sturdier than my Civic. I came to the stop light on Bryan and
waited. Three lanes of cross traffic stopped. When the light turned green, I
slowly proceeded. I heard a horn blast, but it was too late to change course.
Bam! A Hyundai hit me broadside on the driver's side.
I didn’t notice that the
side window airbags were deployed. The car engine was still running. A bystander
came to the passenger side, knocking on the window and asking, “Are you alright?” I just shrugged, still dazed. So he opened the door, “Are you alright? I’ll call 911.” I saw everything. That car ran through the red light. I could see the
other driver in his car almost parallel to mine. My car was pushed sideward.
After a few minutes, still sitting in the car stunned, I turned off the engine
and reached for my purse that was thrown onto the passenger floor. I called
911. “Is this the accident on Bryan and Redhill? Are you in the white Honda or
Hyundai?” “White Honda. Help is on the way.”
Tustin Police cars arrived
immediately. The police put up cones and redirected traffic. One officer opened
my passenger door. Noticing I didn’t seem hurt, he asked, “Can you get out?” I
tried the driver's door, but it would not open. “Can you come out on this side?”
I crawled over to the passenger side. The policeman helped me out of the car and
escorted me to the sidewalk.
The passerby who had first inquired was also
standing there watching. He was very kind to ask how I was. “I saw the whole
thing. That man ran the red light and hit you.” “That man” was a short Hispanic
fellow also standing on the corner with two other fellows I surmised were his
passengers. We stood in the drizzling rain while the police asked for my
driver's license and whether I had insurance.
Meanwhile, an ambulance and fire
truck pulled up to the scene. The EMT had a gurney out on the sidewalk. “Are you
hurt? Do you want to go to the hospital?” I hesitated. I was very calm and
thought for a moment. I wasn’t bleeding and didn’t feel pain as if a bone was
broken. “I don’t think I need to?’ “It’s up to you. It’s your choice.” I
declined. “Thank you.”
Both the fire truck and the ambulance packed up and drove
off. While standing under the tree in the rain, the kind gentleman offered to
let me sit in his car. Since the police were doing their work and asking me
questions, I chose to stay on the sidewalk. He gave me his name and phone number
as a witness.
I texted my husband, “I’ve been in an accident. Come pick me up at
Pine Tree Park.” No answer. Then, by chance, Stephanie, my daughter, texted,
“Going to be at your house around 11 AM.”
I immediately replied: “I’ve been in
an accident. Pick me up at Bryan and Red Hill.”
“On my way.” The police had done
their work. The other driver drove off in his car as it had little damage. The
tow truck came to get mine. The police removed all the cones redirecting
traffic. The Good Samaritan for me left and I was standing in the rain under the
tree alone when Steph drove up. She took me home.
We found Rich quietly reading
in the living room. “You missed the excitement. Didn’t you get my text?” “I
don’t have my phone near me. It’s in the bedroom.” Of course, I told him the
whole story and showed him the photo of his wrecked car.
Fortunately, the
policeman gave me the police event number and the info on the other driver's
insurance. Rich immediately called our insurance. Shortly, an agent from the
other driver’s insurance called me. “I have the name and number of a witness if
you want that,” I said. “Not necessary. Our client has claimed fault. We will be
taking 100% responsibility”, he replied.
Within a short time, we had both
insurance companies coordinated. The police also gave me the info of where the
car was towed. Rich and Steph went to retrieve the contents of the car.
At about
noon, Stephanie took me to the chiropractor for a check-up. Dr. Mykkanen took
new ex-rays that showed no damage. He compared the X-rays of 18 years ago.
“There was no sign of aging and only a minor misalignment at the atlas.” He
adjusted me and off I went.
For the rest of the afternoon, we talked about what
kind of car we would get to replace the Accord. Since we are leaving in two days
for a cruise, there is no rush. We have the 1991 VW van as a backup. Tomorrow I
have a follow-up appointment with the chiropractor and Aidan has agreed to take
me in my car.
I remained calm the whole time and everything unfurled easily.
This is what living looks like. No sign of aging or damage!
