This kind of sucks

[Vinsanity]

Ok so Friday afternoon on the way home from work, I run into some traffic as usual, having to slow down from ~70 mph to zero. Pretty involving routine, but somewhat ordinary. I make a complete stop behind a 2003-06 Expedition and wait. Roughly 10-15 seconds later, I catch a glimpse of a Ford Excursion barreling towards me in my rear view mirror. I don't think I had enough time for my brain to deliver the thoughts "oh shit" to my mouth before it happened:



Which then caused this:



And to complete the "perfect storm" of rear-end collisions, a crucial safety device decides not to play its role:



Cops arrived on the scene pretty quickly, and paramedics arrived soon after to take me to the ER. Luckily, no spinal injuries, but getting out of bed makes my neck hurt, and I have a random, nasty-looking bruise on my upper arm (I have a pic of that too, but I'll spare you guys). I'm seeing a doctor tomorrow and getting a copy of the police report. When I decide to get back to work, look for another "what car should I get" thread. That's what occupied my mind while I waited at the hospital, and to be honest, my mind is still stuck on Volvo.

I'm still dealing with insurance, so I don't know how much more I can say, but here are more pics:





I haven't even had the car for 3 months yet., but good thing this didn't happen with the s2000.

[CALL_911]

I like how the transmission's still in D.

Good to hear you're okay. Was it a soccer mom? Anyway, maybe you should take the airbag thing up with Honda?

[CALL_911]

BTW, German cars are safe. An Audi or a BMW would do well.

[Raghavan]

Holy crap!
That's f-ing scary! Thankfully you're alright.
Maybe you should take this opportunity to get a G35.

[CALL_911]

Holy crap!
That's f-ing scary! Thankfully you're alright.
Maybe you should take this opportunity to get a G35.

Yeah, that too.

[Vinsanity]

1. I don't know why I posted this in the Fast Lane. Maybe because that's the lane I was in when this happened on the freeway.

2. The driver of the Excursion was an older man; to be fair, he did try to be helpful.

3. My brother has a G35 sedan; and knows that I've always wanted a coupe. I might go for one if I find a good deal.

[Soup DeVille]

The air bag will not fire if you're first rear-ended: if it does it can actually increase your chance of injury.

[Vinsanity]

The air bag will not fire if you're first rear-ended: if it does it can actually increase your chance of injury.

Interesting. Everyone I talked to (paramedic, insurance people) seemed surprised that the driver airbag didn't deploy. Something to do with additional whiplash? I did get a small bruise on my scalp right where my hairline begins from hitting my forehead on the steering wheel.

[Rupert]

S2000!

[SVT_Power]

ouch that sucks dude. Practically a new car! That's what you get for ditching the S2K

[BMWDave]

Oh man!   Sorry to hear about this!  Glad to hear you're all right, and hopefully, insurance will take care of this and give you a nice sum. 

[r0tor]

yikes... at least a car is replaceable unlike most body parts or lives

[Soup DeVille]

Interesting. Everyone I talked to (paramedic, insurance people) seemed surprised that the driver airbag didn't deploy. Something to do with additional whiplash? I did get a small bruise on my scalp right where my hairline begins from hitting my forehead on the steering wheel.

Something like that yes. I'm not sure of exactly what the concern is, but basically airbags only work when the vehicle is in forward motion and for frontal impacts. I'm somewhat surprised that none of the people who deal with auto accidents professionally knew this.

[MX793]

Something like that yes. I'm not sure of exactly what the concern is, but basically airbags only work when the vehicle is in forward motion and for frontal impacts. I'm somewhat surprised that none of the people who deal with auto accidents professionally knew this.

If that's the case, why did the passenger's side bag deploy?

[pommes-t]

Oh, I am sorry for you! I hope you won't have to suffer under your injuries for a longer time.

[Soup DeVille]

If that's the case, why did the passenger's side bag deploy?

I don't know. Passenger bags tend to be dual-stage more often than driver's bags.

Perhaps it deployed at the low speed threshold.

[sandertheshark]

I did get a small bruise on my scalp right where my hairline begins from hitting my forehead on the steering wheel.

Beats having the airbag explode in your face.

Tough brake, Vince.

[AKL]

Glad to here you're fine.

At least you came out without any serious injuries.

It is very odd that the passenger airbag deployed, but the driver airbag didn't. Who knows, maybe you would have been better off without it  It may have exploded in your face giving you serious injuries.

[Eye of the Tiger]

Sounds like time for a 135i

[2o6]

Was there something in your trunk?


That's good you came out OK. It potentially could have been worse.

[Submariner]

The air bag will not fire if you're first rear-ended: if it does it can actually increase your chance of injury.

The passenger side did, though...

[Submariner]

2. The driver of the Excursion was an older man; to be fair, he did try to be helpful.

I would be helpful too, if I just had rear ended someone and it was CLEARLY my fault...

[deesea]

well, at least you're okay. Thats the important part. Sucks that your car got totaled though.

I think an A4 would be nice

so..what car did you hit after the Ford hit you?

[Soup DeVille]

Was there something in your trunk?

Yes, a Ford Expedition.

[TheIntrepid]

Yes, a Ford Expedition.

EXCURSION.



Anyway, sorry to hear, Vinsanity. On the bright side, you get to drive around a Barcelona Red 2007 Camry LE until you figure out what to do with your car!!!

[Raza]

Nice man.  Glad you're okay.  Now you can get something good!

[TheIntrepid]

so..what car did you hit after the Ford hit you?

2003-2006 Expedition

[565]

2003-2006 Expedition

It was like a giant Ford SUV sandwich.

You are lucky you made it out alive.

[GoCougs]

Get a lawyer ASAP.

[Vinsanity]

1. I guess I'll never know whether or not I'm better off without the driver airbag; maybe the body shop will have something to say about it

2. 1-series is an interesting thought; but it's not on BMW's website yet...why hasn't it come out by now???

3. A4 is an interesting choice because it's an IIHS top pick. Good excuse for me to get a convertible

4. My cousin's girlfriend works for an attorney who sometimes does personal injury cases. Right now she's having me keep a daily journal of my pain, and keeping track of my expenses, etc.

5. Trep: OMG I got a word to say about this Camry. Actually I have several words. Thanks for reminding me. I will post a driving impression.