I said I would come back and update everyone concerning the accident my daughter was involved in on Dec. 2oth 2017.
Today (Feb. 6th) she had her court date. The lawyer was sure he would be able to talk the police officer who gave her the ticket to drop it. No dice. It’s going to trial.
- The lawyer is going to subpoena the police officer who was somewhat involved with the event. That officer also hit the object in the road and received a flat tire same as my daughter. This police officer told my daughter to turn on her flashers and get out of the road. Supposedly, this is her statement.
- The insurance company for the driver who hit my daughter’s car has accepted 50% responsibility for the accident.
- The driver who hit my daughter’s car sustained NO serious injuries. Praise Jesus. Seriously.
- However you personally feel about this event, I am a father and I am trying to help as well as teach. I found her another great car. For $500 I got a 2000 Dodge Intrepid (with the 3.2 not the 2.7 dogshit sludge motor) with 75,000 miles on it. It passed inspection and all it needed was a new battery.
- So far (I don’t “think” it will cost much more if anything) she has spent $7,000 of her own money. For an 18 year old this is a huuuuge amount of money.
Say what you will but, like I said, I am a father who loves his daughters and will always be there for them. BUT they will pay for their own mistakes.
Part I: https://www.theburningplatform.com/2017/12/21/in-the-blink-of-an-eye/
She learned about the big leagues of life. Hey Dad, kick in a grand or two if you can swing it and you’ll really be the hero she knows you are
Wish your daughter the best at trial, have her keep in mind that the victor at trial, be it State or Defendant, is usually the one that tells the best and most persuasive story.
That means get a lawyer with a track record of winning.
Again, wishing her the best possible outcome.
The lawyer is one I’ve used before with a very good result. He says worst case scenario is 3 points and a fine.
Believe it or not, I’ve been thinking about you and your daughter. Appreciate the update.
IMHO …. $7000 is a lot of money even if you’re not a teenager.
1. No one died, or was even seriously injured. The wonderful-ness of this can not be overstated.
2. Your daughter learns from this …. might even save her life down the road. That too is wonderful.
3. You’re a great dad. With a great daughter. And that’s the most wonderful-est thing of all.
Stuck – I shit you not, you just brought tears to my eyes. Thanks. And that cannot be overstated.
Sometimes I look at her as if she’s a ghost. 99% certain she dodged death.
Thanks for the update. You ARE a great Dad.
There is no defensive merit to the police officer telling her to put on the flashers and get out of the road. The officer was simply trying to get a pedestrian off the highway, as quickly as possible, so she didn’t get squished. That doesn’t put any of the liability on the police officer at all.
I don’t understand – why did your daughter have to spend $7,000? And why did you go to court?
$7,000 was for the car that was totalled (hers. She owned it for a total of 3 days), the neused car, the lawyer and the towing/storage fees. The towing/storage fee was $1,800 alone.
Wip, sending good energy to your daughtsr.
I just buried my daddy yesterday. Never again will I be able to visit that port in the storm.
Kiss your daughter, tell her you love her, help as much as you can (generosity begets generosity, it’s tough out there financially for our kids).
Treasure today, tomorrow isn’t promised.
Hugs all
Blessings to you. My mother died last week, so I am with you in heartbreak.
Aloha oe…
Seriously Wip, the ONLY thing that matters is that your daughter is OK. Money and material things come and go as sure as the sun rises.
Thanks for the update Wip.
Mel Brooks once said:
“As long as the world is turning and spinning, we’re gonna be dizzy and we’re gonna make mistakes.”
But – Bruce Lee once said:
“Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.”
She lived. The rest is just small stuff. Gratitude is seeing every day as a holiday; and every meal, a feast.
50%? The moron plowed into a stationary vehicle. Good thing she wasn’t in it at the time. Is there a way to sue his insurance for a bigger amount? Unless you’ve already settled.
One issue I have, nothing personal, is – you bought her a $500 car? I don’t care if it passes smog or if it even runs, I just want to know it has plenty of safety features.
EC
I’ll be very happy with 50-50 fault.
She should NOT be driving anything worth more than $500. That goes for 95% of all teenagers.??
At 19 I had a brand new Mustang 5.0 with T-tops. I should be dead myself.
I don’t get it. She could have been going 5mph or 10mph or 20mph and he still would have slammed into her. Slamming into something on the road in front of you (whatever it might be) means you weren’t paying attention. I think his insurance should be much more than 50% responsible.
You’ll have to read Part I to understand the accident.
Wip, glad to hear about how things are going. Just so glad your daughter is OK. If she’s shelling out $7,000, to me, that’s the sign of a responsible teen. I think you’re doing a good job as a dad.
Thanks Vic. This is a tough one. My wife and I started a house rule when she was 3. She had to save half of every dollar she received or earned. She amassed a good chunk of change in those 15 years. It’s very tough to watch that $$ go out the door. If an 18 Year old put $7,000 into some type of retirement fund without adding any more $$, I wonder what it would be worth when they reach 65.
“If an 18 Year old put $7,000 into some type of retirement fund without adding any more $$, I wonder what it would be worth when they reach 65.”
With this shakey-assed economy, interest rates punishing savers, and daily devaluation of the dollar: about $350.
Millennial: “That gives me the sads”.
As a Boomer, that gives me the sads also.
Last update to this saga (any wheels attached to government anything turn quite slloooowwwllyy).
The judge fined her $200 + $75 (court costs). No points but the court is notifying the DMV so I suspect her insurance will go up.