My First Traffic Accident Experience (And Discovering a Hidden iPhone Feature)
I'm Kanji, a man who has been driving for nearly 30 years and has experienced several self-inflicted accidents where I hit obstacles.
Today, I was involved in a proper traffic accident for the first time in my life, and for the first time ever, I was transported by ambulance.
I'll briefly explain the details of the accident. I was driving straight at the speed limit of 50 km/h in the driving lane (left lane) of a two-lane arterial road when a car parked on the side road suddenly darted out right in front of me.
I shouted, "Are you kidding me!" and slammed on the brakes, but there wasn't enough distance to stop, and I crashed right into the side of the car that had pulled out. At that moment, I hit my chest hard against the steering wheel and couldn't breathe.
It was when I was writhing in such intense pain that I thought I might have broken a rib.
My iPhone was ringing. When I glanced at the screen, this is what I saw.
Since I was in too much pain to do anything about it, I left it alone. The iPhone automatically dialed 119, connected to the emergency services via speakerphone, and used an automated voice to explain that this was an emergency call from an iPhone and provided the coordinates where the accident occurred.
After a while, the emergency dispatcher asked over the speakerphone, "Can anyone respond?" As I was gasping and groaning in severe pain, people who had witnessed the accident came to help and answered the phone for me. I was truly grateful. I was also a bit impressed that the iPhone had such a feature.
Eventually, the ambulance arrived, and I was taken to the hospital. After being hooked up to vital sign monitors and an IV drip, and having my blood pressure checked and blood drawn, I had a CT scan and X-rays taken.
The results showed no immediate damage to my bones or internal organs, but they said they would contact me if a specialist found anything later, and I was diagnosed with bruising and whiplash.
After being wrapped in a corset-like brace to stabilize my chest and arm movements and resting for a while, the pain subsided enough for me to take a taxi home. However, even now, just moving a little causes intense pain. Sneezing is excruciating. It's also hard to take a bath.
I was prescribed painkillers, as I'll be battling pain for a while, with today being the peak. While lying in the hospital bed, I wondered if the rapping sounds I'd been hearing lately were a warning of this. Regardless, I'm glad my life isn't in danger.
Fortunately, I was informed that the other party didn't have any major injuries either, which is a relief.
I'll be dealing with the insurance company from here on out. We talked briefly today, and since both vehicles were moving, it won't be a 100:0 split, but the other party is more at fault, and based on legal precedents, it's expected to be 90:10. For now, I'm just hoping my medical expenses and damages will be covered. The other party apologized sincerely, so I don't intend to file this as a personal injury case.
So, even if you follow the traffic laws, you can still get caught up in someone else's carelessness or violations, so please be very careful, especially in sections where you can pick up speed. A dashcam is a must for all drivers.
It was an unbelievable day full of firsts. The impact of a real traffic accident is truly tremendous. The inertia of a 1-ton object moving at 50 km/h coming to a stop in an instant. I experienced firsthand that it's not something a human can brace for. Also, I've heard that time feels like it slows down right before an accident, and it's true.
I'm managing to sit in front of my PC and type on the keyboard now, but it hurts to move my body. I wonder if I'll be able to sleep.
See you later!