After 17years behind the wheel, a little over a million miles (I ran local for 15 of the 17 years), all accident free, I had my first one today. Coming up to a construction zone, left lane closed ahead. So I put the turn signal on, check and double check my mirrors, look out ahead for extra lights to my right, seeing none. Pickup behind in right lane flashes his lights. So I assume it's all clear and start moving over. I felt a slight bump, figured it was a pothole, as they are common around here. Then I heard the noise of metal being wrinkled. And then I see the car that was riding right at my steering tire, which is a blind spot on this truck. So we pull over, I noticed he has Massachusetts plates. (we're in Harrisburg, PA, at 400am. Odd) Anyways he gets out and is understandably upset. Cussing me out about his car being messed up, which I was upset as well. The lugnuts hit his driver's door and ripped the sheet metal like a can opener. I'm no body shop, but I'd guess about $7k in damage. My truck suffered a bent bumper, a slight scratch on the hood and broken lug nut covers. And hurt my pride. So I suggested calling the police and let them handle it. I turned around to go back and get my phone, he jumps in the car and takes off. Now I'm in disbelief that this all just happened. I call the cops to cover my butt, and explained what happened. The cop said not to worry too much, this happens alot. He said the guy either had drugs in the car, the car was stolen, or there was a warrant for his arrest. He didn't want to speak to the cops. No charges filed, just a report over the phone. What was the lesson here? I got complacent in my driving. Too comfortable and ####y. I didn't hit a million miles being complacent or ####y. Always, always always be fully aware of what's around you, and never assume anything. I might have been lucky that the dude took off, and no charges were filed. Time will tell. But it was a definite wake up call...
I can tell you those lugnut covers bought him time (And you) to get breaking contact. Once the regular stud and nuts penetrate that thin sheet metal and start gaining a hold and rotating, bad things happen. He ran. That makes him a bad guy. Now he's probably out of a car. Im sorry you had to mash a car, but all in all I think you did capital with a difficult day. Hopefully it will be another couple million before you have that trouble again.
Looks like you definitely lucked out. I know it's a bummer but I'm glad it wasn't worse. Just goes to show, no matter who you are or how long you've been driving, #### can happen before you know it.
No, you ran into an A hole. Don't lose any sleep over it. You more than likely saved a construction workers life that morning.
