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Old 08-16-2014, 06:07 PM   #1
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A Really Bad Day

Yesterday was a day that my wife and I will remember for the rest of our lives. We were on our way from Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque with our 2014 FB international where we were going to camp overnight before heading to Mesa Verde National Park. We entered I-40 and had just traveled about a half mile. All of a sudden I felt a vibration similar to the slight sway that occurs when being passed by an 18 wheeler. However, it was apparent that it was much worse. As I struggled to control the steering wheel, I looked to my left to see a car coming straight across the highway headed toward my driver door. In a split second we were hit hard and pushed to medium between the highway and feeder access road. Our AS was in the process of jack knifing into the rear of the Yukon and then flipped on its side. We were both shook up terribly but neither of us were hurt seriously. In fact, I am convinced that our AS actually helped save our lives because it kept our Yukon from flipping as well. After talking to witnesses we learned that the car that broadsided us actually began the accident by clipping the left rear of the trailer. After doing so, the driver lost control and careened to the highway's inside lane, tried to correct his steering and ended up hitting us again. The paramedics and police arrived and after cleaning the highway, we went to the hospital for a checkup. We are fine but our 3 month old Denali and less than a year old AS are a mess. We finally found a rental in Amarillo last night and drive home to the Houston area arriving a 4 am this morning. We went to the storage yard to retrieve our personal effect from the trailer and it's virtually destroyed. There is extensive exterior damage. When we were finally able to get the door open, the sight was shocking! It literally looked like a home that had sustained tornado damage! The interior damage is incredible. This morning I filed a claim with my insurance company. Not sure what to expect from an adjuster. I am going to try attach some picture from the accident. I just can't imagine that the AS can be repaired. Should this be a job for the factory if the insurance companies decide it should be repaired? After, having what may have been the worst day of our lives we are happy to say that we are sore but still alive! Oh, and this will probably come as no surprise, the officer stated that the driver that hit us was probably distracted by either being on his cell our texting. Click image for larger version

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Old 08-16-2014, 06:19 PM   #2
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I am so sorry - and so glad you aren't more seriously hurt or worse.

I can't imagine anyone in these forums would text and drive but if anyone is at all tempted, just don't. Absolutely nothing is so important it can't wait until you can pull off to a rest area.

Feel better. The stuff that can be replaced is less important than the stuff that can't. You were very lucky. And I'm very sorry for the physical damage too.....
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:22 PM   #3
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You are okay, that's what's important. Relax if you can. Most of what is going to happen is out of your control. See what the insurance co says, probably totaled. Do not make any rash decisions. Think things over slowly. Remember you are okay and that is what is important. Peace, jim
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:24 PM   #4
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Be sure the report names the other driver at fault and the witnesses names. Good luck,jim
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:28 PM   #5
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Thanks. The witnesses gave statements to the police. Including their names. The other driver was cited for failure to maintain his lane.


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Old 08-16-2014, 06:28 PM   #6
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Pat,
Thank God you were not hurt. Hopefully your insurance will get you up and running soon. Best of Luck.
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:34 PM   #7
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Hi from AZ. . . Yowzaa........what a mess ! Thankful y'all weren't hurt badly ! The AS looks like a total to me. Thanks for sharing & regards, Craig
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:39 PM   #8
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Always wanted to see the bottom of my trailer, but not like that! Glad nobody was seriously injured. Now you can get a 2015 with ducted air.
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:40 PM   #9
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Good to Hear you Guys are OK !

The driver should have been charged with DUIT

"Driver under the influence of Technology"

Which should be a worse penalty than a "Driver under the Influence of Alcohol" in my opinion.

This is such a frustrating story.

I feel for you two.

Maybe,just to feel a bit better you could start picking out your New Airstream..

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Old 08-16-2014, 06:40 PM   #10
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Thanks. The witnesses gave statements to the police. Including their names. The other driver was cited for failure to maintain his lane.
"Failure to maintain his lane" - he got off easy.

I'm glad you and your wife are okay. Scary!
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:42 PM   #11
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Looks like the trailer stayed hooked to the TV. Jim
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:45 PM   #12
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Looks like the trailer stayed hooked to the TV. Jim
What hitch are you using?
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:48 PM   #13
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WOW, very scary, but on the upside, your OK. Good luck with getting this sorted out. You might see if any additional charges can be leveied against the offending driver since the police have the witnesses statements.
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Old 08-16-2014, 06:51 PM   #14
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All of our worst nightmare.

Glad you are both okay, and hope everything falls into place for you quickly.


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Old 08-16-2014, 06:53 PM   #15
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Glad you are both ok, so sorry to hear about this. A new Tow Vehicle and a Trailer. I hope your insurance company takes care of you and that you have an agreed value policy. Sending prayers your way.
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Old 08-16-2014, 07:01 PM   #16
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So so sorry that this happened. Horrible. I was recently hit by a texting teenager. Nothing in tow; however it really shook me up. $6000 worth of damage to my tow vehicle and her car was totaled. She got two tickets, fines and a pulled license plus had to pay (thru insurance) all my damages. Frankly, that is not enough in my book.

I hope your insurance --or the other driver's insurance covers every last penny and more. This texting stuff and distraction have to stop. I think even bluetooth and handsfree should be banned in a vehicle.


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Old 08-16-2014, 07:03 PM   #17
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Pat...

Thank goodness you are OK and neither of you sustain serious injury. It could have been far far worse. Consider yourselves very lucky. Things — including Airstreams — can be replaced.

This is exactly what insurance is for ... and as much as we all hope we never have to use it, we do, indeed, need to sometimes. I would be surprised if your trailer is not totaled, which is probably the best outcome.

Bad things happen to good people. And while the memories and trauma of this will be with you for some time, eventually, it will become a story to tell around a campfire.

Good luck getting through the next couple of weeks while the insurance kicks in. We hope you have the same good experiences with your insurance claim as we have ...
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Old 08-16-2014, 07:20 PM   #18
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Thanks for all the well wishes! We both feel we were given another chance yesterday! The hitch did, in fact stay connected throughout the entire collision and even when the trailer flipped on its side. It was a Blue Ox hitch.


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Old 08-16-2014, 07:23 PM   #19
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Sorry to see this but so glad you are both okay



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Old 08-16-2014, 07:41 PM   #20
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Thanks for all the well wishes! We both feel we were given another chance yesterday! The hitch did, in fact stay connected throughout the entire collision and even when the trailer flipped on its side. It was a Blue Ox hitch.


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Good to hear, I use a Blue Ox Hitch as well.
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