Ricardo Sevilla

Today after work I began my drive to I-95 Southbound from Ft. Lauderdale. I'm heading south when I hear a "thump" and look towards my left and notice a GIANT wheel moving right next to me close to my car. I notice my side mirror to be completely tilted to the opposite side and I immediately move my car away from the giant revolving wheel. My car swivels a bit, I let go of the gas pedal and I let the giant wheel move past. I notice another truck right behind what hit me with the giant letters, "Oversize Load". "Great. Frekin great!" I think to myself. Just great. I begin honking behind the "Oversize Load" truck and wave them to pull over. I get out of my car and inspect the damage. The housing to the mirror is cracked and the mirror itself was missing. I call my wife, let her know what happened and reassured her that I was OK.

I call the police and the trooper arrives. The driver of the over sized load claimed I was turning but did not see lol (lol, who can't see that big thing). I explained to the trooper that I was not changing lanes, and the hit occurred as they drove past me. If I was changing lanes, I'd be dead. The trooper believed me and began issuing the other driver a ticket.

As the trooper did his thing in his car, I began talking to the driver of the vehicle. Sincere apologies were said, and we talked about random things...including his fear of getting fired for receiving a ticket. Eventually the conversation led to me asking him where was he from, as he seemed Hispanic. Nicaragua he said. I looked over to the big truck. It was a Perterbilt truck, carrying some type of huge construction vehicle. Interesting I think to myself. I asked him what he did for a living. He told me that he travels across the country making deliveries in Pertebilt trucks. He was on his way to North Carolina. "Great. Just FREKIN great" I think to myself again. I was relaxed the entire time, until now. I walk to the trooper and stubbornly tell him that the driver and I have resolved our issues, no tickets would be required. He seemed confused at first, but he just shrugged and said OK. He'll just fill out an exchange of driver information form instead.

I go back to the driver and tell him that I'm not pursuing a damage claim.  I changed my mind. I lied to him by saying that I have a friend who owes me a favor and I can have it fixed for free. He said "really!? That's great! Thank you!". I just told him to be more careful next time. We continued talking about random things, this time his voice was a bit lighter and smiles were more frequent. After the trooper gave us our paperwork and the other driver leaves, I call my wife to give her an update. I tell her that I am not pursuing any damages.  Why she asks.

I tell her that the driver reminded me of my father some 10 years ago. A Nicaraguan man driving across the country in a Perterbilt truck to support his family. This $150-300 car damage is not worth the trouble he may go through.... there goes that N7 Jacket I wanted.