Hey everyone,
Sorry i haven't been able to update you as promised. I have been running around non stop dealing with insurance and running around trying to find a vehicle.
The Accident:
Wednesday, 10/22/14. I was driving to a work function at 9:00pm. I got on a parkway which hadn't been repaired since last winter. I have driven it hundred of times before. Wednesday night had been raining incredibly hard, in fact there were some flood warnings in the on areas close to where I live. Unfortunately pot holes filled with water and disappeared. I was driving approximately 45-40 mph because of the conditions.
I hit a large pot hole in the left lane, it felt like my front driver's side tire blew out. The truck pulled to the left, and as soon as I hit the brakes the truck hydroplaned. She steering wheel was ripped form my hands and the truck b-lined for the concrete median separating both directions of traffic on the parkway. The truck smashed the concrete median about exactly where the driver's side tire was (i say was for a reason). The airbag deployed and as soon as it was inflated it was deflated. The trucks momentum was still going and the rear end started to swing around counter clockwise. I grabbed the wheel and yanked right to that the truck wouldn't turn sideways and roll. Before i knew it the truck (now missing the front driver's side tire) continued to slide across all three lanes of the parkway. I nearly hit 2 other vehicles. I then hit the right guard rail on the other side, i would approximate i was still traveling about 20mph ( still on the brake with no to no control of the truck). the truck finally came to a stop against the guard rail but half in the right lane.
When i finally stopped I analyzed the situation. I was made sure I wasn't hurt and then i made an attempt to open the door. I was shocked, it opened. I put on my hazards and got out of the truck, I knew I was stopped in a bad spot. The truck came to stop just past an underpass, around a bend. I was about 1500 feet away from the exit i need to take. I walked approximately 200 feet up the road on the shoulder out of the way of the vehicle. I stood there in the rain and watched other cars nearly hit it and hydroplane as well. I called the cops and they came.
They saw the missing tire and looked for it but could not find it. The entire front tire, brake rotor, strut assembly, all gone. Another police unit came and drove up and down the parkway looking for the wheel. they could not locate it.
The after math:
I talked to insurance and they had an adjuster go out, needless to say the truck was totaled. They originally gave me a low ball offer but i looking online and found vehicles were going for more and they honored it. I recouped none of the value of aftermarket parts. I asked about buying back the truck and if i chose to do that my insurance would be dropped unless the vehicle was completely repaired and made road worthy again. so unfortunately guys I wont be able to part it out. BUT i do have the name of the salvage yard who is auctioning the truck. and will add it to the bottom.
Things i learned and you should all consider, get endorsements for your aftermarket parts. if it's street legal, and can pass state inspection it's worth it. you might add a bit more a month to your policy but in the long run you can reap more benefits in the event of a loss of your vehicle.
The truck is is being auctioned at Insurance Auto Auctions
Lot #14049286
66 Peconic Ave
Medford, NY 11763-3274
(631)207-3477
should be happening at the beginning of next week. I cannot bid on it ( thought of that already). But I hope maybe one of you can and will put all the parts to a good home ( specifcally the differentials)
Later today I will be taking finally inventory of all the parts I do have and I will be updating here. I will also add pictures of the vehicle when i saw it the next day in the salvage yard.
Drive Carefully
Updated:
Accident Pictures
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Your KK was an inspiration for the rest of the LOST KK community. Glad you walked away unharmed from the accident.
