An 85 year old with a handicap tag...
04-04-2005, 09:07 PM
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An 85 year old with a handicap tag...
...decided to plow into my RX-8 today. I was in the middle of a 4-way stop sign intersection when this near blind Ford Explorer driver thought it to be an appropriate time to drive into me. I saw him coming from the right and immediately thought - "This guy is going to run right into me". He did a fine job, but if he waited just a few moments more he could have properly T-boned me and I could have seen if the side-impact air bags worked.
I pulled the car out of the intersection and walked over to his Red/Maroon Ford Explorer. I asked if he was "okay". He proceeded to tell me that "This better not take long. I am an important man". I had already started dialing 911 with that kind of tone.
The police arrived on the scene. One was a familiar face, an Iraq veteran who recently joined our local department. They were professional and helpful even as this gentleman started interjecting during my statement "That's not the way it happened". Practically, this person should not be operating a motor vehicle.
Seeing the front right fender smashed upon against the hood and rubbing against my brand spanking new Bridgestone S-03s just wasn't fun. I thought I might be able to pull the car out of the right-of-way, but I couldn't clear things out of the way even with the pry bar. Clearly the hard stuff was bent.
Yet, there is some twisted satisfaction jabbing a tire iron under your nicely waxed, but now completely raped fender. The absurdity of all of the detailing when you are working to bend your own car. Breaking expensive stuff is fun.
By now the man in the Explorer was gone, he suffered only a damaged headlight and scratch/crack on the bumper cover. I was stuck with the police waiting for my tow truck. By random chance, when the truck did arrive, I lucked out. It happened to be someone I've known since high school (almost 20 years). He gave the car the car the "enthusiast" treatment as it was dragged up onto the flatbed. I simply pretended to ignore the metal on metal sounds coming from the right front fender.
The car was towed to my local Mazda dealer and the statement to the insurance company was pretty darn straightforward. From discussions with the body shop manager, it sounds like about $4000-$5000 worth of damage -- hooray for Xenon headlamps by the way. Haha.
I'm pretty annoyed, but it could be far worse. I escaped any injury. My car is ding'd, but there's not much that can be done about that right now. Yes, it sucks.
I pulled the car out of the intersection and walked over to his Red/Maroon Ford Explorer. I asked if he was "okay". He proceeded to tell me that "This better not take long. I am an important man". I had already started dialing 911 with that kind of tone.
The police arrived on the scene. One was a familiar face, an Iraq veteran who recently joined our local department. They were professional and helpful even as this gentleman started interjecting during my statement "That's not the way it happened". Practically, this person should not be operating a motor vehicle.
Seeing the front right fender smashed upon against the hood and rubbing against my brand spanking new Bridgestone S-03s just wasn't fun. I thought I might be able to pull the car out of the right-of-way, but I couldn't clear things out of the way even with the pry bar. Clearly the hard stuff was bent.
Yet, there is some twisted satisfaction jabbing a tire iron under your nicely waxed, but now completely raped fender. The absurdity of all of the detailing when you are working to bend your own car. Breaking expensive stuff is fun.
By now the man in the Explorer was gone, he suffered only a damaged headlight and scratch/crack on the bumper cover. I was stuck with the police waiting for my tow truck. By random chance, when the truck did arrive, I lucked out. It happened to be someone I've known since high school (almost 20 years). He gave the car the car the "enthusiast" treatment as it was dragged up onto the flatbed. I simply pretended to ignore the metal on metal sounds coming from the right front fender.
The car was towed to my local Mazda dealer and the statement to the insurance company was pretty darn straightforward. From discussions with the body shop manager, it sounds like about $4000-$5000 worth of damage -- hooray for Xenon headlamps by the way. Haha.
I'm pretty annoyed, but it could be far worse. I escaped any injury. My car is ding'd, but there's not much that can be done about that right now. Yes, it sucks.
04-04-2005, 09:12 PM
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I hate bad drivers. Glad ur okay. Today I was at a 4 way stop and some mid 30 something guy just drove right through the damn 4 way stop at 60+km/h. He almost hit some lady whose turn it was to go. Blah, some ppl...
04-04-2005, 09:18 PM
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Damn I am sorry to hear that. Even more annoying is his horrible reaction. I once got sideswiped (back when I drove, ironically enough, an Explorer) and it was completely this womans fault. She was all sweet and nice... until I told her that I have to file a police report. That's when she turned into the super bitch from Hell and started making up all kinds of crap.
Good luck with the repairs! BTW did the police end up finding him at fault?
Good luck with the repairs! BTW did the police end up finding him at fault?
04-04-2005, 09:29 PM
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Fault
The police declared no fault at the scene and no citation was issued. Progressive was confident that they could the other company to accept fault based upon the circumstances.
04-04-2005, 09:38 PM
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Hey, I got hit by a guy running a red light. It was the first accident I had ever been in so didnt even thkn to call the cops. Now his insurance company is telling me that they are denying my claim because he wont cooperate with them. The other thing that sucks is that None ever stops at a scene to be a witness. I made a promise to myslef if I ever witness an Accident Im gonna give the people my contact info so they odnt get screwed.
04-04-2005, 09:45 PM
#6
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Sorry to hear about your misfortune. Your car is silver right? I see it in your avatar.
The best line was "This better not take long. I'm an important man" The nerve of some people, eh?
I had a similar run in ... well lucky I got away. I was at a GREEN light ... some jerk with a RED light decides that red means go. You should have seen how fast I pulled a "Fast and Furious" WOT downshift. Lucky I got away. The people behind me were fortunate too that they stopped in time.
The best line was "This better not take long. I'm an important man" The nerve of some people, eh?
I had a similar run in ... well lucky I got away. I was at a GREEN light ... some jerk with a RED light decides that red means go. You should have seen how fast I pulled a "Fast and Furious" WOT downshift. Lucky I got away. The people behind me were fortunate too that they stopped in time.
04-05-2005, 07:24 AM
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“This better not take long. I am an important man"
I'm sorry about your car and I hope you get it back ASAP! I thought there was no such thing as a no fault accident? It was his fault...how did the cop ignore that?
Sorry...
04-05-2005, 07:59 AM
#10
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Any Pictures.
And stopping as a witness is always a good idea. I chased a hit and run one day, an illegal ran a red light, clipped a new suv with a woman driving, it was carrying her 3 small children, and he decided to take off. I caught him, got his tag number and went back to the scene. Cops found out the car was stolen. They later found it, with the illegal at a bar. Stop if you can, it will repay you one day.
And stopping as a witness is always a good idea. I chased a hit and run one day, an illegal ran a red light, clipped a new suv with a woman driving, it was carrying her 3 small children, and he decided to take off. I caught him, got his tag number and went back to the scene. Cops found out the car was stolen. They later found it, with the illegal at a bar. Stop if you can, it will repay you one day.
04-05-2005, 12:08 PM
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Another silver .... I swear these cars enable cloaking devices as soon as we start driving them that makes them invisible to other drivers... especially drivers in trucks and suvs.
Sorry to hear about your baby getting crunched, but it sounds like the damage is easily fixable and you'll have her back soon. Maybe it's time to report that 85 year old driver to the DMV and let them know he's dangerous on the road -- DMV will call him in for a driving exam before renewing his license.
Sorry to hear about your baby getting crunched, but it sounds like the damage is easily fixable and you'll have her back soon. Maybe it's time to report that 85 year old driver to the DMV and let them know he's dangerous on the road -- DMV will call him in for a driving exam before renewing his license.
04-05-2005, 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by buzzwordenabled
I asked if he was "okay". He proceeded to tell me that "This better not take long. I am an important man".
04-05-2005, 12:19 PM
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I hit a guy who ran a red (I guess I have to say I hit him, not he hit me).
I was shell shocked for a little but this guy was kind enough to pull over immediately. And he was drunk (not full out drunk, but definitely had been drinking). I was grateful that I didn't have to chase him down so I didn't call the cops on him.
What's with people running red lights? I mean I understand if the light JUST turned red; they're trying to make the yellow but failed, but I'm talking about full out running red lights!
As for me if that guy said that to me I'd be so tempted to just punch him. God, I can't believe anyone would say something like that. I hate when people try using the "Do you know who I am" or "I'm very important" kind of thing. I'd at least go off on him.
I was shell shocked for a little but this guy was kind enough to pull over immediately. And he was drunk (not full out drunk, but definitely had been drinking). I was grateful that I didn't have to chase him down so I didn't call the cops on him.
What's with people running red lights? I mean I understand if the light JUST turned red; they're trying to make the yellow but failed, but I'm talking about full out running red lights!
As for me if that guy said that to me I'd be so tempted to just punch him. God, I can't believe anyone would say something like that. I hate when people try using the "Do you know who I am" or "I'm very important" kind of thing. I'd at least go off on him.
04-05-2005, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by buzzwordenabled
He proceeded to tell me that "This better not take long. I am an important man".
Denver for being smart and funny while making her point when
confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.
A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent
was re- booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger
pushed his way to the desk.
He slapped his ticket on the counter and said "I HAVE to be on
this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS."
The agent replied, "I am sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to
help you, but, I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll
be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed.
He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear,
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"
Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public
address microphone, "May I have your attention please, " she began,
her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal.
"We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO
HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come
to Gate 14."
With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically,
the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore
"F*** You!".
Without flinching, she smiled and said, I'm sorry sir, you'll
have to get in line for that too.
04-05-2005, 12:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Aratinga:
Another silver ....
I swear these cars enable cloaking devices as soon as we start driving them that makes them invisible to other drivers....
Good one Aratinga!!!
I drive a cloaked S/Silver... and I'm counting the days....
Originally Posted by buzzwordenabled:
He proceeded to tell me that
"This better not take long. I am an important man".
Looks like he was an "important man" since he wiggled out of a ticket for hitting you!!!
What a dirt-bag, coundn't even own-up to his mistake!!!
Another silver ....
I swear these cars enable cloaking devices as soon as we start driving them that makes them invisible to other drivers....
Good one Aratinga!!!
I drive a cloaked S/Silver... and I'm counting the days....
Originally Posted by buzzwordenabled:
He proceeded to tell me that
"This better not take long. I am an important man".
Looks like he was an "important man" since he wiggled out of a ticket for hitting you!!!
What a dirt-bag, coundn't even own-up to his mistake!!!
Last edited by EyeBall Fixer...(o)(x); 04-05-2005 at 12:34 PM.
04-05-2005, 12:33 PM
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LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Do you know who I am?"
That's probably the worst thing you can say to someone.
My reply...I know enough not to care...
(Mean I know, but poor Buzz was being all nice and this guy has the &#)$(#* to say something like that)
"Do you know who I am?"
That's probably the worst thing you can say to someone.
My reply...I know enough not to care...
(Mean I know, but poor Buzz was being all nice and this guy has the &#)$(#* to say something like that)
04-05-2005, 01:46 PM
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Buzz,
I applaud to your ability to maintain your composure, even up to this moment, after a reply like that. Obviously, he's NOT that important of a man as he was driving a Ford Explorer.
I applaud to your ability to maintain your composure, even up to this moment, after a reply like that. Obviously, he's NOT that important of a man as he was driving a Ford Explorer.
04-05-2005, 02:57 PM
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BlueEyes...I'm sorry if your old Explorer broke down on you, you don't have to get pissed about it over here. It's not about the car, it's about the attitude the person projected.
04-05-2005, 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by HeelnToe
An award should go to the United Airlines gate agent in
Denver for being smart and funny while making her point when
confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.
A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent
was re- booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger
pushed his way to the desk.
He slapped his ticket on the counter and said "I HAVE to be on
this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS."
The agent replied, "I am sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to
help you, but, I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll
be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed.
He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear,
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"
Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public
address microphone, "May I have your attention please, " she began,
her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal.
"We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO
HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come
to Gate 14."
With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically,
the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore
"F*** You!".
Without flinching, she smiled and said, I'm sorry sir, you'll
have to get in line for that too.
Denver for being smart and funny while making her point when
confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.
A crowded United Airlines flight was canceled. A single agent
was re- booking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger
pushed his way to the desk.
He slapped his ticket on the counter and said "I HAVE to be on
this flight and it has to be FIRST CLASS."
The agent replied, "I am sorry, sir. I'll be happy to try to
help you, but, I've got to help these folks first, and I'm sure we'll
be able to work something out." The passenger was unimpressed.
He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear,
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"
Without hesitating, the agent smiled and grabbed her public
address microphone, "May I have your attention please, " she began,
her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal.
"We have a passenger here at Gate 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO
HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come
to Gate 14."
With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically,
the man glared at the United agent, gritted his teeth and swore
"F*** You!".
Without flinching, she smiled and said, I'm sorry sir, you'll
have to get in line for that too.
04-06-2005, 09:50 AM
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Originally Posted by Leadfoot27
He said he was an "important man"? The guy's 85 and senile, he probably thought he was George Bush.