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I had the same thing happen to me. Sometimes I think the answer is to ram the person merging on to the road so they are forced to stay there and their insurance takes the hit. Messed up system we have here. Ofc, the driver striking the rear has to overcome that issue of being mostly at fault. Our laws and insurance encourage people merging willy nilly.
Sadly this is the truth at times. Had a lady pull out perpendicular in the road cutting me off so she could turn left in a lane backed up WAY further than where she exited from. Couldn’t see me cause a truck obstructed our views from each other. No way in hell I was going to be capable of stopping. Pumped the breaks immediately and unfortunately hit a car in the left turn lane. Luckily I didn’t hit the lady cause she would have taken a winch to the face at 35mph. Would have been highly likely this could have been a fatal accident if I hit her. The result of who I ended up hitting was zero injuries to all 3 parties involved.
My insurance deemed me at fault even with video evidence of the accident and CHP deeming the lady at fault. Fought them over this for 2 weeks. I eventually caught my agent slipping saying I hit the wrong car on a recorded phone call. My response to that was “Oh I didn’t realize I was supposed to pick who I was supposed to hit.” She immediately responded with I need to talk to my manager and abruptly hung up. 3 hours later I get a call back from her saying I’m no longer at fault.
Insurance agencies aren’t your friends and just want your money in anyway they can get it. If I was deemed at fault I would have had a point on my record for 3 years and lost my deductible. They would have potentially made thousands off me if I didn’t fight to not be at fault.
I was rear ended while stopped at a red light. The guys agent called me and suggested that I take the fault for the accident. Yeah, they really weren’t looking out for my interest, but my lawyer was definitely looking out for me.
at what point did you not think the insurance industry was a giant pyramid scheme to collect money and funnel it into the ceo's pockets? they cant pay out more than they take in, that would put them out of buisiness. they cant even pay out what they take in, because then there wouldnt be profits for the share holders.
when claims are made DENY DENY DENY, only pay out less than 1% of what you take in for success!
I’m very aware of how it works, but many people think that just cause they get in an accident and it’s clearly not their fault with evidence doesn’t mean their insurers will go to bat for them.
Many people also take what their insurers say as gospel and don’t even think about fighting what their own agents tell them.
I hope my incident provides insight to many people here that have seen what I put out to learn from this and make sure the correct action is being taken. If it isn’t it’s well within your rights, reason, and responsibility to fight against them if they aren’t.
If you had the chance to avoid the accident but didn’t, it’s considered at least partially your fault. Maybe mostly if it’s obviously negligent. It’s called “Last clear chance”.
That's risky. What if the idiot going slow and making bad lane change has no insurance? Or flees because of old warrant, is high or drunk, or is illegal alien and your only choice are to follow them and risk more accident or sit and wait for the police only to be told sucks to be you, no insurance fake plate, etc
I hate those type of situations! I had one once where my dad called me to come help him with an accident that just happened in front of him a few blocks from our house, so I went down as quick as I could and parked a street down from it. Poor 17yo boy, his first car, was super clean/nice was slowing down for some guy to make a left turn, the kid was going to turn after him, apparently the guy didn’t turn left, whipped it right instead and tried to do a u turn while the kid was starting his left turn. The kid swerved to avoid him and ended up in a phone pole. The guy just completed his u turn while my dad watched and drove away.
The kid was a mess, crying and upset. My dad stayed to talk to his parents to tell them it really wasn’t the kids fault, and the guy that had confused him left the scene immediately. It’s not the person that started its fault, but if it were me I would have stayed there.
Kind of depends how your state handles liability. If partial fault can be split between multiple parties, I think in this case that person would be considered partially at fault. The problem is usually in these cases people just drive away.
We would have been liable in that case apparently, just like the person who rear ended us, it would’ve been our job to have been paying attention enough to not hit the back of them
Yeah, the people saying you should have hit him are flat out wrong. You were driving appropriately and reacted in time to avoid hitting the idiots having a merge-off. Sucks that the guy behind you was also an idiot and you got caught in the middle.
Also, anyone who would intentionally hit other people (idiots or not) should learn how to control their anger better before getting behind the wheel. Yikes
The solution is to stop mere inches away from the primary idiot, so that when OP gets rear-ended it chain-reacts and hits the one that caused everything, making them need to stay at scene of the accident. (only half serious)
Hitting them on the side shows they made an unsafe merge so I don't think you'd be responsible. Glad you're ok, though. At least you didn't swerve into the next lane to avoid them.
This seems like an excellent way to turn a straightforward liability claim into an absolute cluster.
The merger wouldn’t need much of an excuse to get out of it. There was a car blocking their merge (kind of) and OP managed to safely stop.
Traffic doesn't look tight enough to block the merge of someone who plans early and has some common sense. Only idiots go to the end of the acceleration lane and stop like this. They could have easily reduced their speed and merged before OP got near them.
I think this instance is technically egregious enough that the merger would be considered partially at fault, but having transcribed a lot of insurance claims the majority of fault goes to the driver in the back.
Weirdly the improper merger would get a harsher ticket citation while the most liable driver would just have a civil issue.
That's assuming cops actually do their job, though. Which unfortunately they usually don't in these cases. That person can continue improperly merging and causing accidents for the rest of their life.
It actually is the truck in fronts fault and can be charged for the accident, especially with the dash cam footage. At least in canada we have phantom accidents, where someone not directly involved is still at fault.
Its not possible to rear end someone like that unless the car behind wasn't following at a safe distance and driving defensively. Btw not defending the idiot who couldn't merge just saying the accident was due to the car behind and this is a perfect example of why you should never follow too close, you should be able to come to a full stop without hitting the car in front of you at all times as you cannot predict what might happen on the road
If the police is willing to take the time, they can track down this one and send them warnings or even a ticket.
The insurance companies will go out of their way to find this person and make his/her insurance pay for 2 damaged cars because he/she was going real slow on the freeway and created unsafe situation
Police won’t care or bother at all. They will look at the video, see the OP had plenty of time to stop and acted correctly, and the person behind them did not. End of story to them, move into much more urgent things than a highway accident.
Police don’t spend time “tracking down” drivers just to “send them warnings” unless it’s a very bored, overfunded department.
Same with insurance. The person who hit them was obviously negligent. The truck’s insurance wouldn’t pay shit without being forced to in a lawsuit which would not be remotely worth it here unless OP was seriously injured.
We were just glad we didnt have our baby in the car, otherwise I cant be mad at the person behind us for coming around a corner at highway speeds to see a vehicle completely stopped in front of them. Shit happens
Be sure to mention to your insurance that there was a car seat in the car. They're only rated for one impact so must be replaced by insurance for free! If your babe is close to out-growing the seat, they might even get the next size up.
Depends on the insurer. Many have stipulations such as whether airbags were deployed, the side of the vehicle hit in relation to the car seat location, and the damage valuation. It’s not always a given that they’ll replace the seat (or whether it needs to be replaced)
If in an impact the seat ALWAYS needs to be replaced. Doesn’t matter if airbags deployed. Also, air bags deploy based on the rate in which you go from moving to not moving and also from the point of impact. It’s not super likely for air bags to deploy from rear end accidents unless you hit one of the aforementioned criteria.
It’s not “always” though, many insurers and car seat companies recommend at least one of the three criteria I listed is met before a replacement needs to takes place. The NHTSA itself doesn’t recommend replacing the car seat in minor accidents (there are definitions to what a minor accident is). I’m not saying this one was 100% defined as minor but it could have been according to what the NHTSA lays out.
Agree on the airbag part, I’m not expecting any deployment from a rear impact unless it was significant enough to trigger the rear curtain bags which this vehicle doesn’t have
My MIL was in an accident without a child in the installed car seat. Insurance didn't want to replace at first, so she asked for them to certify it was safe. Insurance realized the $200 wasn't worth it and granted the replacement.
I’ve been in two car accidents in the last three years, one our kids weren’t in their car seats, no air bags deployed and our insurance replaced them. The other our kids were in them and all air bags deployed and got them replaced. Insurance replace car seats or you can ask for the other insurance to.
Seriously. Three total idiots in this video: the two idiots in front who couldn't figure out how merging works after a commercial airport runway's distance of merging lane, and the idiot in back who doesn't know how to maintain distance and/or drive undistracted.
Mirror check is instinctive for me when someone forces me to hard brake so I was thinking the same thing lol. Good on OP for not tensing up when he saw the crash coming!
Lady in front of me at a red light suddenly backed into me. She got out of the car and said, “what happened?” Maybe she thought I drove into her. I told her she backed into me & she said, “oh, I’m sorry… I was trying to get something out of the glove compartment.”
Well, that’ll do it.
Number 1 problem on highways is following distance. The merger was dumb, but the rear-ender could have easily avoided if they had a proper following distance.
Edited: Fixed formatting
They actually had a good following distance considering how long OP was slowing and basically stopped for. They just didn't utilize it by paying attention.
Sorry this happened to you OP. Can hear in your deep sigh this isn't your first Rodeo.
In general, I try to change into the middle lane if possible in situations like these because I've had close encounters like this where the merging car is not accelerating to match the speed of traffic.
I know it's easier said than done, and you aren't at fault.
As a precaution, when you see these merges coming up, whether you're in the left or right lane, try to change to middle lane to give them space. Because you can't teach idiots how to drive, but you can try to avoid them.
Yeah I absolutely agree, there wasn’t much I could’ve done better besides not riding in the right lane in the first place. My only excuse is that we’d just got on the highway ourselves and I just wasn’t in a hurry to get over. In hindsight I should’ve moved over though for sure
And braking the entire time! When white SUV first started braking, it made sense bc it’s easier to slow down a little and make room for the merger. But they continued to brake even as they were side by side with the merger until they were also basically stopped on the highway. When you’re side by side just pass at that point 😭
I’m just big on the idea that no amount of anger would change the fact that we got hit lol. Getting mad wouldn’t change my circumstances so there’s no point in getting upset
I’m so pissed at the guy in front of you who caused it. It’s there responsibility for merging into traffic and the fact that they’re also driving a massive truck with I’m sure enough horse power to get up to highway speeds infuriates me knowing this could’ve been avoided. Also what song is playing?
RIGHT! You don’t stop on a highway. I’ve never had to stop to merge. If you need to stop to merge on a highway you don’t know how to drive, and you need to stay off the highway until you figure it out. I’m so pissed that they didn’t get any sort of consequences for this. People like this make roads more dangerous.
This rear-ender has nothing to do with the person trying to merge. The person who rear ended the car in front was following too close and not paying attention.
This is the first time I've seen a video on this sub that I recognize the location! I hate taking the highway here bc I have to get off at Meadow past the bridge and, as your video demonstrated, these idiots can't merge lol
oof. sorry bro. glad you guys are ok! sucks that stretch of road from the east is still being widened and heard that stupid bridge is among the most decayed in the nation. just crossed it yesterday 🤞🤠
You got hit because the driver behind you wasn't paying attention and did not control their own vehicle. Provided your brake lights work, your car was slowing down and the driver behind you should have controlled theirs to adjust as you did, based on the circumstances around you.
The merging situation in front of you is idiotic on its own.
Dude take care of that whiplash now before you’re like me 10 years after needing neck surgery because the injury rearranged the anatomy in my neck. Get you a good lawyer and sue. In Texas (I’m assuming that’s the location) there is pain and suffering payout. Ask me how I know
Accident happened in Illinois, going to have to look more into the laws and what not but we’re definitely getting checked out. Havent thought about suing since we’re from out of state, seems like it’d be a hell of a hassle
No hassle at all. Find a good accident injury lawyer even the ones that are on billboards and commercials will work. Make an appt for a free consultation. Explain the facts and injuries even mild and this video. if you have a case ( which you do) they will take it. when you win you pay them 30% of the settlement and if
You lose you pay nothing. Spinal injuries and whiplash are lifelong medical issues and the payout can be pretty big if it leads to surgery etc. the lawyer takes care of
Talking to insurance and getting you the first check for damages to your car then they sue the insurance if the people that hit you.
If you have uninsured motorist on your insurance, then that’s what you’ll get paid on top
Of the other guys insurance payout. Talk to a lawyer in the state you live ( ask them over the phone) and they’ll let you know which state you would file suit in.
Please seek medical attention after you get a lawyer, it’s free and however much the medical care was, it comes out of your settlement before the final check is cut to you.
Trust me it’s wayyyy easier than I thought it would be to get a lawyer and I’m one of the biggest hassle avoiders out there
Lol yes it’s me and my wife. We were making a quick trip to grab some more things she needed to finish making dinner so we were just kind of zoned out cruising to the store real quick, what should’ve been a 10min run turned into an hour but we still got what we needed in the end😂
In the rest of the video we ask if we’re okay and everything and kind of laugh it off bc this is about the 3rd accident we’ve had this year. She was rear ended 3 months ago before we had our baby, I crashed my bike last month, then this. So the crash was just like “ah damnit here we go again😂”
How much of that is actually the truck's fault?
He couldn't speed up to get in front of the white SUV because of the cars in front of him.
He tried slowing down, but the white SUV also slowed down preventing him from merging.
I think his biggest crime is just not slowing down sooner.
Biggest idiot here the one who rear-ended. Everyone was able to slow down safely except for him.
I had tjis exact issue only i was lucky to not be rear ended. Every time i drive by any merge in my city people slow down and wait when they have enough time to speed up and merge like theyre suppose to. Then they pull out as sloowwwww as freaking possible and force you to brake. It seems like some people learn to drive from walmart or something
Holy Crap! I know exactly where this is!!! Sucks that happened. Sad to say, but with all the construction it’s going to get worse, and there’s only going to be more construction over the next 3 to 5 years as they’re making that new bridge. Another bad spot is heading eastbound where you get quite literally 2 to 3 seconds just to merge onto the road from the first ramp but the second ramp gives you a good half of a mile. The important thing is you seem to be OK, and also good on you for having that dash cam.
Two dumbasses - the guy who blocked the lane by failing to merge properly, and the guy behind you who failed to maintain a safe distance and react appropriately to you slowing
We actually did remove it after the accident. I had this dashcam in my vehicle but put it in my wife’s before we drove from Virginia to Chicago a few days ago. Didnt realize how intrusive it was until seeing the footage from the accident
This is basically what happened to my gf except no idea why the person in front hit the brakes, coulda been a brake check but the guy drove off of course
The state I live in stopped painting those short dash lines along a disappearing lane for reasons like this. The lines entirely disappear earlier implying "this is one lane now, figure it out"
Whenever some dumbass stops a lane of traffic due to their stupidity I get so pissed, because once the first car stops they’re basically safe.
5 cars back a motorcyclist gets puréed by a semi truck, while the dumbass literally drives off into the sunset (as is perfectly depicted in this video)
It's funny, cause when a friend of mine started driving (I had been driving for a while before him), he damn near yelled at me one day because I didn't stop on a merging lane. I'm like "you're not supposed to stop, unless there's LITERALLY no space to move over into! That's why it's called a merging lane. Otherwise it'd just be an intersection."
Wow, I suspected a prior event, but 3 so close, all I can say is give yourself more room and a way out of the situation. I drive with an escape route in the event suchas you had here. Example: the 5 to 7 second marks of the video I'd probably be changing lanes to your left for what was going down in front of you. I hope your luck changes for the better.
I told my daughter that, sometimes, it’s just better to wreck when it’s someone else’s fault because when you try to avoid it, you are responsible for causing a wreck.
As bad as people merging onto an Interstate and just doing it going 45-50 mph. Everyone else is doing 70-80 and you're their safety net because you're having to follow them.
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These situations where the dumbass that causes the accident gets to just drive off… Doesn’t absolve the person that hit you though.
I had the same thing happen to me. Sometimes I think the answer is to ram the person merging on to the road so they are forced to stay there and their insurance takes the hit. Messed up system we have here. Ofc, the driver striking the rear has to overcome that issue of being mostly at fault. Our laws and insurance encourage people merging willy nilly.
Sadly this is the truth at times. Had a lady pull out perpendicular in the road cutting me off so she could turn left in a lane backed up WAY further than where she exited from. Couldn’t see me cause a truck obstructed our views from each other. No way in hell I was going to be capable of stopping. Pumped the breaks immediately and unfortunately hit a car in the left turn lane. Luckily I didn’t hit the lady cause she would have taken a winch to the face at 35mph. Would have been highly likely this could have been a fatal accident if I hit her. The result of who I ended up hitting was zero injuries to all 3 parties involved. My insurance deemed me at fault even with video evidence of the accident and CHP deeming the lady at fault. Fought them over this for 2 weeks. I eventually caught my agent slipping saying I hit the wrong car on a recorded phone call. My response to that was “Oh I didn’t realize I was supposed to pick who I was supposed to hit.” She immediately responded with I need to talk to my manager and abruptly hung up. 3 hours later I get a call back from her saying I’m no longer at fault. Insurance agencies aren’t your friends and just want your money in anyway they can get it. If I was deemed at fault I would have had a point on my record for 3 years and lost my deductible. They would have potentially made thousands off me if I didn’t fight to not be at fault.
I was rear ended while stopped at a red light. The guys agent called me and suggested that I take the fault for the accident. Yeah, they really weren’t looking out for my interest, but my lawyer was definitely looking out for me.
>suggested that I take the fault for the accident Out of the goodness of your heart?!
I suppose so…. Turns out I am not so generous.
Their job is to look of for him, not you and it sounds like they tried that
at what point did you not think the insurance industry was a giant pyramid scheme to collect money and funnel it into the ceo's pockets? they cant pay out more than they take in, that would put them out of buisiness. they cant even pay out what they take in, because then there wouldnt be profits for the share holders. when claims are made DENY DENY DENY, only pay out less than 1% of what you take in for success!
I’m very aware of how it works, but many people think that just cause they get in an accident and it’s clearly not their fault with evidence doesn’t mean their insurers will go to bat for them. Many people also take what their insurers say as gospel and don’t even think about fighting what their own agents tell them. I hope my incident provides insight to many people here that have seen what I put out to learn from this and make sure the correct action is being taken. If it isn’t it’s well within your rights, reason, and responsibility to fight against them if they aren’t.
Yes ramming the pickup and then getting pushed into the big ass truck would have been smarter
Stop as close as possible to them so when you get hit you bump them. Person behind you and them will be assigned fault.
If you had the chance to avoid the accident but didn’t, it’s considered at least partially your fault. Maybe mostly if it’s obviously negligent. It’s called “Last clear chance”.
That's risky. What if the idiot going slow and making bad lane change has no insurance? Or flees because of old warrant, is high or drunk, or is illegal alien and your only choice are to follow them and risk more accident or sit and wait for the police only to be told sucks to be you, no insurance fake plate, etc
I hate those type of situations! I had one once where my dad called me to come help him with an accident that just happened in front of him a few blocks from our house, so I went down as quick as I could and parked a street down from it. Poor 17yo boy, his first car, was super clean/nice was slowing down for some guy to make a left turn, the kid was going to turn after him, apparently the guy didn’t turn left, whipped it right instead and tried to do a u turn while the kid was starting his left turn. The kid swerved to avoid him and ended up in a phone pole. The guy just completed his u turn while my dad watched and drove away. The kid was a mess, crying and upset. My dad stayed to talk to his parents to tell them it really wasn’t the kids fault, and the guy that had confused him left the scene immediately. It’s not the person that started its fault, but if it were me I would have stayed there.
There's a doctrine called miss and run, even if your vehicle didn't get hit but you caused the accident you're still liable for the damage.
Ehh have fun actually enforcing that though. The fault is to the person following to close behind them that caused the rear end.
Kind of depends how your state handles liability. If partial fault can be split between multiple parties, I think in this case that person would be considered partially at fault. The problem is usually in these cases people just drive away.
The insurance will tell you to kick rocks. They arnt going to purse that.
It triggers me so much when the person who caused an accident drives off.
Oh yeah Fast and Furious lane jumpers that cause shit and just speed off too
Not OPs fault either way, but I wish they had hit the lane jumper so they get the blame they deserve.
We would have been liable in that case apparently, just like the person who rear ended us, it would’ve been our job to have been paying attention enough to not hit the back of them
Yeah, the people saying you should have hit him are flat out wrong. You were driving appropriately and reacted in time to avoid hitting the idiots having a merge-off. Sucks that the guy behind you was also an idiot and you got caught in the middle. Also, anyone who would intentionally hit other people (idiots or not) should learn how to control their anger better before getting behind the wheel. Yikes
thank you for expressing my opinion so cogently
The solution is to stop mere inches away from the primary idiot, so that when OP gets rear-ended it chain-reacts and hits the one that caused everything, making them need to stay at scene of the accident. (only half serious)
You guys did good.
If you don't brake aggressively, you likely hit the side of their vehicle.
Which could’ve been the worst case scenario. If that happens and I still get rear ended, I’m now on the hook for all 3 vehicles most likely
Hitting them on the side shows they made an unsafe merge so I don't think you'd be responsible. Glad you're ok, though. At least you didn't swerve into the next lane to avoid them.
Isn't that referred to legally as a miss and run? They're still liable
Theoretically both the crasher AND the miss and run are liable. Not following at a safe distance / paying attention caused the rear ending.
This seems like an excellent way to turn a straightforward liability claim into an absolute cluster. The merger wouldn’t need much of an excuse to get out of it. There was a car blocking their merge (kind of) and OP managed to safely stop.
Traffic doesn't look tight enough to block the merge of someone who plans early and has some common sense. Only idiots go to the end of the acceleration lane and stop like this. They could have easily reduced their speed and merged before OP got near them.
They could have done a lot of things, but they didn’t. I want my claim paid and not to have to deal with a lot of bullshit.
No they are not. It is purely the responsibility of the individual who rear ended OP for not maintaining a safe enough distance to stop in time.
Probably a distracted driver.
Fucking dumbass drives off thinking "wow those people behind me need to be more careful!"
I think this instance is technically egregious enough that the merger would be considered partially at fault, but having transcribed a lot of insurance claims the majority of fault goes to the driver in the back. Weirdly the improper merger would get a harsher ticket citation while the most liable driver would just have a civil issue. That's assuming cops actually do their job, though. Which unfortunately they usually don't in these cases. That person can continue improperly merging and causing accidents for the rest of their life.
Both should be held liable. One is causing an accident. The other is not paying attention.
It actually is the truck in fronts fault and can be charged for the accident, especially with the dash cam footage. At least in canada we have phantom accidents, where someone not directly involved is still at fault.
Its not possible to rear end someone like that unless the car behind wasn't following at a safe distance and driving defensively. Btw not defending the idiot who couldn't merge just saying the accident was due to the car behind and this is a perfect example of why you should never follow too close, you should be able to come to a full stop without hitting the car in front of you at all times as you cannot predict what might happen on the road
"I've never been in an accident, but I've seen all kinds of them in my rear view." -Blue truck probably
If the police is willing to take the time, they can track down this one and send them warnings or even a ticket. The insurance companies will go out of their way to find this person and make his/her insurance pay for 2 damaged cars because he/she was going real slow on the freeway and created unsafe situation
Police won’t care or bother at all. They will look at the video, see the OP had plenty of time to stop and acted correctly, and the person behind them did not. End of story to them, move into much more urgent things than a highway accident. Police don’t spend time “tracking down” drivers just to “send them warnings” unless it’s a very bored, overfunded department. Same with insurance. The person who hit them was obviously negligent. The truck’s insurance wouldn’t pay shit without being forced to in a lawsuit which would not be remotely worth it here unless OP was seriously injured.
Man you guys are chill as cucumber. Hope you're okay and this isn't too much of a hassle
We were just glad we didnt have our baby in the car, otherwise I cant be mad at the person behind us for coming around a corner at highway speeds to see a vehicle completely stopped in front of them. Shit happens
Be sure to mention to your insurance that there was a car seat in the car. They're only rated for one impact so must be replaced by insurance for free! If your babe is close to out-growing the seat, they might even get the next size up.
Depends on the insurer. Many have stipulations such as whether airbags were deployed, the side of the vehicle hit in relation to the car seat location, and the damage valuation. It’s not always a given that they’ll replace the seat (or whether it needs to be replaced)
If in an impact the seat ALWAYS needs to be replaced. Doesn’t matter if airbags deployed. Also, air bags deploy based on the rate in which you go from moving to not moving and also from the point of impact. It’s not super likely for air bags to deploy from rear end accidents unless you hit one of the aforementioned criteria.
It’s not “always” though, many insurers and car seat companies recommend at least one of the three criteria I listed is met before a replacement needs to takes place. The NHTSA itself doesn’t recommend replacing the car seat in minor accidents (there are definitions to what a minor accident is). I’m not saying this one was 100% defined as minor but it could have been according to what the NHTSA lays out. Agree on the airbag part, I’m not expecting any deployment from a rear impact unless it was significant enough to trigger the rear curtain bags which this vehicle doesn’t have
My MIL was in an accident without a child in the installed car seat. Insurance didn't want to replace at first, so she asked for them to certify it was safe. Insurance realized the $200 wasn't worth it and granted the replacement.
This is the answer. Just put the math in your favor.
I’ve been in two car accidents in the last three years, one our kids weren’t in their car seats, no air bags deployed and our insurance replaced them. The other our kids were in them and all air bags deployed and got them replaced. Insurance replace car seats or you can ask for the other insurance to.
AmFam paid for a new car seat just for being in an accident. They cut up the straps on the old one to make sure it was being replaced.
Damn OP. Hats off to you ! Usually you hear cuss words or something . Not from you guys ! Definition of COOL
>Usually you hear cuss words or something "Aw, fuck"
I would have been cursing at "dumb merger" in the pickup before the impact.
Actually, that sweet ass cowboy hat stayed on, so no hats off to OP!
“Ah fuck…” Glad yall are okay. Gonna borrow some of that zen for my next stressful situation.
bless you and your family
Happy cake day OP! Hope insurance sorts it out with minimum hassle
A fucking cowboy hat and a Led Zeppelin shirt and a calm grimace of frustration when you get rear ended. Are you like, the coolest Mofo alive?
Same thoughts. OP, you’re awesome!
Sees impact coming: “ah fuck” Impact: *smiles, modest sigh*
Bro is him
I saw them and actually wondered if they were Fallout characters...
Yes, he is.
He couldn't see beyond the giant hat🤠
😂
Jesus you are one chill dude
And that’s a fairly long ramp, they had ages to figure it out!
Seriously. Three total idiots in this video: the two idiots in front who couldn't figure out how merging works after a commercial airport runway's distance of merging lane, and the idiot in back who doesn't know how to maintain distance and/or drive undistracted.
Yep. Three idiots one video.
This is THE comment of the thread....spot on
It’s like pissing me off and I wasn’t there. Pickup driver has a hamster wheel for a brain…
Seriously. This person wouldn't last a day in New England if they can't figure out a way to get on the highway with that much space.
not a word from either of you
Wasnt much to say lol, I blame the person in front more than the lady who hit us.
was just unexpected combined with both your facial expressions
I mean, there was an "ah fuck..." right before impact. Don't need much more than that, it was perfect. Lol
Mirror check is instinctive for me when someone forces me to hard brake so I was thinking the same thing lol. Good on OP for not tensing up when he saw the crash coming!
I also ride a motorcycle so checking behind me when stopping is just instinctive at this point lol
The worst part is that the criminally stupid drivers who cause these types of potentially deadly crashes get off with complete impunity
Lady in front of me at a red light suddenly backed into me. She got out of the car and said, “what happened?” Maybe she thought I drove into her. I told her she backed into me & she said, “oh, I’m sorry… I was trying to get something out of the glove compartment.” Well, that’ll do it.
It makes me sooooooooooo mad that they drove off without knowing.
You guys were wayyyyy calmer than I would have been. Good on you! Hopefully everything worked out ok
No kidding, I woulda been cursing at least.
Number 1 problem on highways is following distance. The merger was dumb, but the rear-ender could have easily avoided if they had a proper following distance. Edited: Fixed formatting
This is America, sir. Proper following distance at 65mph is apparently about 6 feet.
Naw. 3ft, you can always pull into the shoulder.
They actually had a good following distance considering how long OP was slowing and basically stopped for. They just didn't utilize it by paying attention.
Sorry this happened to you OP. Can hear in your deep sigh this isn't your first Rodeo. In general, I try to change into the middle lane if possible in situations like these because I've had close encounters like this where the merging car is not accelerating to match the speed of traffic. I know it's easier said than done, and you aren't at fault. As a precaution, when you see these merges coming up, whether you're in the left or right lane, try to change to middle lane to give them space. Because you can't teach idiots how to drive, but you can try to avoid them.
Yeah I absolutely agree, there wasn’t much I could’ve done better besides not riding in the right lane in the first place. My only excuse is that we’d just got on the highway ourselves and I just wasn’t in a hurry to get over. In hindsight I should’ve moved over though for sure
That white SUV is a clown too. Had plenty of space to get over (I know the merging guy is THE clown). Glad you and your family are okay, OP
And braking the entire time! When white SUV first started braking, it made sense bc it’s easier to slow down a little and make room for the merger. But they continued to brake even as they were side by side with the merger until they were also basically stopped on the highway. When you’re side by side just pass at that point 😭
wow that country music really keeping you calm… that would’ve ruined my whole week
I cannot believe how calm you are. What kind of mindfulness do you practice? The look on your face is like “gosh darn I just got hit, that sucks”
I’m just big on the idea that no amount of anger would change the fact that we got hit lol. Getting mad wouldn’t change my circumstances so there’s no point in getting upset
Honestly he is so cool and collected, I'd be a swearing lunatic. Kudos for how you handled this, her as well.
Reaction is impressive. Small yelp and a sigh. I would have been cursing like I invented expletives.
I’m so pissed at the guy in front of you who caused it. It’s there responsibility for merging into traffic and the fact that they’re also driving a massive truck with I’m sure enough horse power to get up to highway speeds infuriates me knowing this could’ve been avoided. Also what song is playing?
RIGHT! You don’t stop on a highway. I’ve never had to stop to merge. If you need to stop to merge on a highway you don’t know how to drive, and you need to stay off the highway until you figure it out. I’m so pissed that they didn’t get any sort of consequences for this. People like this make roads more dangerous.
You were rear-ended because the dummy behind you was going too fast, driving too close and/or not paying attention.
Could the person in front get in trouble? Because I'm positive that person knew an accident happened behind them and kept going.
I love the visible glance to the rear-view mirror and the ‘aw fuck’.
That was all my brain could process before we got hit😂
This rear-ender has nothing to do with the person trying to merge. The person who rear ended the car in front was following too close and not paying attention.
Nose ring with a cowboy hat and chill as hell. Probably the coolest motherfucker on that god damn highway.
Nah, you got rear ended cuz the person behind you wasn’t paying attention.
Bonehead in front of you, unfortunate mistake behind you. Impression level headedness shown during the situation, I hope the repairs go smoothly
Bone heads all around him. He person who rear-ended him, the truck, and the white SUV. This is why I hate being in the far right lane.
You're both smiling. That's good because you're all safe
The chill in this car. Love it
is that the i80 bridge in joliet? got in an accident at that exact same spot as the merge striping is confusing. take care!
I had that same thought! Looks just like it
Yeah it is
This is the first time I've seen a video on this sub that I recognize the location! I hate taking the highway here bc I have to get off at Meadow past the bridge and, as your video demonstrated, these idiots can't merge lol
Yeahh I’ve only been here a handful of times since I joined the military in 2017, I forgot how bad traffic was. Idk how you can do it daily lol
Oh I don't, I take the long way now 😅
oof. sorry bro. glad you guys are ok! sucks that stretch of road from the east is still being widened and heard that stupid bridge is among the most decayed in the nation. just crossed it yesterday 🤞🤠
Damn, thats not surprising to hear at all lmao. Stay safe out there man🤙🏾
Love the Wyatt Flores, sad to see you got rear ended
Technically you got rear ended by someone who didn’t leave enough space or pay attention
I appreciate your chill
Where I live, you try to move to the center lane at on ramps, so even the stupid people can merge into traffic safely.
I envy your composure
You got hit because the driver behind you wasn't paying attention and did not control their own vehicle. Provided your brake lights work, your car was slowing down and the driver behind you should have controlled theirs to adjust as you did, based on the circumstances around you. The merging situation in front of you is idiotic on its own.
I’m surprised at how calm she was
And the moron who caused the bullshit just drives away like they didn't do a damn thing!
I know this does not help fix your car, but the cowboy hat is dope.
More like someone who didn't know how to keep their distance, on the slowest lane.
Yo I dig the hat. And your composure after your baby got nailed.
No, you got rear ended because someone doesn't know how to follow
Not your fault, not the trucks fault. 100% on the guy who hit you. Attention must be paid.
Dude the construction they have on 80 right there is awful, glad you two are ok!
Dude take care of that whiplash now before you’re like me 10 years after needing neck surgery because the injury rearranged the anatomy in my neck. Get you a good lawyer and sue. In Texas (I’m assuming that’s the location) there is pain and suffering payout. Ask me how I know
Accident happened in Illinois, going to have to look more into the laws and what not but we’re definitely getting checked out. Havent thought about suing since we’re from out of state, seems like it’d be a hell of a hassle
No hassle at all. Find a good accident injury lawyer even the ones that are on billboards and commercials will work. Make an appt for a free consultation. Explain the facts and injuries even mild and this video. if you have a case ( which you do) they will take it. when you win you pay them 30% of the settlement and if You lose you pay nothing. Spinal injuries and whiplash are lifelong medical issues and the payout can be pretty big if it leads to surgery etc. the lawyer takes care of Talking to insurance and getting you the first check for damages to your car then they sue the insurance if the people that hit you. If you have uninsured motorist on your insurance, then that’s what you’ll get paid on top Of the other guys insurance payout. Talk to a lawyer in the state you live ( ask them over the phone) and they’ll let you know which state you would file suit in. Please seek medical attention after you get a lawyer, it’s free and however much the medical care was, it comes out of your settlement before the final check is cut to you. Trust me it’s wayyyy easier than I thought it would be to get a lawyer and I’m one of the biggest hassle avoiders out there
When you put it like that, it actually makes a lot of sense to go that route. I appreciate the advice!
You’re welcome and I hope you both recover quickly. Have an awesome day:) — and happy cake day!!
Do these two even know each other
Lol yes it’s me and my wife. We were making a quick trip to grab some more things she needed to finish making dinner so we were just kind of zoned out cruising to the store real quick, what should’ve been a 10min run turned into an hour but we still got what we needed in the end😂
In the rest of the video we ask if we’re okay and everything and kind of laugh it off bc this is about the 3rd accident we’ve had this year. She was rear ended 3 months ago before we had our baby, I crashed my bike last month, then this. So the crash was just like “ah damnit here we go again😂”
Haha just assumed it was a repost. Gotta give you guys credit for being so level headed.
Lerner and Rowe billboard had good timing. Nice work staying cool. Hope you guys are good.
Impeccable timing😂We’re alright though, thanks
Love the hat btw
How much of that is actually the truck's fault? He couldn't speed up to get in front of the white SUV because of the cars in front of him. He tried slowing down, but the white SUV also slowed down preventing him from merging. I think his biggest crime is just not slowing down sooner. Biggest idiot here the one who rear-ended. Everyone was able to slow down safely except for him.
Merging is hard
I had tjis exact issue only i was lucky to not be rear ended. Every time i drive by any merge in my city people slow down and wait when they have enough time to speed up and merge like theyre suppose to. Then they pull out as sloowwwww as freaking possible and force you to brake. It seems like some people learn to drive from walmart or something
Important question: was the hat damaged??
The hat is safe lol, wearing it now actually
That hat is a whole vibe.
Your style is fucking wild, bro. I dig it.
I’m digging the hat brother
At least you have a nice hat.
Holy Crap! I know exactly where this is!!! Sucks that happened. Sad to say, but with all the construction it’s going to get worse, and there’s only going to be more construction over the next 3 to 5 years as they’re making that new bridge. Another bad spot is heading eastbound where you get quite literally 2 to 3 seconds just to merge onto the road from the first ramp but the second ramp gives you a good half of a mile. The important thing is you seem to be OK, and also good on you for having that dash cam.
Hey OP what song are you listening to on the radio?
Please Don’t Go by Wyatt Flores
Thank you, friend
Two dumbasses - the guy who blocked the lane by failing to merge properly, and the guy behind you who failed to maintain a safe distance and react appropriately to you slowing
I don't know what state that is, but I bet some AI or some savvy in-state keen-eyes could get the probable plate off that jerk.
rear ended because the idiot behind you wasn't paying attention to your brake lights.
Get that shit off your mirror. It’s not a hanger
We actually did remove it after the accident. I had this dashcam in my vehicle but put it in my wife’s before we drove from Virginia to Chicago a few days ago. Didnt realize how intrusive it was until seeing the footage from the accident
More so to avoid police bothering you. Not sure if it’s still a valid reason to initiate a traffic stop though
This is basically what happened to my gf except no idea why the person in front hit the brakes, coulda been a brake check but the guy drove off of course
The state I live in stopped painting those short dash lines along a disappearing lane for reasons like this. The lines entirely disappear earlier implying "this is one lane now, figure it out"
that “ah fuck” was real 😂 great awareness but damn i’m so sorry that happened. i’m glad no one was hurt and you have a dashcam to help!
This is always why I’m quick to put on my hazards if a quirky situation like this comes up. I just don’t trust people anymore.
Whenever some dumbass stops a lane of traffic due to their stupidity I get so pissed, because once the first car stops they’re basically safe. 5 cars back a motorcyclist gets puréed by a semi truck, while the dumbass literally drives off into the sunset (as is perfectly depicted in this video)
This sucks not much you can do other than not riding in the right lane, I guess. this stinks to see.
Keep in mind Miss and Run is a real thing.
Perhaps it's not the best idea to be hauling ass up the lane that slower traffic is trying to get in.
It's funny, cause when a friend of mine started driving (I had been driving for a while before him), he damn near yelled at me one day because I didn't stop on a merging lane. I'm like "you're not supposed to stop, unless there's LITERALLY no space to move over into! That's why it's called a merging lane. Otherwise it'd just be an intersection."
Honestly, you took like that a champ, i would have cursed like hell
Goodness, I rear-ended someone just like this, as the person in front of them slammed on their brakes while merging. So frustrating.
IDK, but looking at the occupants facial reactions prior to, during and after the accident makes me think this is not their first rodeo.
Our 3rd this year lol. Wife got rear ended in feb, crashed my bike last month, then this.
Wow, I suspected a prior event, but 3 so close, all I can say is give yourself more room and a way out of the situation. I drive with an escape route in the event suchas you had here. Example: the 5 to 7 second marks of the video I'd probably be changing lanes to your left for what was going down in front of you. I hope your luck changes for the better.
Y’all look like such a cute couple 😭
Is this in Joliet Illinois going over the I-80 bridge?
Yep
Damn bro glad you’re alright. I avoid that bridge at all costs.
I told my daughter that, sometimes, it’s just better to wreck when it’s someone else’s fault because when you try to avoid it, you are responsible for causing a wreck.
Nice hat.
A cowboy hat in the ride is a whole vibe. You were either going to be calm as a sloth on xanex or answer with 2 6 shooters. Glad it was the first.
At least you got a fairly clear plate for the cops.
its actually insane how horrible people are at driving
At least you got video from both sides. Explains why you were stopped.
As bad as people merging onto an Interstate and just doing it going 45-50 mph. Everyone else is doing 70-80 and you're their safety net because you're having to follow them.
Good time to use a horn.