How not to start your day

[sauergeek]

One in a likely long series of ways not to start your day: single-car accident on an interstate. If you were stuck behind a gang of rubberneckers on I-495 north just before the 113 exit shortly after 10 AM on the 17th, that was me. In trying to avoid hitting a large chunk of tire in the lane, I not only failed to miss the chunk of tire, I also lost control, swerved several times, bounced off a guard rail, and came to rest across the left lane of 495. I had the presence of mind to back out of the roadway.

I didn't hit anyone else. I have superficial welts and scrapes from the airbag deploying. The car is not so fine, with both the left front and left rear corners damaged, the coolant system breached (might be the radiator, might be just a hose), the left front wheel likely rubbing the inside of the wheel well, and who knows what else wrong.

The insurance company has told me to expect the car to be totaled -- not surprising, given a nine year old car with significant damage. I have a rental (covered by insurance, excellent) that doesn't even come close to being a Miata. It's a Kia Spectra.

Given that I expect the Miata to be totaled, I am likely in the market for a new car. I'm looking for either another convertible or a hatchback, preferably one with a roof that opens. Right now the top of my list is the Mazda M3, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Comments

[dr-memory.livejournal.com]

Yike! Glad that you're okay!

[siderea]

Gracious! I'm glad you're not worse hurt. Have you been seen by an MD? Sometimes whiplash and related injuries don't show up until the next day.

Sorry to hear about your car.

[fidgetmonster.livejournal.com]

When I wrecked my car, I think it was either you or Jeff who pointed out that many a good car has given up their life in order to save ours. Hope you aren't too sore and tired tomorrow.

[kelkyag]

I'm glad you're still all in one piece! Do see a doctor, please, if you haven't yet?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_nicolai_/]

I'm glad you're almost uninjured!
Take it easy for the next few days.

[keshwyn]

Oh goodness!

I'm glad you are not terribly hurt!

[xeger.livejournal.com]

Yargh!!! Glad you're mostly okay -- and _please_ get checked out by the meds. There's an excellent post on makinglight about head injury that I'd point to if I was awake enough.

[kazmat.livejournal.com]

Nissan 370Z! :}

[motomuffin.livejournal.com]

Gracious! Glad you're ok.

[geoffroi.livejournal.com]

I'd look hard at the new MX-5 (miata) with the folding hardtop. The Mazdaspeed 3 is also one of the best hot-hatches out there:
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/display2010Mazda3.action?vehicleCode=MS3&directPath=ms3/home

And yes, cars give up their lives for us.

[snolan.livejournal.com]

Glad you are ok, hope things work out with in-sewer-ants and car.

[jiapa.livejournal.com]

Yipes. I didn't find out about this 'til I came and visited last weekend, and of course, this weekend I'm finally getting caught up on LJ.

*hugs* and I'm glad you're okay. Post pics of the new car when you get it, okay?