I Think the Universe is Conspiring Against Me
By Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (120964)
Gainesville, Florida
November 19, 2018 8:07pm CST
Earlier in the year, I was in an automobile accident, and had shared about the incident in a post on this site. For those that may recall, I was rear-ended while sitting at a red light.
Well, it happened again tonight. I was on my way home from work, and once again was sitting at a red light when I was rear-ended by a Honda Accord. The elderly lady who hit me was on her way to a Bible study group. Unfortunately, her car was totaled as she hit me pretty hard. She was pretty shaken up and upset due to the fact that she said she had both hands on the steering wheel, was not distracted, and was paying attention to her driving. Considering how shaken up she was, I believed she was telling the truth. I sustained minor damage to my rear bumper, but otherwise my truck was okay.
Here's where it gets totally crazy. Once the police had completed their reports, and insurance companies contacted, and the woman checked out by the fire department, I drove off to head home. At the very next traffic light, I was rear-ended AGAIN by a Hyundai Sonata driven by a young college girl. Just like the first accident not 20 minutes earlier, she hit me hard enough that her car was totally destroyed (and once again only some additional minor damage to my bumper). Again, she said she had not been distracted in any way, and just didn't realize she was as close to me as she was when she hit me. I at least knew she wasn't talking or texting on her phone, because I saw her get it out of her purse from the back seat of her car to call her parents. And although she was visibly shaken up and crying, she was otherwise okay.
What in the world is going on? What are the odds of getting rear-ended twice in one day? Hell, getting rear-ended twice in 20 minutes? And three times in one year? I think the universe is conspiring against me somehow. But I raise my fist in defiance and shout out proudly, "Not today, universe! Not today!"
While talking with the police officer during the second accident, I jokingly said to her, "How can these people not see my big red truck? They don't get any bigger and redder than my truck!" Guess what she told me? Red trucks are involved in more accidents than almost any other type of vehicle. Go figure.
And here's a good one I'd like to know the answer to: which driver's insurance company gets to pay to replace my bumper? The first one that hit me, or the second one? They both hit it and damaged it, but it only needs to be replaced once. Does the first driver that hit me get stuck with the bill, or does the second driver?
What are your thoughts on who should get stuck with the bill?
39 people like this
39 responses
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
I looked it up on the internet last night, and technically both insurance companies are obligated to pay. I can just have them cut the checks to me, and then I can go to a body shop and get the bumper repaired on my own and pocket whatever money is left over after I pay for the repairs.
Hmmm....the holidays are getting close, aren't they? Sure could use some extra money!
4 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
@DianneN The only problem is, as slow as these insurance companies are, they probably wouldn't issue any checks until after the new year.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
21 Nov 18
@moffittjc That's great! Enjoy the cash, especially after all the aggravation they caused.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
20 Nov 18
both cars totaled, while yours only minor. what kind of truck do you have?
4 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
It's a Ford F-150 Super Crew. I've been in 4 accidents so far in that truck, and all the cars that have hit me have been totaled, while each time I only sustained minor damage. In total, six different cars have been totaled from hitting my truck.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
@sunrisefan It is very big and sturdy, which is why I love my truck so much.
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
20 Nov 18
@moffittjc F-150 is quite big and sturdy.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
20 Nov 18
You are just an accident magnet and I have no idea who gets to pay for the new bumper, maybe both of them since you don't really have to replace it, I collected twice on my ugly little Ford Escort that two people hit and I never did get it fixed.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
I will definitely get the bumper fixed, as otherwise it makes my beautiful truck look ugly! haha But you're right, I could just have each insurance company send me a check for the bumper damage, and then use one to actually get it fixed and pocket the other check. Unfortunately, I'm too honest to do something like that.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
@BelleStarr Well....Christmas is coming up, and I could use some extra money.... hahaha
1 person likes this
@Poppylicious (11133)
•
20 Nov 18
The first. If she hadn't have hit you, you would have been on your merry way earlier and nowhere in the vicinity of the second car.
Then again, maybe Fate needed your truck to be the one the young lady drove into, so it caused the first accident to ensure this happened. In which case, her insurance should pay out!
3 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
Maybe fate did play a part. The college girl that hit me in the second accident was the most beautiful young woman I have ever seen. She was in tears and I was more than happy to give her a big hug and tell her everything was going to be okay. I now have her name and phone number, courtesy of the police report. Do you think I should call her and ask her out?
Oh, wait, I already have a girlfriend...
@JudyEv (335055)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Nov 18
Oh goodness, that is very annoying. Hopefully you've had the third happening and will be okay for a very long while now. I have no idea who should pay although maybe the first since that was the first occasion. And isn't it lucky you drive a vehicle that can total others and not the other way around.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
This is a reminder of exactly why I drive a truck, and why I keep encouraging my daughter to buy a truck. They are so much safer than all these tiny cars on the roads these days.
Although I will admit the reason those tiny cars get totally demolished in accidents is because they are purposely designed to do that in order to protect the occupants of the vehicles.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
@JudyEv Cars today are purposefully designed to crumple around the cab in order to protect the people inside. You can have a vehicle that looks totally demolished from the outside, and then look inside where the passengers sit and see that there is less damage. Of course, it all depends on how bad the accident is...these cars aren't invincible, if you hit them hard enough you can still kill or injure the occupants inside. But cars nowadays are much, much safer than they used to be, especially considering how much plastic and lightweight metals cars are made of now.
3 people like this
@JudyEv (335055)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Nov 18
@moffittjc I'm not sure that getting totally demolished protects the occupants but that's what you've written. 
1 person likes this
@Courtlynn (67094)
• United States
20 Nov 18
Oh man that is so crazy! Glad everyone was okay though.
That is definitely a good question, lol
3 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
So I did a little research on it last night, and legally I can collect the full amount from both insurance companies, get my bumper fixed, and pocket the rest of the money. But I am too honest and probably won't do that.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29412)
• Eugene, Oregon
21 Nov 18
@moffittjc You may need it next week though...
3 people like this
@Courtlynn (67094)
• United States
21 Nov 18
@moffittjc right.. I mean it's a sweet idea especially this time of year. But I wouldn't be able to do that myself.
I'd even think of paying for it myself, with not knowing who to get pay from.. Although car 1 did hit first..
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (177146)
• United States
30 Nov 18
Oh wow, how strange..the TV host Kelly Ripa can top that though..she said one September they got involved in 3 collisions on the same day. She said in her house..it is referred to as Wrecktember! I think your question is one for the insurance adjusters. Maybe they will both have to pay a portion.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (177146)
• United States
30 Nov 18
@moffittjc I don't blame you. I once had a far blue Hyundai and that car was getting rear ended every time I turned around.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Nov 18
I am slightly paranoid now that anytime I am stopped at a red light that I am going to get hit from behind. It's going to be on my mind for a long time I'm sure. I will be the most paranoid after my truck gets repaired and everything is back to new again. I fear that someone will smash into me yet once again! haha
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
1 Dec 18
@snowy22315 I hope I have gotten a lifetime's worth of accidents out of the way this year, because I'm tired of getting rear-ended.
@1creekgirl (41117)
• United States
20 Nov 18
This is certainly a strange tale. Glad no one got hurt.
3 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Nov 18
I'm excited that no one got hurt either....especially me! haha
@DeborahDiane (40226)
• Laguna Woods, California
21 Dec 18
@moffittjc - Oh my goodness! That is absolutely crazy! I thought things were bad in our retirement community, with all the half-blind drivers. And, I have been rear-ended once by one of them. But I haven't experienced anything like you did in one day! I hope that is all the accidents you have for the rest of your life!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Dec 18
I agree! Three accidents (all rear-end collisions) is too much for one year! I hope I am done for quite a long time! Big Red (that's what I named my truck) has held up extremely well and has been very dependable in keeping me safe over the years. I am very thankful to have such a strong and sturdy truck. I feel bad for the other drivers who have hit me though, because their cars didn't fare so well.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Dec 18
@DeborahDiane Thank you! I hope you have a very Merry Christmas as well!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40226)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Dec 18
@moffittjc - You would think that anyone who was paying any attention at all would notice a big, red pick-up truck in front of them. Hopefully, those drivers pay more attention in the future! Have a Merry Christmas with your loved ones!
2 people like this
@Elizaby (6901)
• Pensacola, Florida
20 Nov 18
I know people who won't buy a red vehicle just because it is know that they are in the most wrecks and since things come in threes hopefully the days of being rear ended are over for now Hope those insurance companies don't fight over who will have to pay
3 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Nov 18
I've had enough accidents this year, so I hope this is the last one for a while. Interestingly, today I stopped by the collision repair shop to schedule an appointment for my truck to be repaired, and there was a massive wreck on the 4-lane road in front of the collision center. It involved four vehicles, two of which were flipped upside down. I guess trouble just follows me! lol
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
27 Nov 18
That is totally crazy and I think you are legit thinking the universe is conspiring against you. It will make a great story to tell for years to come. I think the first one should pay. It was fine and now damaged. The second one may pay anyway. One of those cases where you can use the money however you wish but they owe you a bumper too.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Nov 18
I've already worked it out where I took my truck for both insurance companies to give cost estimates, and then told the first company I wanted them to take care of the repairs, and then I told the second company I would handle the repairs myself and that I just wanted them to send me a check.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
30 Nov 18
@Jeanniemaries Haha thanks! Merry Christmas to you too! We still have a month to go though. I wish Christmas was here already.
@Jeanniemaries (8237)
• United States
30 Nov 18
@moffittjc Great! Merry Christmas!
1 person likes this
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
20 Nov 18
About red being more involved in accidents, my previous AUV was dark magenta - almost similar to red LOL and I was badly rear-ended too and I guess and told you about it in your other discussion. Seems like you're a magnet for accidents this year :)
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
@sunrisefan I hope so too, but vehicle accidents are a very common thing. I doubt I will never be in an accident again, but my hope is that I will never be injured if I ever do get into an accident again.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Nov 18
I'm having a record-breaking year, as far as accidents are concerned.
@sunrisefan (28524)
• Philippines
21 Nov 18
@moffittjc I hope that will be the last of it for you not only for this year but ever.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Dec 18
Yes, thankfully no one got hurt. I just got my truck back from the repair shop yesterday. It looks good as new!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
19 Dec 18
@nela13 Yes, it looks new! After fixing the damage, they also repainted the truck, so it has a nice shiny new paint job!
@thislittlepennyearns (59540)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
20 Nov 18
I would say the first
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
I'm going to collect from both insurance companies. I've checked, it's totally legal to do so.
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Nov 18
@thislittlepennyearns I've got it at the top of my list of things to do today.
@thislittlepennyearns (59540)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
23 Nov 18
@moffittjc you can finally buy the inflatable Elvis sumo suit.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (467585)
• Switzerland
20 Nov 18
Two times the same day it's more than unusual. Well this is the third time this year, now it should not happen again. I am surprised about what they said about red trucks, here you pay less if you have a red car, because they are visible and have less accidents. Weird!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
I didn't know about accidents, but I did know that red vehicles get issued more speeding tickets than any other color vehicle, because they are so much easier to spot because of their bright color.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
22 Nov 18
@LadyDuck I have always dreamed about owning a Ferrari! Such beautiful cars!
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (102414)
• Marion, Ohio
20 Nov 18
Glad that everyone was only shook up from all of this. Usually the first person to rear end in a chain is at fault for all vehicles. I know that as it happened to my mom. A few cars back of her one got rear ended that it pushed a few forward enough to hit each other. But in your case I dont know. I have often heard that red vehicles seem to get hit the most. They also get pulled over more often I read one time.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
In my case, it was two separate accidents involving only one other car in each instance so there was no chain reaction. And luckily for me, both drivers in each accident admitted fault to the police officers.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (102414)
• Marion, Ohio
20 Nov 18
@moffittjc At least here a rear end accident is always the rear ending persons fault anyways,
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
@wolfgirl569 Yep, it was totally the other drivers' faults. And in both cases they admitted fault immediately (something people should never do), and both were issued tickets by the police.
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
23 Nov 18
Sheesh! I don't know who should get stuck with the bill. Just thank goodness you are okay @moffittjc !!! Do take care, Jeff.
1 person likes this
@bluesa (15022)
• Johannesburg, South Africa
24 Jan 19
@moffittjc trucking on, Jeff, trucking on, had to make some decisions. Not really writing online anymore. How are you? It is crazy times in the US with the government shut down. All okay with you?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
24 Jan 19
@bluesa I'm doing great Cathy! Glad to see you pop in here to say hi. If you're not doing the writing sites anymore, we can always communicate through Facebook!
Yeah, it's crazy what's going on with our government. Our politicians are all acting like little kids who can't get along on the playground. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of federal employees are being penalized as a result. They call it a government shutdown, but in reality all those federal employees are still required to work, they're just not getting paid. But in true American fashion, people are stepping up to help the federal employees any way they can, by helping buy groceries, pay bills, pay for medical care, etc. It warms my heart to see so many people (and businesses) reaching out to help those workers who aren't receiving paychecks right now.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Nov 18
Thanks Catherine! I'm doing okay. Still trying to fight off the flu, but otherwise I'm well. How are you?
1 person likes this
@xFiacre (12815)
• Ireland
20 Nov 18
@moffittjc Maybe you’re on this earth to be rear-ended by female drivers of Hondas, a buffer zone between them and the world to slow them down. Glad you weren’t hurt and your trucks basically ok.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Nov 18
I've certainly had my fair share of beauties rear-end me this year!
@andriaperry (116935)
• Anniston, Alabama
20 Nov 18
Do they both have Alfa? LOL. I was told the red P.T. was a wreck magnet, I dodged so many people, one got me though in the read side but he knew the cops and I got blamed.
I was about to ask do you have brake and tail lights.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
20 Nov 18
Yes, my brake and tail lights were all working at the time of both accidents.
I scratch my head on why red vehicles are magnets for accidents. Red is about as bright of a color as you can get. Red means stop. Red means danger. Red means don't hit me! How can people not see such a big red object in front of them? Surely they must see it, because they can see the tiny little red light on the traffic light! haha
1 person likes this
. But guess your truck is haunted by a bad soul @moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
31 Dec 18
I can't complain too much, that truck has been very good to me over the years.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (120964)
• Gainesville, Florida
2 Jan 19
@YrNemo You know, you may have a very good point there! I never thought about the red color bending in to the sunset, or looking darker in lower light.
1 person likes this
@YrNemo (20255)
•
1 Jan 19
@moffittjc guess red when the sun goes down, is a bit dark??? (I have been looking at red cars/trucks since, and they do look a bit darker in gloomy weather.)
1 person likes this
