Brenda's Accident: A Plea for Assistance

Brenda Brown is organizing this fundraiser.

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Hi, my name is Brenda Brown. I'm trying to raise money to buy a used car. On the morning of Dec 9, 2024, as I was on my way home with a few groceries, a woman ran a red light and totaled my car. Thank goodness I was wearing my seat belt and the side airbag deployed, so I wasn't seriously injured, just very bruised and banged up. This is the only car accident I have ever been in, and it was a very traumatic experience. I was trapped in there for at least 20 minutes because the fire department had to cut the door off and get the dash off my knees to get me out. Unfortunately, I only had PLPD and she has no mini tort. I plan to take her to small claims court, but that takes time. That's something I don't have right now.

I am devastated by this. I'm 58 and live alone with my 3 cats. My only income is from work. I do not have any savings and live paycheck to paycheck like most everyone does these days. I have a job that I love, but it requires a vehicle to drive to my stores to service the greeting cards. I was also in the process of starting another part-time job, but that ended when this happened.

I have a 42-year perfect driving record and carried full coverage insurance for at least the last 30 years but never used it. So when I fell behind in my mortgage payments at the first of the year (due to furnace and car repair), I was cutting expenses everywhere I could, and downgrading my insurance was one of them. My plan was to put full coverage back on as soon as I started my second job because it is winter in Michigan. This was a hard lesson learned. I urge anyone who only has PLPD to do whatever it takes to get full coverage if your car has any value. You just never know when tragedy will strike.

I live just outside the city limits, so I am not within walking distance of anything. There are no rideshares or even taxis in Lapeer, Michigan. I desperately need to get back to work. I know everyone is struggling and money is tight. This also couldn't have happened at a worse time, right before Christmas, but any amount, no matter how small, will help to put me one step closer to getting back on my feet and would be truly appreciated.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!