That'* good. Glad to hear to progress.

Gonna go ahead and re-link the pictures:

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And the interior shots <Again, blood, links, etc>

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...k/0AR20234.jpg
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Well, he got the money for the car, paid off the loan on the car, and is left with about $1900. He wants to get a cheap car, until the rest of the settlement gets paid. If we do find a good car, he does have financing lined up. Yesterday we went car shopping, and he made the mistake of telling the dealer that he has financing lined up if we find the right car, and he also gave the number. The next 4 hours we were stuck playing "The Game" because the salesman was in control. Looked at a few cars, nothing jumped out. We got sick of it, tried to leave, and then the "Floor Manager" started talking to us, and only made matters worse. I learned a lot from that ordeal, and I think my father did also. I thought my dad knew what he was doing with that ordeal, and just hung back and let him do it. If only I knew! He was trying to be nice to the salesman. The next 3 dealerships I was calling the shots, and we were in and out of there in 20 minutes. Let'* just say my father learned more in that hour then he did in the last 4. LOL!

As for the rest, he goes in for an MRI on Monday, and with that we should be able to see what kind of damage there is, and if it is permanent. He is still in pain, and is suspecting nerve issues also. This is also another lesson. Do not take the insurance companies "Pain and Suffering" settlement until you have been thoroughly check out and deemed fine!

Wow - what an ordeal! I hope your dad makes a full recovery.

Got the results back from MRI'* of late. The lower back has a herniated disk for sure, and they suspect the same of the neck, but couldn't get an MRI of it. The 12-15 week estimate of recovery has been extended indefinitely by the chiropractor for the time being. They also told him no bending or lifting. This really hit home for me, because I have to step up and man up now and help my family more. I get to go do battery cables and battery on my sisters car tomorrow because he is unable to.

We also picked up one of these:
http://lascruces.en.craigslist.org/ctd/2074819052.html
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I must have spend at least 30 minutes scrutinizing every last detail on this car, and only came up with squeaky suspension in the rear and possible rear bearing play. Does need tires, but only due to dryrot, which is more comforting to see then 4 brand new tires in my opinion. Motor pulls very strong, but power drops off at high rpm. Transmission is typical Ford slushbox. Ended up paying $1700 for it. Probably a little more than we should have in retrospect, but not a horrid mistake. No more car payments however, which takes the cake. He doesn't madly love it like he did the PAU, but it will get him by until he can get something he likes more.

Sit rep: Not good. L5-S1 disc ruptured, not herniated as we originally thought. Only resolution, surgery. Out of the question right now with my father'* current health situation. Substantial weight loss necessary.

I find myself wishing the truck he was hit into wasn't there. I wonder how differently he would be doing if the side of his car was strewed across the intersection, instead of being pushed one lane over through a full size pickup truck.

Definitely a life changing event. I hope I never have to take a side impact, they don't look fun at all :(

Wow sorry to hear he needs surgery now RJ i hope everything works out bud

Another update, the doctor has determined that most of the back and neck issues were preexisting, and that limits the liability from the accident. I have no idea how that is going to play in to it, but it certainly shifts the tide a bit, and not in our favor. Still stalled until surgery at this point however.

I have 3 ruptured disks in my lower back from jumping on a trampoline as a kid. All I can say for your dad is, OMFG!! poor guy! I can't tell you how much this will affect his life! Good luck! I hope everything works out for the best!