So I was run off the road and wrecked today – by a tri-axle dump,
pulling an equipment trailer, with an excavator.
I was on Rt. 80E, going down what they call the “Big hill,”
from 380 – 80 split, down to Scotrun on-ramp.
I have a load, and I’m in the slow lane doing speed limit,
and the on-ramp merge is from the left, going into hammer lane.
Dump truck is merging, seems to have a good head of steam going on,
and there was no one next to me; passing me, from like 1/4 mile back,
so he was good to go in that lane.
Then he starts to cut over into the right lane, so I pulled the air horn.
Mega-loud air horn.
He keeps coming.
LAID on the horn. Then 2 MINUTES of horn; just keeps going.
Nothing.
Eventually I got to eat 75 feet of guardrail trying to avoid contact
with the trailer and excavator.
I don’t think I want a 3 axle equipment trailer and a 40,000 lb. excavator on my chest.
Tow truck had to lift ft. axle over one of the guardrail posts
to get me back in line with the road.
Did the driver, (and i use the term loosely,)
momentarily forget he was towing the trailer?? Don’t Know.
I do know there was about 40 feet of bank down to a stream there,
not good to try at 60 MPH.
So I called the company that was 100% at fault here.
Phone at office answered by Ms.Sparkly Bubbly.
Ms.Bubbly said she will look into it. Took my number.
(Accident report by PSP indicates I was run off road
by a merging driver failing to yield right of way.)
This was serious, I could have been killed.
So, I need a hood, fender, headlight, and weld a leak,
that a bolt head pushed into my pass. side tank.
I got off easy, no ac condenser or radiator.
I have no claims on my insurance, and would like to keep it that way.
I really don’t want to sue them, or anybody,
it’s just a tough break for me, and could get pricey for them.
So, this is the “what should i do” part,
no one died, no injuries, minimal damage; maybe 3 grand used parts.
I’m thinking, go to their offices Monday morning,
ask what was found out about the driver of your truck.
(Yes, there is paint on my driver side fender from the trailer.)
Discussion follows. Depending on the exchange,
I can either turn it in to my insurance,
or get paid out directly from you guys to make me whole.
My insurance, and his CDL are unaffected.
The best outcome for all, and 3 grand is a cheap “off the hook” for them.
So, how was your day?
What do I do?
