Back on Nov 21 before Thanksgiving, I was driving home in my 98 Intrigue with my 3 kids in the back. A few miles from home I was involved in my first serious wreck. There was a semi coming head on. I tried to swerve but it got me. Front drivers side is mashed up, and the whole drivers side of the car is gone. Front tire/suspension, fender, front door all sheered off. Air bags and seat belts did what they were supposed to do. I have no head/neck injuries. Kids were crying, but only a few small cuts from broken glass. My left arm, however, wasn't so lucky. I am surprised I was conscious all the way up to surgery as I get lightheaded from donating a pint of blood. My arm was broke above and below the elbow, and the elbow itself was shattered. I was told it was in over 30 pieces. I had bones showing and I could feel my arm swimming in blood in my sleeve. I have never flown before, but I did get to take my first helicopter ride to the tune of $14,000. Not so much fun lying down strapped to a board. I don't recommend it

Anyway, I've got a Terminator elbow that doesn't move a whole lot yet- working on that. At least I still have feeling in my hand and can use it. Unfortunately it will be a few months before I can lift more than 5lbs with that arm. Got my first test of wills a few days after leaving the hospital- had to change a flat one handed. I am sure I looked retarded sitting on the ground holding up the spare between my legs with my knees to line it up on the studs. Good thing I keep a big torque wrench in the trunk just for lugnuts as the 4way lugwrench don't work one-handed.

I can't go back to work at the dairy until I'm fully recovered, so I have been searching for a light duty job. Unfortunately its looking like a call center is going to be my only option. We have about 4 or 5 different call centers here. I worked in a university call center seeking donations for a while in college- worst job ever. I hope I can deal with doing tech support or upselling businesses on their phone service.

On a related note, I'm also looking into another cheap ($500 range) car. Found an 86 Pontiac 6000 for $325 "beater with a heater", 93 Tempo 154k new tires $499, 94 Taurus good tires, 40k on tranny $475, or a 91 Cavalier 4cyl 172k. I drove a $500 Festiva- mpg'* lured me in. Started shuddering at 30mph, can't imagine it on the highway- I passed. It was nice having the Intrigue as I could swap parts (wheels, etc.). But we'll see what happens. Not going to jump until I've got a job.

Here'* a pic of my elbow with some railroad tracks running up it.

Wow what a story. It'* a great thing to be able to tell such a story Glad your here and very sorry for the wreck!
If I had to choose from those cars, I would buy the Pontiac 6000 in a heart beat. Very good running cars little to no problems unless it was the STE version.
Happy to know your children walked away fine!

Thanks for sharing your experience.

-Todd

The important thing is, you and the kids are ok. You can replace cars, but not people. I hope you nail the other drivers insurance!

Go with the 6000!

Unfortunately the trucker died on the scene (RIP). I pray for him and his family. All I am looking for is a job an a cheap car to get back on my feet. Nothing more.

Thanks for the input on the car. I was sorta leaning the same way. Hopefully it runs as well as the guy says. I also applied for a job at the Verizon store. I've done retail through high school and college: beats a call center in my opinion. Hopefully I can get on there and I hope it has reasonable pay.

Considering you took a rig head on, you did very well and seem to have a good outlook on things. That'* the best thing you can do at the moment.

Keep your chin up. Soon you'll probably be lifiting people like Arnold.

As for the title of your thread. I think you had some good luck. You avoided death and kept your kids safe.

Sorry to hear this happened. Your kids are OK, and you will recover. Look at the positive.

My friend who'* thought process I admire , says it well. Considering the fate of the truck driver, the air bags did the remarkable.

I'm a Pontiac fan, but for equal money and practicality sake, consider how may 86 6000'* you see on the road vs. 94 Taurus.

I've seen lot'* of accidents involving semi'* vs. smaller vehicles and 99% of the time the smaller vehicle and it'* occupants are at the loosing end of the ordeal. The Bonneville is one tough and well built car and it'* a testament to that that you were able to post here and tell us about your ordeal. I'm thankful that you were not hurt worse that you were and especially that your children came through with nothing more than bad memories.

Thanks for sharing with us.

Psssst Kevin,..... He was driving his Intrigue...At least it wasn't a Taurus.

or a smart car


sorry to hear of your wreck how long beore your arm is healed up? and are the kids still doing well