Art Van Almost Killed Us
***TRIGGER WARNING: This story involves details of a car accident and bodily harm/injuries. If these two ideas make you uncomfortable in any way, please do whatever you need to avoid encountering those negative emotions.***
I have to admit this is one of the most insane, tragic moments of my life. It is a season of immense hardships that I will never forget. This is the story of the time I and my dad got into an awful car crash, almost costing us our lives.
Wednesday, February 7th, 2018
The school bell rang signifying the end of the day. It was the second semester of my senior year in high school. They say that high school is some of the best years of our lives. I strongly disagree.
At the time, I had a boyfriend who went to a different school. His little sister was playing our school in a game of basketball. I stayed after school to watch the game and cheer her on. I always enjoyed supporting her at different events.
Honestly, I'm not a fan of sports, which is ironic as I've been to a hundred sports games to watch my loved ones play. Although I barely understood what went on most of the time, it was heartwarming to see my friends and relatives pour their hearts out doing something they're so passionate about.
My boyfriend's little sister's team won the game. I showered her with celebratory hugs and affirmations. After a brief catch-up conversation, she ran back over to join her teammates for a huddle. That was my cue to head home.
It was around 5:30 p.m. Because it was February in Michigan, the weather was bitter cold and pure white snow blanketed the ground. I didn't have my license yet even though I was almost 18 years old. So, my dad waited in our family's new car in the parking lot to pick me up.
I opened the passenger door, threw my backpack onto the floor, and got in. My dad turned onto the main road to take the usual route home. I had been in the car for about 45 seconds before everything went dark.
The Hospital
It felt as though I was dreaming. I remember various blurry scenes of doctors weighing me on a scale and being in a hospital as I faded in and out of consciousness. The next thing I knew, I groggily woke up in a hospital bed. As I turned my body to look around the room, my ribs ached and my entire body felt sore. I looked in the mirror and noticed I had a bad black eye and purple bruises all over. Attached to my arm was an IV pumping some liquid into my veins.
Sitting on the floor in the room with me were two of my aunts. After observing all of this and still not fully comprehending what was going on, I fell asleep. Throughout the day, different friends and family members came to visit me, bringing stuffed animals as "Get Well Soon" gifts. I had not yet seen my dad.
Later that day, I was rolled out in a wheelchair to my mom's car and we went home.
The Accident
I have no recollection of getting into a car accident. It wasn't until days after that when people told me the whole story.
At the first stoplight on our way home, the light turned yellow. A yellow light is when people make the split decision to either slam on the car's brakes to stop or speed up to make it through the intersection before the light turns red. My dad decided to go through the yellow light. An Art Van semi-truck driver had the same idea as he was waiting to turn left directly across the intersection.
The Art Van semi-truck collided with our small car on the driver's side, destroying the car and me and my dad.
The force of the crash caused my seatbelt to tighten, fracturing a few of my ribs to protect me from hitting the dashboard. All the airbags activated as soon as the vehicles collided, giving me a terrible black eye and knocking me unconscious. Because we were hit on the driver's side of the car, my dad received the worst of the injuries.
My dad broke his left femur bone (which is the most difficult bone in the human body to break), his knee was messed up, and he also got a lot of bruises on his body. He had surgery not long after the accident. The doctors put a steel rod and screws in his femur.
Additionally, my dad had to stay at a rehabilitation center for five weeks so that he could heal, do physical therapy, and slowly learn how to walk on his left leg again. Even though the accident was three years ago, his leg still bothers him sometimes.
The Aftermath
Those weeks after the accident were difficult both mentally and physically for us. My mom was stressed about hospital bills, visiting my dad every day, taking me to and from school, working, and not having a car anymore.
It was during this season of hardship that we were grateful to have such amazing friends and relatives. My mom's friends brought over some meals for us while we were living without my dad (Mom and I don't cook). One of my aunts bought me a bunch of mini chicken pot pies and I lived off those for a while. Family members that I don't think I've ever met before sent us cards in the mail wishing us a quick recovery and sending their prayers.
Our car accident reminded us just how sudden life can change out of nowhere. One moment everything was going fine, and then our world was turned upside down. My dad and I almost lost our lives that day. I feel so blessed that we were able to get help from doctors, strangers, family, and friends.
My dad and I both have restored respect for our precious lives. We've stopped taking life for granted. Every morning, we wake up thankful to be given another day of life.
Live every moment to the fullest.
Always be thankful for each breath you take.
Opinions and Perspectives
This story really touched me. I've had a similar experience and know exactly how quickly life can change in an instant. Grateful both you and your dad survived.
Living in Michigan myself, those winter driving conditions can be treacherous. Yellow lights are especially dangerous when roads are slick.
It's amazing how the human body is designed to protect itself. The seatbelt fracturing ribs to prevent worse damage is a fascinating example of this.
I'm surprised the Art Van truck driver made that decision. As a commercial driver myself, we're trained to be extra cautious at intersections.
The part about eating mini chicken pot pies really got to me. Sometimes it's those small acts of kindness that help us get through the toughest times.
Broke his femur? That must have been an incredibly powerful impact. I can't imagine the force needed to break the strongest bone in the body.
I actually disagree about yellow lights being a split-second decision. We should always err on the side of caution and stop unless absolutely unsafe to do so.
The photos of the car wreck are absolutely devastating. It's incredible anyone survived that level of damage.
My heart goes out to your mom. Managing everything while both husband and child are injured must have been overwhelming.
Five weeks in rehab seems like a long time, but considering the severity of the injuries, I'm impressed by your dad's recovery.
Having worked in emergency services, I've seen many intersection accidents. Yellow lights are one of the most common causes we encounter.
I had no idea how expensive medical bills could be until I read this. Really makes me think about my own insurance coverage.
The community support you received is heartwarming. It's in times like these we truly see who shows up for us.
I understand what you mean about high school not being the best years. Experiences like this really put things in perspective.
Does your dad still have anxiety about driving through intersections? I had a similar accident and still get nervous at yellow lights.
The detail about your dad's leg still bothering him years later really highlights the long-term impact of such accidents.
I find it interesting how trauma affects memory. The fact that you don't remember the actual accident is your brain protecting itself.
This story reinforces why I'm always extra cautious with my teens when teaching them to drive. Split-second decisions can change everything.
The description of waking up in the hospital was particularly vivid. I felt like I was right there with you.
What strikes me most is how quickly everything happened just 45 seconds after getting in the car.
I totally agree about appreciating each day more after something like this. Had a wake-up call myself last year.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have such a supportive family network. Really shows the importance of community in crisis.
I actually drive that route frequently and always think twice at that intersection now.
The fact that you were conscious enough to be weighed but don't remember it shows how complex our brains are in trauma situations.
Can't imagine watching my child go through something like this. Your mom is incredibly strong.