That's gonna leave a mark...

There I was... Minding my own business driving north on the 95 at rush hour. Traffic was heavy, but not horrible. I guess I was going about 45 mph when the truck in front of me slammed on his brakes skidding to a stop. Because I was still a safe distance behind this truck, I was able to stop before hitting him. I had to brake hard, but I didn't skid and my anti-lock brakes never kicked in. Just after stopping I looked in the mirror to see the truck behind me was not going to make it. He smacked me pretty damn hard. And then I felt another jolt when the car behind him hit him, and in course me again.

I was shocked. I had this happen one time many years ago, but wasn't nearly as hard a hit. I immediately pulled off onto the shoulder as the car behind me did the same. (Turns out you are supposed to just stay where you are until a cop shows up.) We both got out of our vehicles to see if everybody was ok and how bad the damage was. While we both stood there it occurred to me that I should dial 911 and get a cop on the scene. Three more cars behind us were also involved and they were still in the road.

The police showed up in a few minutes and stopped traffic long enough to get everybody onto the shoulder. Five cars in all were in the accident and I was the one in the front of the line. The cop made sure everybody was ok (at least not bleeding and needing an ambulance), and then told us all to get back into our cars and wait. Over the course of the next hour and a half, he proceeded to get everybody's statements and write out tickets. I think I was the only one who didn't get a ticket since I didn't do anything wrong. I think the car three back from me didn't get one either, but not sure about that.

After printing out all the driver and insurance information for me he told me I could go, so I did. When I got home Monika asked me how I was. My neck and back were hurting but I didn't think it was too bad. At this point she made me a sandwich and told me to get in her car because we were going to the emergency room. I protested a little, but she made a good argument. I was full of adrenalin and the fact that I felt any pain was not a good sign. So off we went. I had to wear a neck brace until the doctor took x-rays. It was clear I was in an accident and was prescribed something for the pain. And then they sent me on my way.

Today my back still hurts and my neck is quite sore. I will see a chiropractor tomorrow and hope things get better after the initial trauma has gone away. I also get to start the process of getting my truck repaired tomorrow. Should be a fun fun day.

Just goes to show, you never know when you might get it in the rear.

--C

Note: I use the word "cop" several times here in this post. I only do that because I get tired of typing "police officer". The police officer on the scene was really great and I feel lucky he was the one who responded to the accident.

Note: I called Monika shortly after the accident. I think she broke the land speed record getting there to check on me. I love my wife. (Grinning ear to ear while typing that)