Art Van Almost Killed Us

After a horrible car accident, I realized the fragility of life and embracing every moment.

Alyssa Hubbard

stories · 5 min

***TRIGGER WARNING: This story involves details of a car accident and bodily harm/injuries. If these two ideas make you uncomfortable in any way, please do whatever you need to avoid encountering those negative emotions.***

I have to admit this is one of the most insane, tragic moments of my life. It is a season of immense hardships that I will never forget. This is the story of the time I and my dad got into an awful car crash, almost costing us our lives.

Wednesday, February 7th, 2018

The school bell rang signifying the end of the day. It was the second semester of my senior year in high school. They say that high school is some of the best years of our lives. I strongly disagree.

At the time, I had a boyfriend who went to a different school. His little sister was playing our school in a game of basketball. I stayed after school to watch the game and cheer her on. I always enjoyed supporting her at different events.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of sports, which is ironic as I've been to a hundred sports games to watch my loved ones play. Although I barely understood what went on most of the time, it was heartwarming to see my friends and relatives pour their hearts out doing something they're so passionate about.

My boyfriend's little sister's team won the game. I showered her with celebratory hugs and affirmations. After a brief catch-up conversation, she ran back over to join her teammates for a huddle. That was my cue to head home.

It was around 5:30 p.m. Because it was February in Michigan, the weather was bitter cold and pure white snow blanketed the ground. I didn't have my license yet even though I was almost 18 years old. So, my dad waited in our family's new car in the parking lot to pick me up.

I opened the passenger door, threw my backpack onto the floor, and got in. My dad turned onto the main road to take the usual route home. I had been in the car for about 45 seconds before everything went dark.

The Hospital

It felt as though I was dreaming. I remember various blurry scenes of doctors weighing me on a scale and being in a hospital as I faded in and out of consciousness. The next thing I knew, I groggily woke up in a hospital bed. As I turned my body to look around the room, my ribs ached and my entire body felt sore. I looked in the mirror and noticed I had a bad black eye and purple bruises all over. Attached to my arm was an IV pumping some liquid into my veins.

Sitting on the floor in the room with me were two of my aunts. After observing all of this and still not fully comprehending what was going on, I fell asleep. Throughout the day, different friends and family members came to visit me, bringing stuffed animals as "Get Well Soon" gifts. I had not yet seen my dad.

Later that day, I was rolled out in a wheelchair to my mom's car and we went home.

The Accident

I have no recollection of getting into a car accident. It wasn't until days after that when people told me the whole story.

At the first stoplight on our way home, the light turned yellow. A yellow light is when people make the split decision to either slam on the car's brakes to stop or speed up to make it through the intersection before the light turns red. My dad decided to go through the yellow light. An Art Van semi-truck driver had the same idea as he was waiting to turn left directly across the intersection.

The Art Van semi-truck collided with our small car on the driver's side, destroying the car and me and my dad.

completely totaled from the collision — Image Source: Cindy Hubbard

completely destroyed from the semi-truck — Image Source: Cindy Hubbard

impacted on the driver's side — Image Source: Cindy Hubbard

our new car totaled — Image Source: Cindy Hubbard

The force of the crash caused my seatbelt to tighten, fracturing a few of my ribs to protect me from hitting the dashboard. All the airbags activated as soon as the vehicles collided, giving me a terrible black eye and knocking me unconscious. Because we were hit on the driver's side of the car, my dad received the worst of the injuries.

My dad broke his left femur bone (which is the most difficult bone in the human body to break), his knee was messed up, and he also got a lot of bruises on his body. He had surgery not long after the accident. The doctors put a steel rod and screws in his femur.

Additionally, my dad had to stay at a rehabilitation center for five weeks so that he could heal, do physical therapy, and slowly learn how to walk on his left leg again. Even though the accident was three years ago, his leg still bothers him sometimes.

The Aftermath

Those weeks after the accident were difficult both mentally and physically for us. My mom was stressed about hospital bills, visiting my dad every day, taking me to and from school, working, and not having a car anymore.

It was during this season of hardship that we were grateful to have such amazing friends and relatives. My mom's friends brought over some meals for us while we were living without my dad (Mom and I don't cook). One of my aunts bought me a bunch of mini chicken pot pies and I lived off those for a while. Family members that I don't think I've ever met before sent us cards in the mail wishing us a quick recovery and sending their prayers.

Our car accident reminded us just how sudden life can change out of nowhere. One moment everything was going fine, and then our world was turned upside down. My dad and I almost lost our lives that day. I feel so blessed that we were able to get help from doctors, strangers, family, and friends.

My dad and I both have restored respect for our precious lives. We've stopped taking life for granted. Every morning, we wake up thankful to be given another day of life.

Live every moment to the fullest.

Always be thankful for each breath you take.

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Opinions and Perspectives

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DavidGreen 2 years ago

Kudos to the emergency responders who helped you both. They often don't get enough recognition for their crucial work.

Heart_Centered_Living_101 2 years ago

Reading this made my heart race. I had a similar close call last year and it brings back memories.

Giana-Peterson 2 years ago

Having experienced Michigan winters myself, I'm extra cautious now during those months. Weather really does change everything.

Roberts_Reportage 2 years ago

The description of your injuries shows just how important wearing seatbelts is. They really do save lives.

Alina_Wonder 2 years ago

It's shocking how many people still rush yellow lights. Your story should be required reading at driving schools.

ClassicTVNostalgia 2 years ago

The impact on the whole family system is what stands out to me. Everyone was affected, not just those in the accident.

EleanorB 2 years ago

Has this experience changed how you approach driving now that you have your license?

VictoriaScott 3 years ago

I love how you balanced the traumatic experience with moments of grace like people bringing food and sending cards.

AmeliaGarcia 3 years ago

Your story helped me appreciate my morning commute differently today. We really do take each day for granted.

SciFiCinemaGeek 3 years ago

The detail about your dad's ongoing leg pain years later really highlights the lasting impact of such accidents.

Hayes_Herald 3 years ago

Stories like this are why I invested in a dash cam. You never know when you'll need evidence of what happened.

AvengersUnite 3 years ago

Finding support in unexpected places like distant relatives sending cards shows how tragedy can bring people together.

Fienberg_Feature 3 years ago

Just curious what happened with the Art Van truck driver? Were there any legal consequences?

CyraX 3 years ago

The photos really bring home the severity of the crash. Modern car safety features are amazing.

NovaBurst 3 years ago

Makes me think about all the times I've rushed through yellow lights without considering the consequences.

StarWarsNerd 3 years ago

I'm curious about the long-term psychological effects. Do you still get anxious when someone else is driving?

InfinityHorizon 3 years ago

That intersection needs better traffic control measures. Yellow lights aren't enough for such a busy crossing.

Renee-Summers 3 years ago

The part about friends bringing meals really resonates. Sometimes we don't know how to help except with food.

Riley_Joyful 3 years ago

As a physical therapist, I see the lasting effects of accidents like these. Five weeks of rehab is actually quite good considering the injury.

Motivation_Daily_101 3 years ago

Your story about the basketball game before the accident really shows how ordinary moments can precede life-changing events.

RachelKing 3 years ago

I remember that winter in Michigan. The roads were particularly bad that February.

QuantumPulse 3 years ago

Commercial trucks really should have stricter regulations about yellow lights. Their stopping distance is just too great.

AnimatedClassicCollector_22 3 years ago

The timing is what gets me usually nothing happens right after school events, when everyone's tired and rushing home.

ConsciousChoices 3 years ago

This reminds me why I always tell my kids to be extra cautious, even when they have the right of way.

DailyStretch 3 years ago

I work at a rehab facility and see similar stories often. The human spirit is truly remarkable in recovery.

Aspen_Starlit 3 years ago

Watching someone learn to walk again is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Your dad showed incredible strength.

AmeliaW 3 years ago

Reading this made me realize I need to update my emergency contacts and insurance information.

CoralineX 3 years ago

Those hospital scenes you described brought back memories of my own accident. The disorientation is so real.

Couture_Craze 3 years ago

The steel rod in the femur makes me wonder about airport security. Does your dad set off metal detectors now?

Danica99 3 years ago

Can't imagine watching my child go through something like this. Your mom is incredibly strong.

RebelGlitch 3 years ago

The fact that you were conscious enough to be weighed but don't remember it shows how complex our brains are in trauma situations.

HighStreet_Fashion_90 3 years ago

I actually drive that route frequently and always think twice at that intersection now.

Hope99 3 years ago

Not everyone is lucky enough to have such a supportive family network. Really shows the importance of community in crisis.

Lisa-Marie 3 years ago

I totally agree about appreciating each day more after something like this. Had a wake-up call myself last year.

Effortless_Chic 3 years ago

What strikes me most is how quickly everything happened just 45 seconds after getting in the car.

PriscillaJ 3 years ago

The description of waking up in the hospital was particularly vivid. I felt like I was right there with you.

Luxe-Charm 3 years ago

This story reinforces why I'm always extra cautious with my teens when teaching them to drive. Split-second decisions can change everything.

FlowWithNature 3 years ago

I find it interesting how trauma affects memory. The fact that you don't remember the actual accident is your brain protecting itself.

Haute_Tales 3 years ago

The detail about your dad's leg still bothering him years later really highlights the long-term impact of such accidents.

CyberStorm 3 years ago

Does your dad still have anxiety about driving through intersections? I had a similar accident and still get nervous at yellow lights.

EcoChic_Wellness_17 3 years ago

I understand what you mean about high school not being the best years. Experiences like this really put things in perspective.

SelfWorth_Matters_111 3 years ago

The community support you received is heartwarming. It's in times like these we truly see who shows up for us.

LoveOverflowing 3 years ago

I had no idea how expensive medical bills could be until I read this. Really makes me think about my own insurance coverage.

Breathe-Deeply_07 3 years ago

Having worked in emergency services, I've seen many intersection accidents. Yellow lights are one of the most common causes we encounter.

Abigail 3 years ago

Five weeks in rehab seems like a long time, but considering the severity of the injuries, I'm impressed by your dad's recovery.

Romance_Film_Dreamer 3 years ago

My heart goes out to your mom. Managing everything while both husband and child are injured must have been overwhelming.

HaleyB 3 years ago

The photos of the car wreck are absolutely devastating. It's incredible anyone survived that level of damage.

CameronFerguson 3 years ago

I actually disagree about yellow lights being a split-second decision. We should always err on the side of caution and stop unless absolutely unsafe to do so.

PrimeVideoBinger_101 3 years ago

Broke his femur? That must have been an incredibly powerful impact. I can't imagine the force needed to break the strongest bone in the body.

Better-Together_444 3 years ago

The part about eating mini chicken pot pies really got to me. Sometimes it's those small acts of kindness that help us get through the toughest times.

William-Joseph 3 years ago

I'm surprised the Art Van truck driver made that decision. As a commercial driver myself, we're trained to be extra cautious at intersections.

Demi_Hope 3 years ago

It's amazing how the human body is designed to protect itself. The seatbelt fracturing ribs to prevent worse damage is a fascinating example of this.

Sienna_Rose 3 years ago

Living in Michigan myself, those winter driving conditions can be treacherous. Yellow lights are especially dangerous when roads are slick.

Littleton_Lines 3 years ago

This story really touched me. I've had a similar experience and know exactly how quickly life can change in an instant. Grateful both you and your dad survived.