Now I know exactly how Mick felt, although my woes are somewhat less serious, and TBH I'm glad to still be here.

 

Was driving up to Nottingham on Friday, heading along the A14 towards the M1. Anyway, some miles after the Spittles interchange at Huntingdon there's this gutter that runs right across the westbound carriageway (probably the eastbound as well but I didn't see). It's covered over with sections of concrete or metal, not sure which as I've never paid it much attention.

 

I'm doing 70mph in the outside lane and am pulling back into the inside lane (I really was doing 70 -- there are too many speed cameras round there to be bothered looking out for them all the time anyway). Problem is that I see pretty much in the centre of the road (maybe just to the left of the centreline) that one of the sections covering this gutter is sticking out at one end. You can guess what happened next.

 

Two loud bangs as both wheels on the drivers' side go over it. I had literally no time to react. Only thing I could have done was swerve violently (not about to do that at 70), or slam on the anchors. Again, not a great plan since there was another vehicle not too far behind in the inside lane. I stop at the next layby, which is about a mile further on. No visible damage to front tyre or wheel, however the rear tyre has a slight bulge in the side and the wheel has been deformed at the point of impact. Amazed both tyres didn't just blow out - that could have been *extremely* interesting. Even more gobsmacked that neither of them punctured. Don't know about damage to the suspension etc. Having an assessment done by a local garage tomorrow.

 

Reported the incident to the police, and they've given me an address to submit a claim for cost of repair, which is good. I just hope the company concerned doesn't decide to make an issue of it. I wasn't able to take any photos at the time, and TBH they would have got a repair crew out straight away I imagine because of the type of road and the danger of an accident being caused.

 

Not sure yet whether to get my insurers involved just because my excess is about £500 anyway, however I'm thinking perhaps if they did get involved it would speed things along with the company in question. Going to give them a call tonight.

 

Anyway, for the time being it's kind of put paid to any ideas of getting my spoiler sorted, fitting an induction kit, and doing a few other bits and bobs, because at least in the short term I'm going to need some cash to get this sorted. At the very least it's probably a new wheel, two new tyres for the back (because I want to fit F1s and don't have them on at the moment), possibly new tyres for the front, plus any bits for the suspension. Of this I should be able to claim for the wheel and two of the tyres (assuming the front one needs replacing), but it's a pain in the arse if I have to do them all now because that's another £250 + labour.

 

Sorry, I'm going to stop moaning now. Like I say, I'm just glad to still be here, and the car can be repaired no problems: it's only money after all. Just venting.

Wow you were lucky mate. Glad youre ok

Konrad

:shock: sorry to hear that mate. that sure was a lucky escape you had. i think the tyres deserve a good pat before theyre removed. just make sure you get whats owing from the company.

Jesus, that could've been bad. I was only doing 30 when i hit the pothole. Stick in there like I did bud and get what you're entitled to ;) .

 

Strange thing is my tyres never blew either. Hope the damage ain't too bad. Make sure you get a thorough check on the car.

glad you o.k, hope you get paid out without to much fuss

I normally drive up that way on Friday night, but this weekend I left it until Saturday morning - didn't see anything untoward at that time though.

Glad to see you are ok buddy!!

really try to get some pics matey if your going after the company to sue them

Close shave, glad your ok :)

Hell fire mate, i'm glad but supprised it wasn't more serious from what you've said!!! Glad your ok though and although not the ideal surcumstance but it might be a blessing in disguise for your Z if you can claim a nice payout!!

Kin ell, how did i miss this!!

 

Glad yer OK bud!!

Thanks guys. Me too. Car's just gone in for assessment this morning. Subsequently ABS light has come on, fuel pump relay appears to have stuck causing battery to drain, so I had to get her jump-started this morning (although I don't think the latter has anything to do with Friday's incident). Could be an expensive week, but like I say, just glad to still be in one piece. Had a look at the tyres: Michelin's, so I think this says something in their favour. Rear tyre *still* hasn't gone down and shows no sign of doing so. Unbelievable.

Stick to ya guns as i would say they would have almost definatly made a repair by now. Good Luck ;)

Had some good news about this. Just the rear wheel and tyre need replacing. No other damage. Suspension and everything else underneath is fine. ABS problem wasn't related: just the relay for the pump had seized so the warning light came on. Got that fixed now as well. Now just need to claim and find a new wheel. I guess I could keep the old one as a spare too, so it's looking good so far. Just hope Carillion don't kick up too much fuss over it (this is the company I'm claiming from).

 

Thanks for all the support guys.

 

 

Bart

You should be able to pursue some sort of claim against the people responsible for the item you struck, assuming you know who they are? They have some duty of care.

This is good news bud, at first it sounded horrendous, a new wheel and tyre shouldn't be more than £300 should it? I doubt they'll kick up too much fuss about that! Glad to hear your car is still working!

damn. i am happy your ok.

I just had a accident today.. but no where as spectular as yours. I am really happy your ok.