Happy to be alive....

was driving to the airport early in the morning (dark) and my vehicle was struck by a wheel/tire/hub/axle from opposing traffic, some lady was driving and the tire just came off (lucky me... crap!). Impact was the driver's side windshield, then shortly thereafter my head/left face. Needless to say, I was out cold, don't remember anything. Police/CHP/Fire/Rescue took over 40 minutes to remove me from the vehicle, they took the roof off and snipped almost every A/B/C pillar.

I was in the ICU for 5 days, they had me on a ventilator for the first 2 days. I have no memory of anything from the day of the accident plus 10 days. That's crazy! Two weeks after the accident, I had surgery to fixed my broken lower jaw (center break), all the other minor scratches and bumps healed. I look normal, can't even tell I was near death. It could have been a much worse outcome, and I feel very fortunate for my well being. It will take about 3-4 months for everything to be 100%. Not saying I'm not 90% now, but there is lingering dizziness and it feels like I'm relearning to do some things that seem trivial.

I'm very happy to be alive, thanks to the German Hard Head and resilient upper jaw, lower jaw took the day off. =D

If it wasn't for the Jaw of Life roof removal, I would need a new windshield, new left front corner (wheel/tires/lower a-arm, axle) and a ton of accessory stuff.

As it stands, they are cutting me a check, minus a very small amount of money and I get to keep the truck. Buying a 2010 Tacoma and swapping all the parts over (TRD S/C, TRD Intake, EFK, HIDs, Bed Cover, suspension, Sliders, etc.

The truck will be available for anybody that is interested in parts. The 4.0L will be back to stock (70K miles). The trans was just replaced for the T/O bearing issue (only 3K miles), rear diff, leaf packs, 3 16" off-road wheels with 285/75 BFGoodrich tires. Interior (some), and basically any body parts.

I'm sad to have it end this way, but I wouldn't trade an injury or permanent disability just to keep the truck.

I took one on the chin to say the least, I feel my Toyota did too. Sacrificed, but will be parted out to bring smiles to many very soon.

 

Holy shit!!!! Im glad you're ok!!!

 

x2!

 

Nice to hear you're all healed!

 

Damn dude, you are alive and that's the only thing that matters!

 

x3

 

Ah.....most of those scratches will buff right out.lol j/k
Sorry to hear about this but I'm glad you survived this and I hope you recover as fast as possible!

 

wow, your lucky! did the lady whose wheel assembly hit you get in any trouble?

 

Glad to hear you are ok. That is one of my biggest fears when driving is having a tire/wheel come across the center divider into my path.

And dammit if I was out of money, because I would love to take the drive train off your hands (motor/trans/rear axle)
Out of curiosity, how much for the rear axle, drum to drum, including e-locker and wiring harness?

 

duuude, i am speechless. Glad to have you back man.

 

X4

Definitely makes us think about the things we take for granted.

 

I feel ya man! I just totaled my subaru outback a month ago, ended up cracking my sternum, few broken ribs, collapsed lung, concussion, whiplash. Then went and bought a 2010 tacoma, no more cars for me! (not to jack your thread or anything)

P.S. Are you parting out that bed cover or taking it with you?

 

wow man i am definitely glad you are ok. no vehicle or object is worth life-threatening injuries. hope you heal up to 100% soon!

 

Dude im glad your ok, no one deserves to be in an accident, but i guess that is what being human is.. we are glad a fellow toyota owner did not lose his life! There are too many of us to be careless! God Bless and Godspeed! Be safe and fast recovery!

 

damn dude glad your ok... they couldnt just open the door to get you out? they had to make your truck into a convertible?

 

damn happy you're ok.. one messed up thing that is.. I had a tire fly over my hood diagonally once, doing about 65mph in my old camaro. It bounced off to the side and missed any cars.

good luck with your speedy recovery.


im sure your parts will find good homes. when you get to posting sales, ill be there looking for the rear end +locker+wiring.

 

holy shiot, glad you are okay.

 

Oh damn man! Glad to hear you're ok after all that! The Taco definitely didnt fair as well though huh?

 

Glad to hear you are okay.

 

DAMN im sorry to hear that, but im glad youre okay.. I see you are in SJ. What part? and where did the accident happen