Hey all. It's me. Phil Morgenthaler. Lifelong Trek fan and pet lover.

I am coming to you at a moment of desperation, frustration, and sadness.

On Sunday morning (9/6/2026), I was driving on the 405 doing the speed limit, 65 mph, when it had just started raining after months of dry weather. While in the fast lane, I hit a puddle, that must have lifted up a bunch of oil, and my car instantly lost all traction. I spun from the fast lane all the way across to the slow lane, with no control over the car at all, and slammed into the brick wall on the shoulder. The car kept spinning after impact and came to a stop in the slow lane. It's a miracle I didn't hit any other cars or people, and I'm so grateful my dog Astri wasn't in the car with me.

The front of my car is completely destroyed.

Here's the part that's made this so much harder: I believed I had collision coverage on my policy. I didn't. My insurance is denying the claim entirely, which means I'm on the hook for $9,600 (Edited. I thought it was over 12,000 but that was with interest) still owed on my auto loan — for a car I can no longer drive — plus $300 for the tow truck, which also wasn't covered.

I live in Southern California, where having a car isn't optional. I work from home, but I still rely on my car for work errands and everyday life. I'm not asking for money to buy a nicer car or start fresh — I just can't afford to take on a second car loan on top of the one I already owe.

I beg my friends. Please help. I feel lost and helpless.

Any amount helps — sharing this post helps just as much if you can't give. I'm grateful for anyone willing to help me get back on my feet after something that was genuinely out of my control.

Thank you for reading this and for any support you can offer.

I appreciate your time.