Rick Survived, the Truck Did Not

As you may know, our friend Rick Langford was badly injured in an automobile accident on Tuesday, September 20.

Rick was driving his truck, pulling a trailer full of dirt, when he came upon road construction without warning. He was driving the speed limit with the heavy load. He came over a crest in the road and saw the construction site with four vehicles stopped; the last in line was a White Mountain Regional student transport vehicle. He had about 250 feet to stop the truck and he braked and downshifted, but because of the lack of proper signage there was no chance to stop in time. He told his passenger to hold on because he wasn’t going to hit any people, and he steered the truck over someone’s lawn and into the woods. As a result, he was the only one to sustain injuries—which were severe—and his beloved 1996 F250 diesel, which he and Simon had just spent over a year restoring and modifying, is totaled.

Rick is being treated at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where he will remain for the foreseeable future. His injuries include one collapsed lung, with the other lung being partially collapsed; ten broken and crushed ribs; and a lacerated spleen; in addition to other less serious injuries. His spleen had to be removed. His lungs have partially reinflated and his other injuries will heal, but he is in excruciating pain and faces a long road of recovery and rehabilitation during which he will not be able to work.

Rick and Emilie are insured, but are still confronted with the immediate loss of Rick’s income and significant uncovered expenses, as well as the replacement of Rick’s truck. This GoFundMe is to help them manage these expenses until Rick is back on his feet. Anything you are able to contribute is greatly appreciated!