On January 29th, 2026, my vehicle of seven years—a 2020 Toyota Corolla—had its transmission fail unexpectedly. The repair cost was higher than what I still owed on the car loan, so I sold the car and paid off the loan. I then purchased a 2020 Hyundai Sonata SEL PLUS through Carvana, making sure to do everything right: pre-purchase inspection, addressing recalls, buying an extended warranty and gap insurance, refinancing for a better APR, and registering the vehicle. This took a lot of effort and resources, all while I was processing the loss of two family members in March. By the end of March, everything was finally in place and I made my first car payment, feeling like I was finally getting back on track. On April 1st, I traveled to Minneapolis for a concert—a drive I’ve done many times before. On my way home in the early hours of April 2nd, I was involved in a serious car accident caused by another driver who fell asleep at the wheel. My car was thrown into the air, flipped onto its roof, and rolled several times before coming to a stop in a ditch. Miraculously, everyone involved was unharmed. However, my car was totaled, and now I am without a vehicle again. Between my auto insurance and gap insurance, my new car loan should be taken care of, but I don’t expect to receive any extra compensation for the accident. Having a reliable vehicle is essential for me to get to work, run errands, and visit family out of state. I’m starting this GoFundMe to raise money for a down payment on another car so I can regain my independence and stability. I’m not really a person to ask for help, and I haven’t shared much about what I’ve been through these past months. Sharing my story now is a big step for me, and I’m feeling really defeated. I truly thank anyone who considers donating or even just sharing my fundraiser.