Monday, May 12, 2014

A Final Parting "Gift" from Charlotte

Just when I think I couldn't possibly be more ready to leave Charlotte, this happened on Saturday.



I was backing out of a parking spot after having lunch with a friend and had stopped to pull forward when CRUNCH.  Apparently I was in the "blind spot" of a young woman who was driving her mom's SUV.   She clearly came out of her parking spot with gusto and speed given the extent of the damage she did.  This was not a minor tap, she rammed the hell out of my car.  *insert expletives of anger and frustration*

I've tried to be more positive lately now that I have a path out of Charlotte, but this?  THIS WAS THE LAST STRAW.  I AM SO DONE WITH THIS CITY.  Yes, ALL CAPS.

Do you know I have owned my car for over 11 years and have never been in an accident?  But 7 days before I am set to drive 1,100+ miles across the country, I get hit by a car.  It's the final parting gift from Charlotte.  An "actually, you don't like us, but we don't like you either so get the hell out of here" final kick in the gut. 

My car is drivable but my main concern is that the trunk might not open and close and CLEARLY I need to use my trunk when I move.  You know because a 4-door sedan does not have room in the backseat for 2+ weeks of my possessions + my mom's suitcase.  So instead of going to Asheville for one final hike today, I am going to stick around hell, I mean Charlotte, and deal with this.

My second concern is that the cost of the repairs will exceed the value of my car and they will opt to give me the value of my car versus fixing it.  I do not want this to happen because unlike the majority of the population, I don't want a new, shiny car.  I want my 2003 Accord that is 100% paid for. 

I know I am lucky I was not hurt, but dang it, this sucks and I did not NEED another thing to deal with/worry about right now.  I just hope and pray that her insurance company accepts liability and that they pay for the damages because my deductible is $1,000 if they don't accept liability.  I feel like I am bleeding money right now so don't need another expense.  The policeman who filed the accident report said that since I was at a stop when she hit me, it will be clear that she was at fault. 

And so the saga of shitty Charlotte experiences continues...  More fodder for the memoir about my time in the south that I might just have to write some day. 

My departure on Saturday morning just can not come fast enough.

16 comments:

Becky said...

OMG this sucks! I hope it can be fixed quick and for an inexpensive amount! Keep us posted!

Marisa A. said...

Yikes, that was definitely not a "i'm cautiously backing out and oops I tapped your car." I hope their insurance pays for the fix!

Marlys said...

Keep us posted on what they decide to offer for your car repair! I just hope you can get the trunk to open & close as that is the crucial thing right now!

Nora said...

What a bummer that it impacted your trip to Asheville today. The number of near accidents I saw in the parking lot at a grocery store yesterday was insane! People don't look when they back up, I guess? So sorry you have to deal with this.

Anonymous said...

Not you, too! Whyyyyyyyyyy must these car issues come up at the worst possible time?! Fingers crossed that it will be a relatively easy and painless fix.

Charlotte will be in your rear view mirror before you know it!

Emilie said...

Oh I am so sorry you have to deal with this! I'm glad you weren't hurt but this is still a really crummy situation to have to deal with so close to moving across the country. I hope her insurance accepts liability! Fingers crossed that your truck will open/close easily in time for your move. Ugh so frustrating!

Stephany said...

That is so, so, so, so, so sucky! What horrible timing, too! And to make you miss your last Asheville hike? NOT COOL. I'm sorry, friend. I hope it gets sorted out quickly and not too painfully!

Hugs - your time in Charlotte is almost up! So happy you're getting the hell out of there soon.

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

I mean, really, Charlotte? There is no need to be vindictive...

I'm gonna email you a couple insurance-related thoughts offline (I learned a thing or two when I worked for State Farm).

Leigh said...

Gah, sorry to hear this happened! But at least it wasn't your fault and don't have to pay to fix someone else's car! (just trying to find the positive in the situation!)

Abby said...

Ugh - this is not what you needed. I am so sorry Lisa. That girls' insurance should pay for it.

I am so glad your trunk is now functional.

Carolina John said...

The same thing here happened to Kelley a couple of years ago. She backed out of a parking space at the gym across the street, came to a complete stop, then *bam* a teenager driving an SUV hit her. Damage was about $3500 to her car, nothing to the SUV. She had some neck/back pain after that, went to the chiropractor, and as soon as the medical bill showed up on the claim it was denied even though the police report clearly said that she was not at fault.

This is now why I hate nationwide insurance as well as SUV's and the people who drive them. Well, actually I hate SUV's for a host of other reasons, and the people who drive them are usually assholes.

J and A said...

Oh no!!!!! I'm so sorry!!! What a huge pain in the butt!!! :(

The Many Thoughts of a Reader said...

suckkkkkkkk

Jeanie said...

Safe travels Sunday. Fingers crossed for a good trunk opening and closing -- and you'll be out of there just in time! What a bummer...

Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields said...

OH my gosh ... ugh!!!

Amber said...

I'm so glad this is all behind you now but still - ARGHHHHHH!