Mostly Thailand has been wonderful, relaxing, nurturing…but this morning, yikes! Nok and I were on our way to the market to pick up a few things when SLAM, we were broad sided as we were going through an intersection. The other driver ran a red light and didn’t even slow down. I think we were hit at 25-30 miles an hour.
Before you get too worried… we’re both okay physically. No trips to the ER or anything.
Both cars sustained major damage – worth a small fortune by Thai standards. The guy who hit us said his light was yellow at first, then later changed his story and started claiming that his light was green.
Anyhow, he’s sticking to his story, and the camera mounted at the intersection is broken, and nobody stuck around to provide witness. That’s the worst part. There must have been over a dozen people right there, on motorcycles and what not, who just zoomed off once they saw that nobody was dying. I guess nobody wanted to get involved, but now we’re stuck with a long drawn out process of trying to get this guy to pay for the damage. Nok had only the minimum insurance, so that won’t cover anything.
From 1:00 to 9:00 PM we were at the scene of the accident standing in the hot sun, then at the police station trying get things processed. Nok spoke to about eight different officers. I don’t know why they kept passing her around. We’re still not done. I have to go to the special “Tourist Police” so they can take my statement because nobody at the police station spoke good English. They’re doing some kind of investigation. Nok might even have to go to court to get things sorted out.
On the good side, the authorities really seem to care about justice, finding out to who is at fault, and holding them accountable. On the bad side, things take forever here!
My coaching homework (I have a coach too) this week has been to inquire into what’s perfect about everything that happens. LOL
It’s a good thing too or I could have really spiraled down into a negative place. I can’t really say that I have a great answer to that question about this situation, but just asking the question kept me in more relaxed, accepting state of mind. One thing is for sure, I sure am grateful that everyone is healthy physically. I’m grateful that we weren’t on a motorcycle. I’m grateful that if we end up having to pay for this ourselves, we’re in Thailand, because it will probably cost quite a bit less than it would cost to have it fixed in the US.
Well, be careful everyone! Stay safe. Enjoy your life. It’s precious!
---Ryan Eliason is a professional life and business coach. You are reading his personal blog. Subscribe here. Also, see his professional blog for bite-sized business building tips and lifestyle design strategies. Download your FREE audio seminar and workbook on How To Have The Best Year of Your Business and Your Life.
One Response to “Car Accident”
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Ryan,
I’m so glad everyone is physically okay! The lesson from this “perfect” incident will be revealed…and it could “just” be the reminder to be thankful.
Take care, and breathe.
rebecca