I was in an accident Tuesday, 3/8/11. I was leaving work during rush hour traffic, in TERRIBLE weather (raining/icing), approximately 5:45pm CST. While merging onto a notoriously dangerous interstate in St. Louis (I-44 at Bowles), I began hydroplaning while accelerating up to speed in the merge lane from the outer road (right in front of the stratford inn for those that are local). My car fish-tailed for a bit and as I steered in the direction to correct my a$$-end, I lost all control of my car and was shot out directly into traffic on I-44. My car made 3 quarters of a revolution toward oncoming traffic before being smacked hard by an 18 wheeler traveling at 60mph. At that point the car spun back toward traffic in the opposite direction, and honestly, when people say their life flashes before their eyes, they aren't kidding - a second 18 wheeler was heading straight for me head on at 60mph. Without getting all sentimental on you guys, I basically closed my eyes, hunkered down and said that was it. Somehow, someway, it miraculously swerved and missed me, literally by only a few inches. My car still spinning, finally stopped back in the direction traffic was going. After sh1tting my pants, then realizing I was still alive, I managed to make my way over to the shoulder of the hwy.

I didn't really care that the car was damaged at that point. I was happy to be alive. I couldn't believe I made it through what has been up to this point in my short 28 years, the scariest moment of my life. The car looked bad. REALLY bad. I had it towed to a reputable body shop in O'Fallon MO and then waited for insurance to get in touch. My insurance couldn't get an appraiser over for a WEEK, but that was ok. It gave me time to go in and take a look at my poor Z, figure out my next move, and gather myself. Needless to say the magnitude of the situation had finally set in, and I became very depressed.



To make a long story short, the Z's damage clocked in at $16,236.37. A total loss. The only positive out of all of this is that my insurance company is taking care of me, as I've been pleasantly surprised by my pay-off

What's next you may ask? As tempted as I am to go out and buy a low mile 07 or 08 HR - or possibly Nismo HR, I'm going to pass on the Z this time. That wreck was enough to rattle my confidence behind the wheel of a Z (or any RWD) for a little while to come. My dad has an 07 Redline so I'll still be able to drive it whenever I want. I'm going for something a little bit more practical year-round. Something I can drive in the snow, but still take to the track in the summer. Something all wheel drive, with a turbo... most likely a 2011 Evo X

The parting will commence shortly. I've got some stock parts for sale as well as a Motordyne TDX2 exhaust, JWT Pop Charger, and a few other miscellaneous interior parts. Stay tuned for the thread.

I loved my Z with all of my heart. I didn't realize I was capable of having such a strong emotional attachment to a vehicle. She will be missed. With time, I'll own another. What an absolutely beautiful and rewarding car to own and drive.

 

Sorry for the lost, but glad to hear you're OK.

 

Wow, very crazy story, man. Glad to see you survived that. Stories like these make me cringe even when its barely raining. An Evo wont be a bad choice.

 

Glad to hear you're ok; somebody must be watching out for you!

 

sorry for your loss man. and i know it is kind of soon but you trying to sell me your cubby? mine had a broken cover when i got it

 

F&%K the car! After that, glad youre ok! I understand the attachment to a vehicle, but its not for my Z. Its for my Durango. Its been the most bulletproof car Ive EVER had and I dont know what I would do without it.

 

That sucks. At least you're ok and no others were injured.

 

So what did the damage to the rear end? What did you hit?

BTW I see that you drive a Enthusiast with TCS. It is difficult to spin the rear tires with TCS.

 

Thanks for all the well wishes guys. I've definitely been counting my lucky stars.

this.


It is difficult to spin with TCS on. TCS was indeed ON. The red blinking light didn't light up nor did it hook up my tires. I don't have an answer for why it didn't work.

 

Did not realize that the truck hit you. You have 8 lives left.

 

sorry for your loss man, i dont know what i would do if i was in your shoes.....

 

Sorry to hear, you walked away, that's what really matter

With time, I'm sure you'll join the ranks again

 

Yep, first truck hit... the second truck missed!

 

sorry to hear that man, glad youre ok!

 

At least you are alive............that is the important thing.

 

More pics? It doesn't look so bad from the one you posted. Scary story.

 

wow sorry to hear. love the rims.

 

It was bad underneath. Control arm was broken, knuckle cracked in half, the whole pumpkin looked like it shifted over about a quarter inch. Both my passenger side curtain airbag and seat airbag shot out, launching the passenger seat belt and putting a hole in my passenger side door panel. I'll post up some more pics when I can.

 

Thx. Wish I could've saved 'em but insurance paid me so it worked out.

 

when you put things into perspective, your life is more important than a car.
You came out alive and thats all it matters. Plus, now you get to start over fresh with a new car. still, sorry about the loss though.