One week ago today, I experienced something I hope I will never have to experience again. It was very traumatic for me and something I will remember forever. It has definitely reminded me of the important things in life and that it can all change in seconds.
I was headed home from work around 11 pm. I had just gotten on I-215 Westbound and was in the right line. I can't remember how fast I was going, but I am going to guess around 50-60 MPH. I noticed a tire ahead in the center of my lane. I remember thinking, "Could I run over it, should I just hit it?" Then I remember looking in my mirror and did not see any other cars so I decided to change lanes. By then it was almost too late, but I changed lanes anyway. I was closer to the tire by now so I swerved to miss it. I turned the steering wheel too much and my jeep began to lose control. I could not regain control at all. It was going all over the place if that makes any sense. The jeep began to lean to the left and I was preparing to roll. At that moment I remember bracing myself with my hands clenching the steering wheel and pushing on the brake pedal with both feet as hard as I could. I am not sure if applying the brakes was a smart thing to do, but it caused the jeep to turn 180 degrees before slamming into the cement barrier that divides the freeway. As soon as I stopped, I began screaming. Thankful to be alive and thankful to have stopped. The next thought filling my head was that I was facing the wrong direction towards on-coming traffic. Luckily, I was in the emergency lane. I began praying that no one would slam into me. The jeep had died so I could not move it. I ended up calling UHP (bad decision) and they helped start the jeep. I filled out a report and then received a ticket for improper lane travel. Perfect way to kick me when I was down! So much for my FREE roadside assistance with my insurance carrier. Why didn't I call them? I am just going to blame it on shock. My mind was racing and I had never been in this kind of situation before. In the end, I have learned a lot from this experience. Both good and bad.
The jeep is a total loss. Besides the noticeable body damage, the axles are bent, the front sway bar is snapped, and both right rims are bent. It would cost our insurance company more to fix the repairs than the jeep is worth.
I have speant a lot of time thinking about what could have been or what I should have done differently. But then I stop and think that what's done is done and this is how it happened. Maybe for a reason, maybe not. I can not go back and change anything now. I can just be thankful. Thankful to be alive and thankful to not be hurt. I feel like an angel was watching over me that night. It could have been worse and I am so glad it wasn't. I feel like I am here for a reason and my time is not done. I have a lot more to give. I feel so blessed with all of the love that surrounds me. I hope to live each day to the fullest and will use this tragic day as a reminder that our lives could change in a matter of seconds and to not take any of it for granted.
I was headed home from work around 11 pm. I had just gotten on I-215 Westbound and was in the right line. I can't remember how fast I was going, but I am going to guess around 50-60 MPH. I noticed a tire ahead in the center of my lane. I remember thinking, "Could I run over it, should I just hit it?" Then I remember looking in my mirror and did not see any other cars so I decided to change lanes. By then it was almost too late, but I changed lanes anyway. I was closer to the tire by now so I swerved to miss it. I turned the steering wheel too much and my jeep began to lose control. I could not regain control at all. It was going all over the place if that makes any sense. The jeep began to lean to the left and I was preparing to roll. At that moment I remember bracing myself with my hands clenching the steering wheel and pushing on the brake pedal with both feet as hard as I could. I am not sure if applying the brakes was a smart thing to do, but it caused the jeep to turn 180 degrees before slamming into the cement barrier that divides the freeway. As soon as I stopped, I began screaming. Thankful to be alive and thankful to have stopped. The next thought filling my head was that I was facing the wrong direction towards on-coming traffic. Luckily, I was in the emergency lane. I began praying that no one would slam into me. The jeep had died so I could not move it. I ended up calling UHP (bad decision) and they helped start the jeep. I filled out a report and then received a ticket for improper lane travel. Perfect way to kick me when I was down! So much for my FREE roadside assistance with my insurance carrier. Why didn't I call them? I am just going to blame it on shock. My mind was racing and I had never been in this kind of situation before. In the end, I have learned a lot from this experience. Both good and bad. 
The jeep is a total loss. Besides the noticeable body damage, the axles are bent, the front sway bar is snapped, and both right rims are bent. It would cost our insurance company more to fix the repairs than the jeep is worth.
I have speant a lot of time thinking about what could have been or what I should have done differently. But then I stop and think that what's done is done and this is how it happened. Maybe for a reason, maybe not. I can not go back and change anything now. I can just be thankful. Thankful to be alive and thankful to not be hurt. I feel like an angel was watching over me that night. It could have been worse and I am so glad it wasn't. I feel like I am here for a reason and my time is not done. I have a lot more to give. I feel so blessed with all of the love that surrounds me. I hope to live each day to the fullest and will use this tragic day as a reminder that our lives could change in a matter of seconds and to not take any of it for granted.
1 comment:
OMG Katie! I'm so glad you walked away without being hurt, too bad the car didn't survive.
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