Texting Driver Totals Car, Causes Job Loss
I am Mary's mother-in-law, and grandmother to her two children, Makenzie, 9, and Elijah, 7. I am raising money to help Mary get a car to replace hers that was totaled when a texting driver ran her over a median.
Mary was on her was to work at Bass Pro the morning of July 10th when a texting driver veered into her lane at 40 MPH. Mary's only thought was that children may be in the navy blue car, and she didn't want them hurt. She swerved to avoid a collision. Her smaĺl Kia hit the median at 40 MPH, then up and over it and back down into oncoming traffic. Mary was able to avoid a head-on collision by jumping the median again and returning to her lane. She rolled onto the nearest side street where her car died within minutes. The incident was terrifying. The driver did not stop to check on Mary. Chances are that driver was still texting and never saw the accident they caused. Mary has Gieco insurance with only medical coverage. Gieco has been zero help.
Kia's advice for car repair was "CARSTAR Tanner's Paint and Body - Springfield". As of today, August 11th, the car has still not been on the rack for inspection, but the estimate from glancing at damage from under the hood is $8,000. It started at $3,000 and has climbed since Tanners learned any repairs would be out-of-pocket. The firewall and frame are damaged, The car has no power. Tires, rotors, and rims are unrepairable. Both axles need replaced. $8,000 does not include any cosmetic damage. At this point the car is considered "totaled". Mary has relied on her father-in-law and I for transportation during these weeks. She has no one else to turn to.
In addition to being without transportation, the day after the accident Mary was taken to ER for labored breathing and pain in her chest and abdomen. An x-ray showed that the impact of the seatbelt had cracked her breastbone and sternum. She was told to lift no more than ten pounds for six weeks. A few days later vomiting , abdominal pains, and a blood sugar over 500 prompted a 911 call. Mary was rushed by ambulance to ER and hospitalized for pancreatitus (swollen pancreas due to impact). Pancreatitus had sent Mary, a type 1 diabetic, into DKA.
During all of the emergencies Mary was dealing with, Mary's employer, Bass Pro (store), said they would figure out where to place her and get her on the schedule to work. Mary had been calling daily to return. Finally, Mary was on the schedule for July 25th-August 5th. She and I were on our way to Bass Pro the 25th for Mary to return to work when HR called to say she was not scheduled after all. Again the 26th HR called to say Mary was not on the schedule. Then her scheduled work days she had seen online just disappeared. Bass Pro has fired her without explanation or warning at a time when she is desperate to work. HR is now dodging Mary's calls and in-person appointments. She has called frequently asking for her job back.
Mary has determination to make a life for herself since she and our son have separated. She has tried so hard to become independent. Now, a texting driver has taken Mary's car, job, and medical insurance through Bass Pro. Still, Mary applied for a new job and got an interview immediately. She was hired on the spot. She started Monday the 9th, but was told the 11th that the company is closing that location. Again, Mary is jobless, still has no transportation of her own, and has no income for monthly bills.
Mary and my grandchildren are why I started this page. She isn't giving up, but is losing faith. This page will encourge her to stay strong, keep her head up, and charge forward. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe her selflessness saved the lives of children in that navy blue car. Maybe it saved lives of those in oncoming traffic. I believe Mary is still alive today because that car was not able to crash into her. God was there for Mary even though þhis happened - He saved her life. Maybe her story will lift up someone who is also losing faith.
Thank you for helping Mary's family recover from this tremendous set-back.
Christine