Multiple Car Accident

[corinth]

I know this is going to sound like I am making this up...here goes.

I was driving home on the freeway from a local winery with a five gallon container of Muscat wine juice and a five gallon container of merlot grapes when I was involved in a multiple car accident. I was rear ended as were three other cars.

The once container with the with the Merlot grapes survived but the container with the muscat was THROWN against the inside of my mini van and exploded!!! I now have wine juice all over the carpet in the back rugs. I had tied them down securely just in case...

Here is my question? what is the best way to get wine juice out of the rugs! I used several methods but I thought someone out there might know.

I am not yet sure the insurance will cover new carpet as the accident just happened today but I was lucky. Two of the cars were totaled!

Needless to say the Highway Patrol was polite but questioned me quite a bit since the whole minivan smelled like wine.

Kinda of rocky start for a new hobby!

comments or suggestions would be welcomed

 

[dralarms]

No help but my sympathies.

 

[Runningwolf]

I had a bottle explode in my car last year and took it to a car wash and had the inside cleaned and carpets shampooed. I was good to go but it was only 1.5 liters.

 

[tonyt]

Assuming LA weather cam be hot and humid sometimes I think that carpet will stink to high heavens some summer days. With that said I have no doubt yout insurance (comprehensive) will cover new carpet. You may have to insist and not settle for a cleaning. You be da man. Good thing it eas the juice that splattered and not you.

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

Wine Away or Wine Out.
I only have the 2oz bottles but they make it in either 8 or 12 oz bottles. Check with a local liquor / wine shop for larger bottles.

 

[seth8530]

Wow, that sucks. I am glad you are ok.

 

[corinth]

I really appreciate your sympathy and empathy. I shampood it the moment I got home, along with some pain relievers and my sons help. I will take it to the car wash and have them shampoo the carpet. I have already called my insurance company and they will start to move on the whole matter. U R right, it was good that I was not spattered and only the wine.

Then again, my first hobby is woodworking and the thought of having some HEAVY EXOTIC LUMBER INSIDE THE CAR could have gone through me like butter even though I always tie my lumber down real well.

thanks!

 

[Kraffty]

First off, glad you're home in one piece. Second, what local winery to LA were you able to buy grapes and juice at? I'd love to have a local source.
Thanks, Mike

 

[Boatboy24]

Sorry to hear about the juice and the car, but glad you're OK.

 

[Tess]

Just glad your hear to share the story!!

 

[corinth]

To Kraffty
the local winery is Marabella winery in San Pedro. They are very nice elderly couple!
They are located at 344 west 8th street
san Pedro ca.
310-833-9783

Sorry it took so long to get back to you but the Insurance companies have kept me quite busy!
ed

 

[corinth]

Dear Kraffy, I thought I had posted a reply to your request and now it seems it never was posted so I must have done something wrong. I apologize!
The name of the place is Mirabella Winery in San Pedro, California. Hope this helps.

 

[corinth]

I want to thank everyone for their advice and kind words. At the present time, the Insurance companies are still going back and forth since there were 4 cars involved.

On a more cautious side, after reading the police report , I was shocked and dismayed on how the policeman who took the report omitted facts , did not answer my questions truthfully and used misleading statements.

I do not think the officer was being a bad guy. I wrote my insurance company claims specialist a detailed account with very specific details. I also will be submitting a letter worded professionally to the training division of this law enforcement department(no names and the situation will be altered as not to cause the officer any problems)

I have worked in the past as a consultant for advanced training for a major law enforcement department, worked with many officers both on and off duty(they are the ones who taught me)and my research background has taught me what to say, how to say it and to document everything; therefore, some words of wisdom:

Always take notes at the time while the officer is taking their notes.
Second, "I do not Know" is a legitimate answer,
third, do not be mislead into misleading questions that may seem to specific even though you are told otherwise.
fourth, take as many pictures as possible of every vehicle.
Once again, I am only relating what I consider appropriate information and in no way wish to discredit the law enforcement departments.

Knowledge is a very powerful and productive tool.

I hope I do not upset anyone since that is not my intent.

 

[corinth]

Since there have been 533 views on my accident, I think I should share with you some more words of wisdom based on the fact that in over 55 years of driving, this is my first accident

1.Because you have comprehensive, that does not mean that you have medical that will cover you--it covers the other driver.

2, if your insurance will fight for you, that does not mean that they will have their legal staff do it for free--they may hire someone and you will be billed.

3. always get a copy of the police report

4. if you have no injuries or slight injuries and do not want to claim pain and suffering if there is none at the moment. Just leave the claim open.There is a limitation and though the other insurance may try to pressure you to close it out--tell them no but also make sure you document with them what you think your injuries and the doctor you are going to so they can write it down.

5.in my case, I am claiming nothing and will probably will never but since I have a history of back, knee and shoulder problems, have multiple disabilities(these do not effect my driving) I will not sign anything and will probably just let the statue of limitations expire( I am just being cautious).

6.the other drivers immediately wanted money for soft tissue and got it--hey it was a quick $250 bucks , free doctors office, etc and they were all better--that is there morality.

7. If you hit someone, even if you insurance closes your claim, the other person can hire a personal injury attorney and sue you if you have any assets. That is a long haul !

8. If you have a son or daughter that causes an accident who is over 18, they cannot go after you--only your son or daughter which they probably will not do since all they may own is a bike and an x-box!

9. My car will be fixed by my insurance( I will pay the deductible) even though I was rear-ended, the other insurance has already agreed they are 100% libel but they are stalling as much as possible. So, I will pay the deductible, my insurance will fix my car by their authorized auto body who will charge everything they can and then the bill will be sent to the other insurance who will have to pick up the bill. I tried to be fair about the whole thing, wanted to save everyone money, but since the other major insurance are being "&$##^$%", no more nice guy! let them pick up all the costs!

10. The other insurance can lie to you and actually break the law. that is why there is something called the "insurance commissioner" for what ever state you live in.

Talk to your agent if you wish and ask them improbable situations. They will not lie to you(hopefully) but will not answer a question if you do not know what to ask.

lastly, if any of my information helps one of you out there, then it is worth it to me.

Blessings to all