Hi! My name is Eduardo Arteaga and this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. The last 14 months of my life have been a whirlwind. I was in a car crash that totaled my car in November of 2024. I left my teaching position in February of 2025. I’ve been scraping by freelancing and Uber/Lyft driving since. However, at the end of the day, it’s not been enough. I couldn’t find a teaching position this last August and I probably won’t be able to find something until the next school year, which is in 7 months.

I am still in a legal battle regarding the crash from 2024. I was hit by a drunk driver who fled the scene. I’m fighting with my insurance to get a settlement, but there’s no clear timeline on when that will be resolved. Plus, 40% of a settlement will go towards legal fees.

To say 2025 was difficult is an understatement. I am grateful for the support system I have and the family and friends that have helped us or supported us along the way.

On Friday, January 9th, I was driving for Uber when I was rear-ended by someone. My passenger was fine. The other driver was fine. I went to the ER and got treated for whiplash. While I only feel soreness and a stiff neck, I am reticent to say I’m fine, as that’s what I did last year and as time progressed, aches, pains, and other health issues became apparent.

Most of the damage is cosmetic to the car. I’m not well mentally at the moment, but it will get better, I hope. While we all left that crash relatively unscathed, there are things that need to be fixed with the car. Insurance should cover it, but I am at the mercy of the Uber insurance and the insurance of the person who hit us. In the meantime, I can’t work until the car is deemed safe and repaired.

My wife Nicole has been a trooper these last 14 months. The burden of our household has fallen on her and I feel responsible. While she will say I am not a burden, I do feel like I am and it’s been a struggle as we have tried to maneuver through these difficult times.

I am fundraising to cover the costs of living and legal fees while I am unable to work due to the car accident and ongoing legal battles.

This fundraiser is for me, Eduardo Arteaga, and my family, to help us get through these challenging times.