the time i totaled my car
in the middle of last november (2024), i was at a friends house. around midnight there was a knock on the door, the neighbor across the street was here.
she gently explained that when backing out of her driveway she backed into my car. she walked my friend and i outside to assess the vehicle. my driver side door didn’t move, at all. it was smashed in.
i was over an hour away from home, never been in a situation like this. the lady was kind, gave me all of her information and so the following morning i handled business.
the drive home was scary. i couldn’t drive over 70mph without feeling my front driver side wheel wobble. i climbed in and out of my car through the passenger door. my horn no longer worked, neither did any of the buttons on my steering wheel.
~
fast forward 2 weeks, my car was considered a total loss. due to simply the age and mileage, they told me it wasn’t worth the repairs.
i relied on everyone else to get me to and from work, my NCLEX (2 days after the accident), appointments, etc.
finally, i was able to go to a lot. i explained my financial situation, and the salesman was able to work with me. eternally grateful.
i knew that with a 5 year loan, owning a car already 5 years old would put it 10 years behind newer vehicles once it is paid off, making it harder to sell. i knew with used cars that i am taking on someone else’s problem. and i knew buying a new car, was something i didn’t want nor could i afford.
i sat for hours at multiple dealerships. finally something came up, my blue hatchback i have since named Juliet.
i was able to get my payments at a number i could afford. & my credit score went up 81 points the month after purchasing it. i’ll take my wins where i can find them.
Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic, but it also opens doors to new opportunities. In November 2024, I faced the shock of totaling my car after a neighbor accidentally backed into it. The loss was daunting, especially living over an hour away from home and having essential commitments. In addition, dealing with the insurance company and navigating the car buying market while managing financial constraints was a tough journey. After two weeks of relying on friends for transportation, my car was officially classified as a total loss. Although it was a difficult situation, it pushed me to reevaluate my options. I explored several dealerships, weighing the pros and cons of buying used versus new vehicles. I realized purchasing a new vehicle was not financially viable, and owning a used car could mean taking on potential repairs from the previous owner. Eventually, I found a solution that worked for me—a blue hatchback I affectionately named Juliet. The entire experience taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of making informed financial decisions. Moreover, my credit score improved after managing the purchase effectively. This story isn’t just about totaling my car; it’s a reminder that sometimes setbacks lead to better outcomes, providing valuable lessons in responsibility and adaptability.
Hannah please not the recap of my bday 😩