Scary Stuff

Yesterday morning brought the phone call you always have in the back of your mind but usually dismiss as paranoia. My wife was in an accident and was calling from the scene. Fortunately, she just has to wear a neck brace for a few days.

I drove the Saturn rather quickly, passing cars and running lights as responsibly as I could. When I arrived I could see my wife standing outside of the car and talking to the EMT's. I could tell she was shaken up but not seriously hurt. Knowing what I know from my medical team role at work I politely ran off the ambulance drivers. They carefully suggest over and over that you take the $1000+ ride down the street whether you need it or not. If you truly need it, they don't ask.

I glanced at the mangled rear driver side of the Acura and instantly knew the axle was broken and that it would be totaled. A police officer asked about her proof of insurance card. My wife said she was too confused to find it.

I stuck my head in the cab and it looked like a bomb had gone off inside. Broken glass, juice everywhere, books, papers, clothes; it's not like it was clean beforehand but the 35-40mph accident had spun the car around.

I couldn't find it at first and just grabbed her purse. I handed my card to the officer, telling him it was my card, she was on it, and the insurance could be verified at the number on the card. I respect the police, but he reads the card and says "This is your card, she's on it, but I can't tell if she's covered in this vehicle unless I call this number." As if it was news to ME? I said "Do what you have to do, man. I'm taking her to get checked at the hospital now." He was like, "Oh, right. I'll, uh, meet you there."

I personally don't think I pay nearly 40% taxes to the govt. and $150 a month to insurance so that I have to plan my life around being able to produce the "correct" piece of paper on demand while standing roadside with a crying wife and totaled automobile at 7:30 AM and I'm not even wearing socks. The car is either covered at the time of the accident or it's not. All of the info was on my card, which I did have, and regardless of her card or mine, the coverage would have to be in effect at the time to satisfy the law- which it was. So, f*ck off traffic cop, you deserve your post in life and I hope you stay there until you learn better.

Anyway, the car was towed away and while we wait for next steps from the insurance company I'll be driving my wife around in the Saturn for the next few days. The scooter will become a necessity as she starts to drive the Saturn until we replace her car.

All in all, I consider us lucky. It was too close to being much worse.