Totaled the Z today

Sundown · 02-19-2011, 09:59 AM

Luckily, my wife wasn't in the car with me. She was actually a couple cars behind me in her truck. We were headed to get something to eat, but had to take 2 vehicles because I was heading to work right after eating.

It was a 55mph zone and my right foot was still on the accelerator, because it happened so frickin' fast. There was absolutely NO reaction time at all. I just remember a green blur of a truck.

I think the fire started because of where the impact was. My nose hit right behind the B-pillar of the truck, I think. I assume that's where the fuel tank is on those trucks.

My orthopedic surgeon just came into my room and gave me an update. The plans are to go back into the OR tomorrow to finish washing it out and to have a titanium rod installed with screws and nail. I asked about carbon fiber, which was a no-go.

ProfessorDave · 02-19-2011, 10:11 AM

re: carbon fiber!
Glad to see you still have your sense of humor after such a close call. I'm assuming you'll be on some leave or light duty, so take your time and recover!

Sundown · 02-19-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorDave

re: carbon fiber!
Glad to see you still have your sense of humor after such a close call. I'm assuming you'll be on some leave or light duty, so take your time and recover!

I'm not sure how long I'll be out. The orthopod said that the rod is actually a weight-bearing fix, so I should be back to walking (albeit slowly and painfully) on Monday. The big problem is that my full-time job is as a flight nurse on a helicopter. Now we've got to take into consideration altitude changes, etc.

It might actually be a career-ender for me. I'll be relegated to just working in the ER again.

cdawg410 · 02-19-2011, 10:12 AM

I'm very sorry for the individuals in the truck, but you my friend are a hero. Saving your own life is a heroic act and making sure you're around for your family is similarly heroic.

I can only imagine what your wife went through watching you get in that accident from a 'two cars behind' perspective.

Your leg looks horrible but it's cool to hear you comment on it as a trained medical professional, kinda matter of fact, kinda awesome.

I wish you a speedy recovery physically and your wife a speedy recovery emotionally. Nothing like new car shopping to take your mind off things.

Ron · 02-19-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundown

... The plans are to go back into the OR tomorrow to finish washing it out and to have a titanium rod installed with screws and nail. I asked about carbon fiber, which was a no-go.

What are u saying?? Ti is the way to go, have you seen the price for an exhaust made out of that thing?? lol. On topic, terrible accident! God must have some plans for you in the future. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery as well.

dad · 02-19-2011, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundown

Luckily, my wife wasn't in the car with me. She was actually a couple cars behind me in her truck. We were headed to get something to eat, but had to take 2 vehicles because I was heading to work right after eating.

It was a 55mph zone and my right foot was still on the accelerator, because it happened so frickin' fast. There was absolutely NO reaction time at all. I just remember a green blur of a truck.

I think the fire started because of where the impact was. My nose hit right behind the B-pillar of the truck, I think. I assume that's where the fuel tank is on those trucks.

My orthopedic surgeon just came into my room and gave me an update. The plans are to go back into the OR tomorrow to finish washing it out and to have a titanium rod installed with screws and nail. I asked about carbon fiber, which was a no-go.

Was the truck a GM?

Google

Sundown · 02-19-2011, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dad

Was the truck a GM?

It was an Izusu, I think. Not sure what model, though. It was just a freak impact. One in a million.

Techurious · 02-19-2011, 05:08 PM

Unfortunate event. It's a bless you made it out relatively well. Hope you have a quick, full recovery and back to your work soon.

ChrisSlicks · 02-19-2011, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sundown

It was an Izusu, I think. Not sure what model, though. It was just a freak impact. One in a million.

Looks like it was an Isuzu Hombre. Basically a Chevy S-10. If I'm not mistaken the fuel lines run down the drivers side. Given that they were probably old and rusty they could have broken easily in the collision and sprayed pressurized fuel all over the hot exhaust. Instant fireball.

02-19-2011, 10:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
ProfessorDave A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Scranton, PA Posts: 1,580 Drives: In the fairway Rep Power: 20	re: carbon fiber! Glad to see you still have your sense of humor after such a close call. I'm assuming you'll be on some leave or light duty, so take your time and recover! __________________ Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

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02-19-2011, 09:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
Sundown Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 47 Drives: 09 Corvette Rep Power: 16	Luckily, my wife wasn't in the car with me. She was actually a couple cars behind me in her truck. We were headed to get something to eat, but had to take 2 vehicles because I was heading to work right after eating. It was a 55mph zone and my right foot was still on the accelerator, because it happened so frickin' fast. There was absolutely NO reaction time at all. I just remember a green blur of a truck. I think the fire started because of where the impact was. My nose hit right behind the B-pillar of the truck, I think. I assume that's where the fuel tank is on those trucks. My orthopedic surgeon just came into my room and gave me an update. The plans are to go back into the OR tomorrow to finish washing it out and to have a titanium rod installed with screws and nail. I asked about carbon fiber, which was a no-go.

02-19-2011, 10:12 AM	#4 (permalink)
cdawg410 Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: alexandria, va Posts: 238 Drives: 2009 370z Rep Power: 18	I'm very sorry for the individuals in the truck, but you my friend are a hero. Saving your own life is a heroic act and making sure you're around for your family is similarly heroic. I can only imagine what your wife went through watching you get in that accident from a 'two cars behind' perspective. Your leg looks horrible but it's cool to hear you comment on it as a trained medical professional, kinda matter of fact, kinda awesome. I wish you a speedy recovery physically and your wife a speedy recovery emotionally. Nothing like new car shopping to take your mind off things.

02-19-2011, 05:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
Techurious Base Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 29 Drives: '09 370Z A7 Rep Power: 17	Unfortunate event. It's a bless you made it out relatively well. Hope you have a quick, full recovery and back to your work soon.