I Hate People
September 5th, 2007
I have a reverse commute to and from work, so I feel a bit lucky that I don’t have to spend hours each day fighting traffic. Still, that doesn’t mean that there is NO traffic. There are two or three areas along my daily route that see its share of congestion… where there are feeder exits for I-66 and such.
It was around one of these areas that I had an interesting encounter with a fellow American.
Let me just reiterate… I hate people.
Where I was, at the time, was an area of rather slow-moving traffic; cars were feeding in from seven-corners so 4 lanes become two. Once the adjustment happens traffic moves along again at a normal pace, it just takes a few blocks for everyone to readjust. No big deal… usually.
I was in the far left lane, so as to avoid as much of the incoming traffic as possible, when i see brake lights ahead of me. I start to slow down. It was at this time that a black Mercedes-Benz with tinted windows decides to pop over into my lane right in front of me. That’s okay.. no big deal.. I do my best (as best as you can in rush-hour traffic) to keep a decent padding between the cars around me (good driving, or just… I hate people. Who can tell) so I was able to stop the car before hitting him; albeit quite abruptly, scaring the crap out of the person behind me, and only missing the Benz by a mere baby’s breath.
At this point, the relief that I hadn’t actually hit the guy overpowered any anger against him, so I said a quick, “Thanks buddy” to God, and continued to listen to the best-of show on the radio. A good 45 seconds pass by, and we’re all just sitting there waiting for traffic to adjust and for the light (a few blocks down the road) to change. As soon as traffic starts moving again, the Benz just sits there. The door opens. Out steps the driver (if ever there was a better example of “Nouveau Riche” i don’t know) and comes around to inspect the situation (or “fish for insurance money,” as my co-worker puts it).
WTF?
He of course just got right back in his car and started driving again, as there was nothing to see. I wasn’t even touching the moron. Why would you get of your car and “inspect the situation” if you didn’t feel any impact? If you didn’t feel any impact how much damage could there possibly be if I had actually TOUCHED (i say “touched” because if you didn’t feel anything it sure wasn’t a “hit”) you?
I hate people. I really, really hate people. At the same time I am very glad that I have managed to surround myself with honest, respectable, and community-minded friends. Thank you guys, you make days like today bearable.
In searching around for a picture to associate with this post, I found this very good Accident Record sheet that I suggest everyone print out and keep in their cars! It also lists some DOs and DON’Ts that are good to keep in mind.
Here are the DOs and DON’Ts, courtesy of Patrick Pontiac of New York:
DO
- Stop at once and identify yourself.
- Show your driver’s license and registration to the other driver, the injured persons, and to any police officer.
- If injuries appear serious, call an ambulance. If you feel you were injured in any way, see a physician promptly. It is important for you to seek treatment right away.
- Write a complete description of the accident as soon as possible. Use this handy accident record to help you gather important
information. If possible, take pictures, even if this means returning to the scene of the accident at a later time.- Notify your insurance company, even if the claim appears small and there are no apparent injuries. Settling the claim yourself is
dangerous. Follow all prescribed procedures when reporting an accident to your insurance company.- Be aware of the “Appraisal Clause” in your insurance policy. If the insurance company and the body shop cannot agree on
what the repairs should cost, this could provide a means for fair settlement.- Have even minor damage repaired. Letting your car go unrepaired can cost you in the long run. Dents and rust spots deduct from the resale or trade-in value of your car. You will pay for it eventually, so drive a car that’s in first class condition now.
DON’T
- Do not discuss responsibility.
- Do not discuss the circumstances of the accident with anyone except the police and a positively identified representative of your insurance company.
- Never give a signed statement to the claims adjuster representing the other driver’s insurance company. The same goes for a phone recording. If you are being pressured, you may wish to consult an attorney.
- Don’t accept a check for the repair of your car until you’re sure it covers all necessary repairs. As the owner, you are the person who is responsible for having your car repaired to your satisfaction. Choosing a quality repair shop is an important decision in assuring your satisfaction.
- Don’t be fooled by the “lowest estimate”. There is a big difference in body shops. A low bid could reflect an incomplete job. When some items (such as alignment) are overlooked on a repair, the consequences to the driver can be serious. An improperly repaired car, especially one with heavy structural damage, is like a time bomb waiting to go off. Exercise your right to determine which shop will repair your car. Make sure every detail has been attended to and repaired to your complete satisfaction before signing any insurance company release.
- Don’t allow your car to be towed to a repair shop you are not familiar with. Don’t authorize repairs by signing a towing release unless you have decided to have your car repaired by the shop your car is being towed to. Read and understand all papers before you sign them.
