Guardrail vs. 8: Guardrail Wins
 

Well, I hoped never to have to create a thread like this, but i smashed my 8. After paying my toll at Exit 9 Northbound on the NJ Turnpike I started going around the curve that leads to Rt 18 north. The road was wet from overnight rains and I wasn't going fast, since it was rush hour. Halfway around the curve, the rear end SHOOTS around and I'm out of control.

The 8 decided it liked the guardrail and aimed right for it. I smack into the guardrail not quite head on so no airbags deploy. But the front end is completely crunched. I hit so hard the driver's seat is loose on it's tracks.

After the crash, I sit for a second to see how many of my body parts have come loose. Thankfully, the 8 is built like a tank and I don't have a scratch.

I get out of my car and a lady who saw the crash had already pulled over and was walking to me, saying 'Sit down, you're hurt!". I'm like, "Um no, I'm ok". She says you can't possibly walk away from a crash like that - - - as I'm walking away from a crash like that.

Fortunately, an NJ State trooper was right there at the time, saw what happened and knew i wasn't doing anything crazy. So, no tickets, no warnings, nothing.

Not sure if the car is totaled, I'll know soon. I'm now driving a really cool rental car - the KIA Optima ;).

I do not have DSC, don't know if it would have helped.

For you picture vultures - I took pix, will post when I feel like it.

Now back to my period of mourning.

Sorry that happened. Even more sorry you have to drive a KIA.

Ouch... If you are fully insured with witnesses you should be able to claim it as a one-vehicle accident with extenuating circumstances... I don't remember the process (My similar crash was over 5 years ago) but if I remember right, you can get statements from the witnesses (especially the cops!) and you should be able to get full compensation.

Then go buy an 06 or 05 with DSC!

So sorry to hear what happened though, I cry inside to hear another 8 die. =(

Unless he had gap ins. ( most don't ) full compensation = book value - deductible. Add to that the increase in his rates and you have a bad deal $$ wise. Insurance companies didn't become huge being fair.

did any airbags go off? (side? curtain?)

Wow
I'm really glad you are okay
and good luck with your car

I think DSC would have definitely helped you well SAved you

but again, all in all
glad to hear you walked away without a scratch

Four replies, and no one's asked if it's silver yet. I'm surprised.

Sad to see an 8 bite the dust, hopefully you can score another one at a decent price.

DSC and Slip Control would have helped for the record...
Most of us that have it drive with at least the DSC off. Hold the DSC button for 10 seconds and it also disables the Traction Control too!
When it is wet out I keep both on to counter act my foolishness! :)

Cause we know it is Silver, Grey or Blue already!

Thats hot

That sucks so hard. At least YOU'RE all right.

Yeah, it was hot. I had to change my underwear when I got home, but not for the reason you think.

BTW - Winning Blue, No Airbags deployed. We'll see how good my Insurance is when they finish appraising it. Remember, I live in NJ where insurance sucks big time.

Sucks :(
It's good your ok though...

Dude do you have stock tires? or AF? You car should be fine. Hang in there :sadwavey:

Ouch same thing happened to me cept it wasnt to bad. Crunched the bumper and the reinforcement, somehow the foglights survived as did the headlight. New bumper, new reinforcement rx8 good as new with no chassis damage. So i know exactly where you are coming from. Hopefully everything works out for you.

oh damn, that sucks...like everyone said glad you walked out untouched!!! its a good thing our 8's are strong! DSC/Traction control is a huge plus I have it on my 8 and I love it!

bad news friend.
enjoy the kia while you still have it.

Sucks big time, guardrails have a way to F cars up. Hopefully your doesn't look like my friends DSM years ago in high school.


Notice how far in the wheel is..the left wheel is sticking about good foot out from the fender wells. Guardrail+curb moved the whole body inches over from the frame.
http://pages.prodigy.net/devdgaw/rightrear.jpg

Rain + being cut off + tire blowing out on the highway = OUCh!

Man, that sucks... DSC *is* a lifesaver (_especially_ when it's wet)
When I see that light blink, I know it's saying, "well, I saved your dumb a** again!")

I also (against the good & correct advice on this site) drove my car w/ stock tires in a light snow - I don't think I woulda made it out of my subdivision w/o DSC (the traction control part).

Take care!

Update:
Initial Insurance Appraisal - $12,178

The body shop is going to to go over it in fine detail to check for bent frame members and other stuff the initial insurance appraisal missed. I did notice that the engine cover won't fit because the grommets for the front of the cover have been pushed back at least 2 inches. So it looks like the whole engine compartment got squashed.

Accident pix will be picked up tonite, so I should have some photos later in the evening.

Wow, glad to hear you're ok. Did the estimate include fixing the seat? :) Good luck....

Sorry, no pix yet.

Estimate is going to be revised by the body shop. They will be looking at the broken seat, engine compartment, bent frame members and that type of stuff when they have it on the lift.

Thanks to all for your concern, may you all drive safely. Oh, and I was on Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S tires.

I think the DSC would have helped as I have had time to consider the accident and what happened.

I also have to vouch for the DSC. I was curious and wanted to test the tire traction in rain, so I went around a corner moderately fast, then punched the gas lightly on the way out. The instant I did that the back end suddenly swung out way more more than I expected it would. Must be the tires... DSC really saved me from spinning out that time. I won't lie, I've tested the limits every once in a while and I'd say there's a good chance that I'd be in this same situation if it weren't for DSC.

Anyways, glad you're OK and careful next time ;)

Pix: