>>Thanks everybody, I appreciate your supprt, I did go to the ER, my back is definitely pretty screwed up, was told by the doc that I had massive back spasms and that it was pretty much out of the ordinary to have them so soon.
>>

Storer, To echo the sentiments of previous emails-- I am sorry to hear of your loss of a car, and am glad you are OK. Thankfully the mini is replaceable. There was someone several months ago in Ohio who totally a mini, and was cut a check for 3K over what was paid, four months after it was purchased-- hope your outcome is at least as good.
Re your back; good thinking to go to the ER! I hope they have referred you to either your PCP and/or to a good Orthopod or Phys/Med doc who specializes in musculoskeletal injury/rehab. I think it really makes sense to have your back evaluated (especially if you are experiencing spasms-- could be your muscles way of protecting a small injury), to then get set up for some P-therapy, short-term anti-inflamatories and/or muscle relaxers, an appropriate interval of rest, and movement/exercise of supportive/complimentary muscles. It is likely that it is a small injury and will heal on it's own-- but it it important to get an assessment and then optimize healing conditions-- the back has a remarkable capacity to heal-- most times people either don't give the needed time, or start to heal and overdo, then create more problems. Suggest heal right the first time;

will look forward to sharing your excitement about the mini you will order in the near future.

Glad UR OK
Steve

 

Thanks for the advice, Dr. Steve. Fortunately enough for me, I work at a pharmaceutical marketing company and work with several doctors, told me what to ask for when I got to the ER, was given muscle relaxers for the spasms and pain killers. Still laid up, pain is not as bad, though. Went to see my lawyer yesterday, said that as soon as I get a clean bill of health from my PCP that they can proceed with the case, just want to make sure all has been done that needs to be done, so down the line I don't get screwed. Again, thanks everyone.
-Chris

 

Hey Storer... so sorry for your loss, glad you are okay (doesen't everybody echo these same sentiments?)... Coop sounds like he did his job in protecting you and your passenger though. I am courious about how the active/passive safety systems performed... did any of the air-bags deploy? How about the seat-belt pre-tensioners? Were any of the seats deformed from the impact? Sorry for the questions but I drive a very high number of miles each year and I bought a 5 series BMW in 99 for the safety reasons as well as the performance... now I have a MCS and drive MINI very hard... going to an autocross this weekend in So. Cal BTW, and I really want to get detailed real world safety info on the MINI's...

Thank you for your consideration... here's hoping you are motoring again real soon!

Garth

PS As an insured by Allstate, I have never had so much as a hicup with them when I have needed them (2 accidents, both uninsured Mexicans tuening left in front of me). Good Luck!

_________________
Dark Silver/White roof MCS, Prem Pkg, Lapis Blue leather (my kids liked it), 16", last seen blasting around Angeles Forrest Highway

 

Oh no! My heart goes out to you!! I'm glad everyone is ok but I'd be crying over my baby being totalled! At least you caught the &%$#!!!!!

 

Well everybody, just heard from my insurance agent, and the appraiser decided that the car is not totaled, but the estimate for the repairs is $12,200. This actually kind of sucks IMO, I really hope I don't get stuck with tons of problems down the road, after all, I did only put 130 miles on my car. Good thing is that my insurance company is required to use strictly factory parts up to $20K. The "convict" has still yet to contact her insurance company, I hope I don't get screwed!!! Thanks again for all of your kind words.
-Chris

 

>>I am courious about how the active/passive safety systems performed... did any of the air-bags deploy? How about the seat-belt pre-tensioners? Were any of the seats deformed from the impact?<<

Airbags did not deploy, I was told that the sensors are in the frame and that the impact of the guard rail did not hit the sensors, plus I was traveling "slow enough" to not set off the sensors. The inside was perfectly preserved, no problems at all, except the kickplate on the driver's side came off, it's hanging above the door to my bedroom.

Be aware of the other guy!
-Chris

 

>>Thanks for the advice, Dr. Steve. Fortunately enough for me, I work at a pharmaceutical marketing company and work with several doctors, told me what to ask for when I got to the ER, was given muscle relaxers for the spasms and pain killers. Still laid up, pain is not as bad, though. Went to see my lawyer yesterday, said that as soon as I get a clean bill of health from my PCP that they can proceed with the case, just want to make sure all has been done that needs to be done, so down the line I don't get screwed. Again, thanks everyone.
>>-Chris

Chris, Glad you are already getting good care and taking it easy. A couple of thoughts to support your healing (these sure did wonders for me)-- good to drink room temperature water; stay hydrated; relaxes muscles, hydrates joints/disks; good time to cut back on caffeine and soda (nerve irritants/diuretic)-- if you do caffeine, have a glass of water, and a half soda or coffee as a chaser; good time to cut back or stop if you smoke (nerve irritants/vasoconstrictor); also good to drink extra milk (lactaid milk is better if have trouble digesting), the extra calcium is soothing and protein helps healing; also work with your doc on excercises/stretches to avoid loss of strength.
These self care steps really can make a difference.
Take care of you!