March 11, 2009 7:00 pm
I Witness
Posted by Will under happenings
[4] Comments
So yeah, that’s the aftermath of the accident I witnessed at 3rd and Commonwealth this morning. The driver of the blue Subaru was turning left from 3rd to go south on Commonwealth when it was struck by the beige Ford coming east on 3rd. I rolled up on the scene to help and called 911 at the request of the driver in the Subaru and also because the passenger in the Ford was exhibiting some distress and complaining of chest pain.
From past experience I know how much being a witness to a traffic accident can suck, but not nearly as much as being in an accident without any witnesses stepping up so of course I provided contact info to both parties as we awaited the arrival of the police and fire departments. I also waited until the police got around to taking my statement.
While I’d hazard that both vehicles are totaled, it appears fortunately that all persons involved escaped with no serious injuries. Certainly and thankfully there was nothing observed externally that resulted. The young man driving the blue Subaru didn’t seem more than shaken up, and what I expect wasn’t more than a precautionary measure, the elderly couple in the beige Ford were transported to a hospital by attending paramedics.
It’s always a shame that accidents have to happen, but any can be walked away from are the best kind, so here’s hoping everyone involved did and I’m glad I was there to be of some service.
If you wanna hear what the impact sounded like (captured via the voice recorder I just happened to be carrying to test it out — yes, a replacement that arrived last night for the one stolen from me last week), then click here for an audioclip of what I like to call the whoa!smash followed by me telling no one in particular that I “Saw that happen… Totally saw that happen!” before rolling in to begin checking if everyone was all right.
March 11th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I’m glad no one was seriously hurt and that you were only a witness. Witnessing might suck, but being IN the accident sucks more.
It funny you witnessed an accident today, because I’ll be posting about an accident I saw yesterday. I didn’t witness the accident, but I sat in the traffic jam it caused on the 405.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Actually, it is funny that you were a witness to an accident like that, because I’m not planning to write about an accident I was in on Sunday. My wife and I were struck by a hit-and-run driver while we were stopped at a red light. We’re okay, other than the usual aches, pains and bruises you’d expect after something like that, but the car had a lot of damage.
But thanks to a whole bunch of strangers who, like you, stopped to help, wrote down the schmuck’s license and left their names as witnesses, I’ve got a lot more faith in, and gratitude for, my fellow Angelenos than I’ve had in a long time.
March 11th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Hello, I am the daughter of the elderly couple that was in the ford today. I want to thank you for all your genorosity and help. It is so crazy (but a good thing) how you happened to be there and were able to record it and all and that i am able to see and hear everything. Just an update they are doing good.
Thank you.
March 12th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Lisa: Interestingly enough my handlebarcam caught a very very minor pedestrian v. car accident the day before:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildbell/sets/72157615007503893/
Ted: Dood! Sorry to hear about your hit-and-run. Glad you and your wife are both OK and that people stepped up.
Hello Massiel: I’m very relieved to hear your parents are recovering. I was a bit worried about your mother given what she told me she’s been through recently. Everyone involved remained very calm and I’m glad I was there to lend a hand.