The Details - in detail

I had the right of way.

I was turning left.

He said he never saw me.

Considering there weren't any tire screeches, I guess not.

There was a witness. She gave me her contact information, but the police officer said it wasn't necessary for his report.

I was scheduled to leave that night for Atlanta. I was going to be there for nearly a week and a half.

I called my agent. "Who's fault was it?!?! We don't do claims. Call the head office." was their only response. Why do I have an agent?

At that point I wasn't comfortable with who's fault it was. I knew I had the right of way, but I felt guilty for not driving more defensively. I saw the guy coming. I could have prevented it, but I had right of way and a meeting to get to.

I called the head office. They were very nice. They took down all the facts and explained everything. They offered a body shop to do the work. The body shop was great. They came out to pick up the car with a promise of delivering it when it's done.

Estimated completion date is Feb. 7th. That's three weeks away. Estimated damage value is $3000. The frame is bent. The car will never drive the same and resale value has tanked.

We're down to one car. Its inspection runs out the end of the month. We'll get the truck inspected (expired inspection) when I get back next week, so we'll have two cars till we take in the Mazda and go back to one car while the mechanics struggle to get it to pass.

All of this because some guy didn't see me. At least I'm not hurt.

- b