Brief Update from Lance

It's been three days, and I have cooled down considerably (literally, because I rode the scooter to work this morning in the brisk 54 degree air).

I really wonder if I'm not better off than my co-worker. His car was hit as well, but only his left rear tail light (totally smashed in, I should say). He has full coverage and owes about $2000 on his car. Because he has full coverage, he has to pay his $1000 deductible, the insurance company HAD to do an estimate and officially total the vehicle, and he will be lucky to get $2000 in pocket to try and buy another car ($5000 car value, less $2000 still owed, less $1000 deductible). He does have the insurance company helping him try to recover the $1000 deductible from the poor female driver who hit our cars, but that doesn't make it any easier to get pennies from a dry wishing well.

I have my car, all banged up, but the insurance company hasn't stamped a "total loss" statement on the car. As you can see from the pictures, the front bumper is gone, but it's in the back seat of my car and can likely be reattached without problems. The left fender needs to be replaced, but that takes six or seven bolts and a used piece from the junkyard. My driver door still opens and closes fine. Chances are, after the left rear tire is removed and isn't jamming the back door closed, that that door may work again as well. The biggest problem is going to be getting the knuckle, control arms, and whatever other parts are needed to get the left rear wheel back where it is supposed to be. The hood pops up perfectly, the entire engine compartment is perfectly intact. Even the windshield washers still spray. I may need some connectors for some of the lights, a turn signal on the left side, and some duct tape and bailing wire, but I honestly think that the car will drive again.

If you know me, my motto has always been, if the engine and transmission are in great shape, I could care less what is wrapped around them. So until I have the time and energy to visit 5-10 junkyards (with the help of an experienced brother-in-law and his dad) and get my sweet Honda back on four turning wheels, my nips will be cold on days like this - and sweating profusely in the late afternoon heat of July. And with luck, I won't be out the $1000 deductible I would have been with full coverage.