Definitely a bad way to start a Saturday.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
Definitely a bad way to start a Saturday.
So let me first direct you guys to an article about what happened on the 5 freeway today.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lano...uck-crash.html
And now let me show you some pictures of my car that I happened to be driving on the 5 at that same location/time of the accident.
That last one is of the truck. Basically, when the truck hit the center divider, I'm guessing its fuel tank ruptured and it splattered diesel and flames all over my car. Rear tire, fender lining, and rear bumper caught fire. I really have to thank the other people who pulled over to the shoulder to help me put the fire out. Basically this morning I was on the way from Irvine to Promax to get my springs installed and roof vinyled. And then I have a near death experience in which a wave of diesel and fire washed over my car. Basically I was towed to a nearby body shop, got in touch with insurance and CHP, and I'm waiting to have my car towed to Promax for repairs instead of mods now. Looking at it in comparison to what might have happened if I were a few yards behind where I was, the damage is definitely minimal.
All I can say is that I'm happy to be alive. Still shaken up. I really am thankful for my life right now. I'll definitely be going to church tomorrow with my girlfriend.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lano...uck-crash.html
And now let me show you some pictures of my car that I happened to be driving on the 5 at that same location/time of the accident.
That last one is of the truck. Basically, when the truck hit the center divider, I'm guessing its fuel tank ruptured and it splattered diesel and flames all over my car. Rear tire, fender lining, and rear bumper caught fire. I really have to thank the other people who pulled over to the shoulder to help me put the fire out. Basically this morning I was on the way from Irvine to Promax to get my springs installed and roof vinyled. And then I have a near death experience in which a wave of diesel and fire washed over my car. Basically I was towed to a nearby body shop, got in touch with insurance and CHP, and I'm waiting to have my car towed to Promax for repairs instead of mods now. Looking at it in comparison to what might have happened if I were a few yards behind where I was, the damage is definitely minimal.
All I can say is that I'm happy to be alive. Still shaken up. I really am thankful for my life right now. I'll definitely be going to church tomorrow with my girlfriend.
Last edited by snarlingchicken; Apr 23, 2011 at 09:39 PM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
Thanks everyone. Hopefully I get the car fixed and back on the road soon! And yes, the fire chewed through some of the tire and through the fender liner on the rear wheel well. The rear bumper is warped as you can see but that's definitely replaceable.
Besides my slight trauma of semi-trailer trucks now, I think I'll manage.
One thing concerns me though. Seeing as my car will be left out til Monday, do you think the diesel that's practically coated the entire car will have any effect on the paint?
PS: Yes Wnunez. Your spying skills are impeccable :P
Besides my slight trauma of semi-trailer trucks now, I think I'll manage.
One thing concerns me though. Seeing as my car will be left out til Monday, do you think the diesel that's practically coated the entire car will have any effect on the paint?
PS: Yes Wnunez. Your spying skills are impeccable :P
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
2008 C350
Glad you're okay and the car is going to be okay (soon) too! Btw, the article was incorrect:
Good thing we just stayed in and around downtown LA - Little Tokyo today!
No other vehicles were believed to be involved in the accident, and no injuries were reported.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
I know! When I read that I was thought to myself, "EXCUUUSEEE ME? Helloooo? Am I invisible D:" Yes, I had a dramatic teenage girl moment, but I think seeing as my life literally did flash before my eyes, (not that I've lived THAT long compared to others here), I have some right to pout to myself...
I miss little Toyko...I could go for some katsudon right about now..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 5
From: SFV CA
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
Thanks to God you are ok and lucky to be able to tell all about it, I hate driving behind trucks not even for a second, I'm glad you are ok buddy.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
Mercedes Benz C300 Sport
That is one scary incident. Im glad that you came out in one piece. It's not everyday where you see something like this happen in the road.
Im sorry about what happened to your car. Im sure it'll all be taken care of.
Im sorry about what happened to your car. Im sure it'll all be taken care of.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 3
From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
Once again, thanks everyone. The MBworld community (or at least the W204 community) is pretty damn awesome. Anyways, to those on the East Coast, I wish you a Happy Easter!
And Anthony at Promax just got a hold of my car now. Hopefully from here on out it's a speedy process to recovery. In regards to the paint, I would say it's genuinely bad timing on my part. Accident and all. Were it a weekday I could at least get it detailed so the oil doesn't do anything to the paint (if it would anyways). Even more sad is that this morning I had my car washed and waxed in anticipation of the vinyl install and whatnot.
Sadly, seeing as its a weekend, and even better, Easter Weekend, I'm guessing the repairs will have to wait til monday.
And Anthony at Promax just got a hold of my car now. Hopefully from here on out it's a speedy process to recovery. In regards to the paint, I would say it's genuinely bad timing on my part. Accident and all. Were it a weekday I could at least get it detailed so the oil doesn't do anything to the paint (if it would anyways). Even more sad is that this morning I had my car washed and waxed in anticipation of the vinyl install and whatnot.
Sadly, seeing as its a weekend, and even better, Easter Weekend, I'm guessing the repairs will have to wait til monday.
