For anyone who knew me and was interested

[sleey0]

here are some photos of my baby being totaled.

I had the car for about 3 months and spent a ton of money on it (looking at you, Garm lol).

Anyway, don't let anyone tell you that it isn't a safe vehicle. It saved my life and the airbags never deployed.

View at your own risk. I was like 7 to 10 days away from having a boosted Yaris and now I'm in a wheelchair.

Life is crazy and God sure does have a sense of humor!

[CTScott]

Holy cow!!! That is one seriously smushed Yaris. I'm glad to hear that you made it out alive and wish you well on your road to recovery.

Out of curiosity, how exactly did you get it in that state?

[Kioshi]

Damn...sorry for your loss on the car.

How did this happen, if i may ask?

And most importantly...are YOU okay?
From both sides smashed :(

[Betrivent]

Jaybus! Glad you're alive! What the hell happened, rolled after a truck hit you and rolled into another tuck?

[OTB]

I hope there are plans to get out of that wheelchair!

[Kioshi]

^ WTF.....?

[Focus_Sh1ft]

Nice to see you post, been wondering how you were doing since I heard about this.

More importantly, I'm glad you're alright man. Definitely seems like it was nothing short of a miracle that you survived after looking at those pictures.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

WTF HAPPENED!? Glad you came out of it alive.



Assad, I think OTB was saying that he hopes that Sleeyo is not paralyzed and can walk again.

[sleey0]

Little wet out that day and coming around a corner I saw something in the road. Not sure but looked like a skunk or racoon.

Instinct is to swerve, so I lost the back-end of my car, hit the ditch off the road with the nose of my car going downward and flipped it 6 or 7 times. They / Someone found me out in the woods trapped.

Believe me, I thank God that he kept me here. I have too much to live for - I am only 31 and want to see my daughters grow up and be successful adults.

It could have been worse - pushin' daisys, but I had a left BKA (Below-Knee Amputation). Also dislocated my right hip, tore all the ligaments in my right knee, L1 compression fracture, broke 8 ribs (a few on each side for good measure lol). Oh, and an AC Seperation left shoulder (look it up if u don't know as I don't really feel like explaining lol I was an RN for 4 years).

That sums it up.

[Grandieri]

I hope that you'll get well soon.

[cali yaris]

That is really a miracle that you survived that. The picture seems to show the driver's airbag did deploy.

[Klink10]

Damn....my best wishes to you and the familly(sp).

[Shinare]

:eek:

Thank God you are alive. In the pictures it looks like the cabin around the driver is the only thing not totally smashed in and mangled. My motto is theres no such thing as coincidences or "good luck". That protection happened for a reason. My prayers go out to you.

[Revsson]

It would appear that they cut the top off to get you out?
Glad you survived, as I am sure your daughters are as well.
I wish you the best and pray for your speedy recovery.

[jpmck03]

Wow. :eek:

You are one very lucky man, and you've got some very lucky daughters that, thank God, still have a dad.

Godspeed with your recovery, and best wishes!

[detroiter]

two different rear tires?

Thank god your alive man, what a miracle

[RABYARIS]

I am glad you survived the crash and have a positive outlook. Take good care of yourself and your family.

[DebbyM46227]

I'm so sorry about your crash, but happy you survived for your family. You have a very positive attitude, I'm not so sure I would have one if I lost part of my leg. We should all count our blessings for sure.

[2009BBPliftback]

:eyebulge: holy crap I'm glad your on the road to recovery! How long were you trapped? i know how desolate some western PA roads can be. Be well fellow Pennsylvanian!

[redglare45]

Wow man, sad to see your car like that, but very glad you're alive. Hope you recover soon.

[tk-421]

Like everyone else, I am glad you survived this and hope your road to recovery is a short one. :thumbsup:

[nemelek]

Events like yours make me realize how precious and special life is. I try not to take anything for granted.

[MadMax]

Man, you are lucky (or blessed) to be alive! That's a nasty looking wreck, and I concur with everyone who is glad that you made it through your accident alive!

I've had a few bad crashes myself, wrapped a Honda Accord hatchback around a utility pole top-first in Florida (it was on its side when we hit). That one bent the back of the driver's seat all the way behind the passenger seat.

Then I got hit head-on in a mid-80s BMW 3-Series (E30) by a Land Rover that slid into my lane on a wet downhill road in Germany. Spun us both around so badly that the Polizei couldn't figure out who was going which way. No skid marks because of the wet road, so no way to determine who was in the wrong. That car had no airbags or other safety devices, but it was built like a tank which saved my skin then.

Car accidents are no fun, I've had a few others in addition to the above. Luckily, I survived my youth and these days drive much slower and a lore more carefully! It is one reason I bought the Yaris, it’s fun to drive at reasonable speeds on the right road, and it handles well.

Still, everyone needs to be careful out there, especially those driving in bad weather. We’ve had too many reports of totalled Yarii and injured friends lately!

Again, it’s great to hear you survived; but next time just hit the damn racoon/skunk/whatever!

Cheers! M2

[Betrivent]

Man, you are lucky (or blessed) to be alive! That's a nasty looking wreck, and I concur with everyone who is glad that you made it through your accident alive!

I've had a few bad crashes myself, wrapped a Honda Accord hatchback around a utility pole top-first in Florida (it was on its side when we hit). That one bent the back of the driver's seat all the way behind the passenger seat.

Then I got hit head-on in a mid-80s BMW 3-Series (E30) by a Land Rover that slid into my lane on a wet downhill road in Germany. Spun us both around so badly that the Polizei couldn't figure out who was going which way. No skid marks because of the wet road, so no way to determine who was in the wrong. That car had no airbags or other safety devices, but it was built like a tank which saved my skin then.

Car accidents are no fun, I've had a few others in addition to the above. Luckily, I survived my youth and these days drive much slower and a lore more carefully! It is one reason I bought the Yaris, it’s fun to drive at reasonable speeds on the right road, and it handles well.

Still, everyone needs to be careful out there, especially those driving in bad weather. We’ve had too many reports of totalled Yarii and injured friends lately!

Again, it’s great to hear you survived; but next time just hit the damn racoon/skunk/whatever!

Cheers! M2

I'm curious, in the case of the BMW in Germany. Does it not make sense that you were going uphill on a wet slope and therefore are less likely to lose control than the guy coming downhill?

[Shinare]

...
Again, it’s great to hear you survived; but next time just hit the damn racoon/skunk/whatever!...

I've been in the same situation and did the same thing (without the crash) and its HARD to control that impulse to swerve to avoid the animal. I know police officers here have to take special emergency driving technique classes and that's one thing they work on. Getting you to stop avoiding small animals and just hit them.

[Betrivent]

I guess the hard part is sometime you don't know if it's a small animal or something really hard like a wheel or a block of cement.

[SailDesign]

I guess the hard part is sometime you don't know if it's a small animal or something really hard like a wheel or a block of cement.

I had that one last weekend - not sure what it was, but the car in front of me jinked sideways at the last minute, and I didn't have time to see what he was avoiding. Luckily, apart from a nasty noise, my snows'n'steelies appear OK. Was definitely harder than a raccoon...

Glad to hear you are still with us, sleey0. Sad to hear you are limited to an automatic transmission, though.

[SilverBack]

:eyebulge:......

So glad to know you're still alive! Hope you recover quickly

[JetfireK]

here are some photos of my baby being totaled.

I had the car for about 3 months and spent a ton of money on it (looking at you, Garm lol).

Anyway, don't let anyone tell you that it isn't a safe vehicle. It saved my life and the airbags never deployed.

View at your own risk. I was like 7 to 10 days away from having a boosted Yaris and now I'm in a wheelchair.

Life is crazy and God sure does have a sense of humor!

Very glad that you survived this horrid auto wreck and hope that you will soon be well.
You said your air bags didn't open? Would you tell us why you think they did not open? Defective? You certainly were hit hard enough don't you think?
Thank you

[Carrot Top]

WOW...having an accident like that and surviving it would certainly change your outlook on life. You're obviously still meant to be here on earth! I wish for you a speedy recovery! It scares me to see the backend of the car smashed so badly, my kids sit back there all the time in my Yaris.

Thanks for posting the pictures and again I wish you the best in health!!

[auxmike]

Will you have the option for an artificial limb?
I hope you heal quickly and can drive again soon....

[MadMax]

I'm curious, in the case of the BMW in Germany. Does it not make sense that you were going uphill on a wet slope and therefore are less likely to lose control than the guy coming downhill?

To me it does, but a major fact that I forgot to mention was that this also happened on a curve. The Land Rover was coming downhill and on the inside of the lane when he hydroplaned into my lane (outside and going uphill). That is also why we both ended up in the ditch, and he pretty much went head-on into the front left corner of my poor Beemer (I loved that car!). Plus, he was going too fast for conditions (wet, icy road) but in the end the Polizei could not determine fault (he claimed I was in his lane, which simply wasn't true!).

I've been in the same situation and did the same thing (without the crash) and its HARD to control that impulse to swerve to avoid the animal. I know police officers here have to take special emergency driving technique classes and that's one thing they work on. Getting you to stop avoiding small animals and just hit them.

Trust me, I understand and have done the same! A long time ago when I was first driving, I went off the road trying to avoid a squirrel. I ended up tearing the crap out of some guy's front yard, but I was lucky enough to get the car back on the road (and it was more luck than skill!).

Will you have the option for an artificial limb?
I hope you heal quickly and can drive again soon....

I get over to Ft Sam Houston a lot, where many servicemembers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan come for treatment (Brook Army Medical Center). It is amazing to see what those guys can do with their prostheses, most are as mobile and capable as anyone. It is truly awesome and I have the utmost respect for these outstanding individuals! :bow:

Again, all the best with your recovery. Your attitude is very impressive, and I am sure you won't let any obstacle stand in your way! :headbang:

Cheers! M2

[DandiDani]

I am very sorry, and I wish you a fast recovery. Good luck to you.

[custom Lftback]

Wow. So glad to hear you are alive and staying positive. I hope that you continue to be a part of our community on YW and MI. But that was one really bad wreck.

[Hershey]

So sorry to see of your accident and hope you have better days ahead . Best of luck .

[kou]

Your three stock tires needed replacing and what is that a random snow tire on the rear drivers side.Sorry just needed to point that out,would have made all the difference.

[shinlee]

^^^

don't think this is really a spot to be critizing his tire choice honestly...

Sleey0, Glad you are alright, all things considered. I've got a little girl, and another on the way, and I know those little ones are all the reason necessary to stay positive, so keep on man!

[PETERPOOP]

Geez sleey0, thank God you are alright. That is some crazy stuff right there. Enjoy life and run over the skunk next time for goodness sake!!!!!!!!!!

[kou]

^^^

don't think this is really a spot to be critizing his tire choice honestly...

Sleey0, Glad you are alright, all things considered. I've got a little girl, and another on the way, and I know those little ones are all the reason necessary to stay positive, so keep on man!

He has one BALD factory tire(which is shit new) and a snow tire in the rear,two shit factory tires in the front,probably lowered etc.I am glad there wasn't anyone else involved in the accident,people have to realise there driving a two ton death machine.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

^ the Yaris is just slightly over one ton. :tongue:

[sleey0]

Your three stock tires needed replacing and what is that a random snow tire on the rear drivers side.Sorry just needed to point that out,would have made all the difference.

Yes, you are correct.

I had tread left on the other 3 tires but the right rear blew out on me a few days before the accident.

Old man winter was a comin' so I had them put a winter tire on the back and once I had enough money, which would have only been a week or two, I was putting the same snow tire on the rear on the other 3.

So, yes I DO agree that that had something to do with it. I didn't want to buy another all-season or summer tire in October. Hey, hindsight is always 20/20 lol.

AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT IN THIS THREAD.

It TRULY means a lot to me to have many prayers coming my way thru God.

This even has changed my life FOREVER. I had my life before the accident and now I have one after. BUT, this event has changed me in ways you cannot imagine.

I wake up in the morning in such pain and I ask my God why, why have you done this to me? And then I realize why - to change my old ways of behaving like a self-centered child and to help others and to love others.

Then, after thanking him for this beautiful day, I realize my kids are waiting for there Daddy to come home! What a great feeling:D

You know, my oldest daughter wanted a wheelchair and crutches for her American Doll for xmas (any of you with young daughters know what that doll is).

That about broke my heart.

Anyway, before my accident I was living the fast lane and was pretty much a a dick sometimes and very vain.

I no longer see myself or act like that.

The only thing I am asking God for help with now is to be able to drive stick so I can buy chinoCharles car!

Speaking of which, are any of you guys in the South Florida area? Once I get my prosthetic I need to see if I can drive a stick. I am 99% certain I can, I just need someone willing to help me out.

I am a good guy and we shall hang out and drink some beers, if thats your thing (AFTER trying to drive the car, of course hahaha).

Anyway, THANKS again for ALL OF YOU!!!!!! You are the ones who keep me going!

Later,
Wes

[sleey0]

Geez sleey0, thank God you are alright. That is some crazy stuff right there. Enjoy life and run over the skunk next time for goodness sake!!!!!!!!!!

Easier said than done, brother.

But, from now on, unless its a boulder in the road its gitting run the fuck over.

I was coming around a bend and couldn't see. Also, in that area, the roads are real up and down and up and down. Not like way up a hill but bumpy up and down.

I think anyone coming down that road at that moment with the same shit in the road would have crashed.

AND TO ANSWER SOMEONE ELSE'S ? -- I was trapped for about 1.5-2 hours. They had to cut me out but I passed out unconscience right before then from a concussion.

AND, TO WHOEVER SAID THAT THERE KIDS RIDE IN THE BACK so do mine.

If my kids were in the car they would be dead and I would have no reason to live. I don't want to even go there right now.

When my kids are in my car I drive slow and very, VERY careful now. Believe you me, when I saw those pics I said I would survive but not my kids, whom I love to no end.

[1NZYaris1]

:wink:The only thing I am asking God for help with now is to be able to drive stick so I can buy chinoCharles car!
:burnrubber:

glad to here your on the mend , :respekt:

[MadMax]

sleey0

There's an old saying that pain is God's way of letting you know you are alive! In this case, I think it's an appropriate reminder!

Don't worry about the "what could have been," concentrate on "what is" in that moving forward from your present situation.

I saw your thread about looking to test drive a manual transmission car, I'd like to share a few thoughts if I may.

First, don't pass up on the automatic until you've tried one. I love my A/T Yaris and it's not any less fun to drive than any of the M/T cars I've had (and I've had a lot of them!).

Secondly, don't think that because of your present condition you might not be able to drive a M/T car. I had a Jeep buddy who was a double-amputee who wheeled a 5-speed Wrangler. He built a system by which he could manipulate the controls between his prostheses and hand controls. It was very impressive, and he didn't let anything stopped him.

The are solutions out there, look for them and don't let anything get in your way!

Best of luck to you, my friend, I wish you all the best!

Cheers! M2

[sleey0]

MadMax

Thing is, ChinoCharles is selling his ride and my, what a ride it is!

Plus I have a connect to get rods and pistons at cost and a buddy to pull the engine and put it in.

Not sure if you have seen his posting but you may want to check it out. He is holding it for me as I am only a week away from getting my temporary prosthesis. I have good length meaning the prosthetic should allow me to still drive a stick no problem. All you do with a clutch is press and depress so I don't see any issues there.

Plus he wants to keep his car in the MI/YW family and I live pretty close to him and will be up his way within the next month.

If I can grab his car and do the engine properly, then the sky is the limit. I would then need to think about standalone management but that is down the line.

I need to first see how I feel about driving stick.

And, thinking about it since it IS a worker's comp case, I might be able to get worker's comp to pay for hand controls (like paddle shifters) at the wheel.

All in due time, my friends. I don't look to the past, but to my new and improved future:D

[sleey0]

Oh, and thank you 1nzyaris1!!!

[YAR1S]

WOW!
Im so sorry that you came out of this crash far worse off, but thankfully you survived!

Im so impressed that that drivers side looks entirely untouched, I mean the whole driver's door doesnt look bent/dented and the glass window is in one piece! That is amazing. I know it's probably the way the crash happened but it's nice to think the yaris is built to save the driver from death.

[1digit]

Young man,

I'm glad to hear you're still alive, and my prayers are with you and your family.

Did your daughter get the American Girl wheelchair for Christmas? Our daughters are way past that stage, and we have a pile of AG stuff laying about, including the wheelchair. Let me know-I'd be happy to send a little happiness your way.

[R2D2]

sleeyO,

You have a great attitude my friend and that will be a tremendous asset. I don't think you'll have any problem driving a manual if you put your mind to it. May God continue to bless you-you are doing your part!

The people who participate in this forum are just awesome and I feel fortunate to be here. Take care all!

R2