A word of prayer please......

[Terry Hatfield]

Howdy all,

Well, today was Payton's 18th birthday. He had been here eating cake before heading over to meet his friends for their party. He had been gone about 10 minutes when the phone rang and he said he was in a bad wreck. Folks, I've been around wrecks my whole life. I deal with them every day for a living but what I saw when I got the the accident scene really scared me. I don't recall seeing a vehicle as tough as a Tahoe hit any harder than this.

2 kids in an Astro van crossed the center line and hit Payton basically head on. The Tahoe ended up 300 feet from the spot where they hit. Payton said he had no brakes after the accident and the kid pulled in front of him so fast there was not even a chance to think about hitting his brakes before they hit. The reason Payon had no brakes is that the floor in the Tahoe is pushed up and back so far that it has the brake pedal pinned.

We gave Payton a Tahoe when he started driving for 2 reasons. First, it's not like a 6'6" 340 lb. kid can fit in a Civic and second for safety. I have seen plenty of examples of what little cars do when they are in major accidents. The Tahoe did it's job and the man up stairs obviously had his hand on Payton as well. He is battered and bruised but nothing is broken. There is concern about his left elbow. Possible ligament or other damage. He is to see a bone specialist in a couple of days. What he wanted for his birthday was a pair of Doc Martin army boots. He was wearing them at the time of the accident. He showed up here tonite in flip flops. I shudder to think of what would have hapened if itwere not for the boots. The steel toe is actually dented ion one of the boots.

Both kids in the other vehicle seemed to be doing OK but were still at the hospital when we left. He is here with Cheryl and I and is pretty much drugged at this time. He's gonna be some kinda sore tomorrow.

We hope and pray that his injuries are nothing more than they seem at this time. His arm is in a cast and is very swelled. At the wrist and at his elbow big time.

Your thoughts and prayers for his recovery are much appreciated.

Terry and Cheryl

[Martin Shupe]

Here's a prayer of thanksgiving, it could have been much, much worse, for all concerned. Prayers for speedy recovery as well.

[Carole Valentine]

I know it scared you to death Terry! Thank goodness it was not worse. All of you will be in in my prayers.

[Dave Anderson NH]

When I started to read this I was afraid for the worst, but as I read on I was glad to hear that things were not as bad as I feared. This is one of the most frightening things that can happen to a parent. The Lord was looking after Payton on this one.

[Kevin Gerstenecker]

Oh my gosh Terry! I got goose bumps when I read the first few lines of your post. Angie and I will remember you guys, and especially Payton in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for a full and speedy recovery for not only Payton, but the others involved as well. Sounds like a bad one. I am sure that Payton's build and physical condition helped him escape more serious injury. That is a real shame Terry, Payton is such a great young man.........very polite and just a nice kid. We enjoyed meeting him at the BBQ. We hope that Payton fully recovers with no lasting affects of the accident. With your background Terry, when you say this is one of the worst you have seen, that scares the hell out of me. You and Cheryl hang in there Terry...........and tell Payton that we are thinking and praying for him. Please keep us informed as to how he is doing. I just hope nothing serious shows up later, especially with his elbow. We're praying for you all Terry........if there is ANYTHING we can do, just let us know!

[Halsey MCCombs]

Our prayers are with Payton

[Rob Russell]

Best wishes for a full recovery.

[Dave Bartley]

Some people call the SUV's gas guzzler's, I call them life savers. Our prayers go out to all involved.

[Michael Stafford]

I pray for a full and speedy recovery. He is young and strong and hopefully resilient. Keep the faith.

[Joe Mioux]

Terry and family

As like everyone else who has responded, my thought and prayers are with you.

Joe

[Jason Roehl]

Wow. Sorry to hear about the scare like that, Terry. I hope Payton does recover quickly from any injuries and pain he does have, and we're thankful too that it wasn't worse. I know I scared my folks pretty good once with my first accident, so you'll definitely be in our prayers.

[Waymon Campbell]

Terry - What a wonderful praise report. God sure had a hand in that situation. I know you must have fearing the worst when you got that call. Its the one thing I think all parents have in common (the fear of that phone call). I am well pleased that Payton is alright. He is such a nice young man. I know you and Cheryl are praying for a full recovery for Payton. Fran and I will be doing the same for him here at home.

God Bless!!!

[Keith Starosta]

I'm so glad to hear that things look like they'll be OK. We'll be thinking about you guys. Take care.

Keith

[Sparky Paessler]

Glad to hear that Payton should be OK. Will be praying for a full recovery. Scares me to death that my son will start driving this December!

[Dick Parr]

Our thought's and prayers are with you and your faimily.

[David Plaskett]

Terry and Family

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Terry.....our thoughts and prayers are with you!

[Randy Moore]

Terry,

I am relieved to know that Payton is OK. I glad to know that those so called "GAS GUZZLERS" was protection to Payton.
God Bless you and your family.

Randy

[Ken Salisbury]

My thoughts and prayers are for Payton's quick recovery. The man upstairs was certainly watching over him.

[Donnie Raines]

Terry,

My family and I send our best wishes. As you know...I see/here about this stuff all the time too. It hits a bit harder when it is close to home!!!

Good luck Terry!

[Don Abele]

Terry, please also pass my hopes of a quick and uneventful recovery for Payton as well.

He and your family will be in our prayers.

Be well,

Doc

[Dennis Peacock]

You've got it buddy!!!!! Tracy and I will be praying for Payton AND the whole family. Tell Payton that SMC has rounded up the wagons and we're all behind him hoping and praying for a fast recovery and no serious injuries.

d

[Wes Bischel]

Terry,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Also saying one of thanks.

Wes

[Jim Becker]

My word! I'm so glad that Peyton is going to be ok, even if sore and needing some loving care for awhile. The thoughts are there...

[Paul Comi]

Howdy all,

Well, today was Payton's 18th birthday. He had been here eating cake before heading over to meet his friends for their party. He had been gone about 10 minutes when the phone rang and he said he was in a bad wreck. Folks, I've been around wrecks my whole life. I deal with them every day for a living but what I saw when I got the the accident scene really scared me. I don't recall seeing a vehicle as tough as a Tahoe hit any harder than this.

2 kids in an Astro van crossed the center line and hit Payton basically head on. The Tahoe ended up 300 feet from the spot where they hit. Payton said he had no brakes after the accident and the kid pulled in front of him so fast there was not even a chance to think about hitting his brakes before they hit. The reason Payon had no brakes is that the floor in the Tahoe is pushed up and back so far that it has the brake pedal pinned.

We gave Payton a Tahoe when he started driving for 2 reasons. First, it's not like a 6'6" 340 lb. kid can fit in a Civic and second for safety. I have seen plenty of examples of what little cars do when they are in major accidents. The Tahoe did it's job and the man up stairs obviously had his hand on Payton as well. He is battered and bruised but nothing is broken. There is concern about his left elbow. Possible ligament or other damage. He is to see a bone specialist in a couple of days. What he wanted for his birthday was a pair of Doc Martin army boots. He was wearing them at the time of the accident. He showed up here tonite in flip flops. I shudder to think of what would have hapened if itwere not for the boots. The steel toe is actually dented ion one of the boots.

Both kids in the other vehicle seemed to be doing OK but were still at the hospital when we left. He is here with Cheryl and I and is pretty much drugged at this time. He's gonna be some kinda sore tomorrow.

We hope and pray that his injuries are nothing more than they seem at this time. His arm is in a cast and is very swelled. At the wrist and at his elbow big time.

Your thoughts and prayers for his recovery are much appreciated.

Terry and Cheryl
Terry, I was shocked to hear what happened. I thank God that he's ok and was able to walk away from it. Lord knows it could have been much worse. I have two boys and the thought of them driving eventually makes me uncomfortable remembering how I was when I got my license. A healthy dose of gratitude is what is in order. Thank you Jesus for keeping Payton from a very serious injury.

[Steve Clardy]

My prayers and thoughs go out to you and your family Terry.
I also wish Payton a speedy recovery.
I know firsthand what Payton will be going through on the pain and healing of his accident.
I have been through two major car accidents in my life, and it is an experience I will never forget.

Steve

[Jerry Olexa]

Terry We will pray for a speedy and complete recovery!! Glad it wasn't worse!

[Roger Myers]

Terry,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is obvious that God was looking out already as things could have been much worse. Hoping that injuries are minimal and that recovery is swift. As the father of an 18 year old who is away at college for the first time this year too, I understand what you feel every time the phone rings late at night. God bless!
Roger

[Terry Hatfield]

Thanks everyone so much. I just got back from looking at the truck again and the van that hit him. God surely had his hand on all these boys. Everyone involved in this is apparently in fairly good shape and it certainly could have been a lot worse.

Thanks again for all your thoughts, well wishes and prayers. Payton is very sore and is drugged and asleep again now. This was without doubt the scariest thing I have ever been through. Like Donnie said, I deal with this every day and I guess one gets a bit numb to it after this many years. It's a different story when it's your kid.

Here are a couple of pics of the Tahoe. There are more important things in this world than gas mileage.

<IMG SRC="http://www.terryhatfield.com/p2.jpg">

<IMG SRC="http://www.terryhatfield.com/p4.jpg">

[Don Farr]

WOW!! Thank God he is OK. We will certainly pray that he heals quickly.

[Rich Konopka]

Terry:

Thank God for airbags. I hope your boy recovers quickly and it is an unfortunate way celebrate one's 18th birthday.

[James Carmichael]

Sure glad to hear his injuries weren't any worse, Terry. Here's to a speedy recovery!

Not far from here in Sherman, TX, we just recently had an 18-wheeler cross a median on U.S. 75 and kill 10 people in 2 different vehicles, one of them a whole family. Sobering stuff.

[Jack Diemer]

Thank God he is ok. Ditto on the thoughts and prayers here.

[Bruce Page]

Terry, you have my prayers. From reading your account of the accident, it could have been so much worse.

[Scott Coffelt]

Thank God he is safe. Glad he had the truck, I always say theres more then gas mileage.

[Dan Gill]

Prayers of thanks and for continued blessing are on the way.

[Chris Padilla]

I'm glad cars are safer nowadays...sounds like Payton will heal up just fine...lets hope the elbow is in good shape, too. Best wishes for a thorough recovery...for the whole Hatfield family! :)

[Kent Cori]

Terry,

I went through a similar incident with my son when he was 16 only the wreck wasn't as bad as you describe and the photos show. I can identify with what has been going through Cheryl and your minds and hearts. I am just happy and thankful that both our incidents turned out basically okay although the boys sport a few dings and dents. God bless oll in the Hatfield family.

[Lou Morrissette]

My prayers are with you and your family Terry. Sure hope everything turns out for the best.

[Christine Tiede]

Wow, Terry..... the look of that truck is suuure scary! I am so glad that God was there, and kept the boys out of serious harm. I pray that Peyton will heal quickly and fully, and that you and your wife will have a sense of peace again real soon.

Christine

[Tyler Howell]

Me and the Big Guy Got your back!

[Jim Ketron]

Hope everythings alright Terry!
He's in my prayers
Jim

[Charles McKinley]

Hi Terry,

PLEASE watch him very carefully for the next couple of days. My cousins husband was in a simular wreck and the symptoms of the concussion didn't show up until a day or two afterwards. If the doctors didn't tell you what to look for call and ask. It took Matt a long time to recover.

Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.

[Ron Jones near Indy]

Everyone involved in this crash will be in my prayers. Certainly God was watching over them!

[Billy Reynolds]

My thoughts & prayer are with you, family and all involved.

[John Miliunas]

You have our most sincere wishes for a quick recovery for Payton, as well as our prayers! Seems to me like the Big Guy was watching over the whole bunch already, so part of the prayer will be a "Thanks"!

[Tim Morton]

those kids had someone looking out for them, that truck is mangled. My daughter turns 16 in 6 months and I'm looking for a suburban for her!!! Good luck in the recovery and I will be thinking good thoughts for you!!

[Ned Bulken]

Terry,
thank goodness he is in as good shape as he is. I will say continuing prayers for his recovery.

[Diane Darwesh]

I will keep Payton,Your family and all of the kids who we're involved in my daily prayers.

[Terry Hatfield]

Thanks again everyone. We all appreciate it very, very much.

Payton is still super sore and not getting around very well. No sign of his glasses in the Tahoe. I guess they must have flown out the window. He doesn't need to be doing anything or going anywhere any how.

Shelter is going to be here this morning to look at the truck.

I'll keep you posted.

t

[Greg Heppeard]

Terry,

My thoughts and prayers are with you guys.

[Steve Nelson]

Terry our thoughts and prayers are with Payton and You , Cheryl, and Katie as well....Steve

[Larry Browning]

Terry,
I just found this post today or I would have posted earlier. I am so sorry to here of Payton's accident. My thought and prayers go out to you and your family. When these kinds of things happen, it really sets our priorities straight in a hurry. It makes us see how much control God has in our lives and that we should thank Him everyday for the mountains of blessings he piles on us each day.

Larry

[Bill Grumbine]

Terry, I am very glad to hear that it was not worse than it was. We will keep you all in our prayers, and it is a good thing to have all that metal around the boy, or ourselves for that matter!

Bill

[Jeremy Bracey]

Terry,

First, Ill say a prayer of thanks to the good Lord for protecting your family and the others involved from an incredible wreck.

I have three kids (to young to drive) cant imagine how I would react with a similar situation but it brings tears thinking about it.

My family and I will pray for a speedy recovery. The power of Prayer is stronger than any other power WE have.

[Boyd Gathwright]

Hello Terry,


…. We can appreciate your feelings on this accident. My wife, a couple of years ago, went through a very similar experience and the remains of the vehicle were worse than what you posted. There wasn’t a straight piece of metal on it. She was hit head on by a drunk on her way home from a church meeting. The person was traveling so fast and, as far as we know, without lights. She woke up in a twisted mass of metal. The other driver, who had just left a bar with his seven-year-old son, (neither of which had seatbelts on) was presumed dead. He was so drunk that they discovered later after cutting my wife and his son out of the vehicles that he was still alive. My wife and the other driver were scheduled to be medivaced out but the one chopper had to be refueled and only the man was medivaced out to Johns Hopkins and my wife was taken to a trauma center closer by and his son was taken to the local hospital. To compound things, my wife had already been suffering from fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis and on top of that a migraine sufferer. Though every one survived the accident, this only compounded my wife’s condition to this day. The results were, this man got a hundred dollar fine, six week ends in jail and probation for three years (some punishment huh). We have heard that this man was back to drinking again shortly after the accident (appears he did not learn a thing from his experience). With all this said, we feel very lucky and fortunate because this whole mess could have been much much worse.

<O:p</O:p

…. As you can assume, we share a lot in common in as far as accidents go. Our prayers and heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family and to the other party involved. People make mistakes in this world and the hope is that they will learn from them. The biggest problem is that the innocent usually suffer too, as in Payton’s case.

<O:p</O:p

…. May God watch over all.

<O:p</O:p

Boyd

.

[Don Henthorn Smithville, TX]

Ditto to everything that has been said. Our prayers are with you.

[Terry Hatfield]

Howdy all,

Well, this week has been spent trying to get done what needs to be done concerning Payton's accident. The insurance company contacted me the next day and said they would be here the following morning so I thought Great!!! The person they sent had zero experience and I even had to help with the total loss paperwork to make sure it was right. She made it a point to tell me that her supervisor had said that a lot of the custom stuff on the Tahoe didn't add any value to it in his opinion. I told her he better call me. :mad: I told her it might not add any value to "his" Tahoe but it sure does to mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No return call from the auto folks yet but hopefully on Monday. I told them I would waive the rental if we could get settled up so I could get the boy something else to drive. Not a big deal right now I guess. He's still super sore and not able to drive anyway. We had to order new glasses for him as apparently his flew out in the road at the accident. There not in the truck and not at the hospital anyway and this boy can not see his and in front of his face without his glasses.


Yesterday I got the call from the bodily injury guy. The guy calls me on my cell thinking he's calling Payton and demands to speak to Payton. I tell him that Payton is in no shape to be giving anyone any kind of statement right now and I have to be present when anyone talks to Payton about the accident and he gets all huffy and hangs up on me. Now that's a really nice way for that to start isn't it????

I work for insurance companies every day dealing with these exact same things. I would certinly NEVER treat any claimant like this!! It's easy to see why folks cuss the insurance companies. This is no way to run a rail road as they say. I certainly hope things take a better turn next week. I had hoped to be able to deal with this all myself as I have no intention of trying to get to anybody. I just want for Payton and myself to be treated fairly. Looks like that might not be happening without some legal pressure.

I'll keep you posted,

t

[Dave Bartley]

In light of what you have been through, you certainly do not need anymore grief. If you have been around the insurance industry any length of time, I think you will agree......It is time to call a "No Fault" Attorney and let them handle it from here on.

[Terry Hatfield]

Dave,

I've been an appraiser for 5 years. I was in the body shop for 19 years prior to becoming an appraiser.

I absolutely hate it when I have to deal with lawyers. Especially given the fact that about 90% of the time they are not needed and most folks are trying to get a huge settlement of some kind that they most likely don't deserve. I'm going to give this deal a couple more days before going the legal route. I thought for sure I could handle this on my own and I still feel like I can if the company will just get it together.

Bottom line here is I have a totalled truck and a hurt kid and I'm not trying to "retire" on this deal. I just want to be treated fairly and with some respect. My patience is wearing thin but I'm trying to NOT be one of those "call my lawyer" types. I guess at some point...some point soon, I may have to go that direction if this sort of treatment keeps up.

t

[Dennis Peacock]

Wow'ser dude!!!! As if you don't have enough to deal with right now anyway. Do I need to come up there and "he'p" you whoop them folks? :eek:

Maybe this week will be better....We'll hope and pray that it is. I'm with ya buddy...... :)

[Pete Lamberty]

I am sorry to hear about the troubles you are having. I am glad to hear that Payton is on the mend. Luckily he is a tough guy, not likely to break easily. I have had trouble with insurance companies in the past and like you I didn't want to retire on a claim. I just wanted to be treated fairly. But I know that they thought that I was a dishonest person and that they were not going to give in. I did need help from an outside source to just get what I was due. In my case I called one of those consumer help radio shows. The claim was settled immediately after they got involved. You will remember the insurance trouble long after Payton has forgotten the accident. Still the most important thing is Payton is okay. How are the people in the other car? Hope things go well for you and Payton.

[Terry Hatfield]

Pete,

The other kids are fine as far as I know. My buddy at the tow yard told me they were there yesterday cleaning out their van and looked OK anyway.

I really hope it does not come down to having to do something I don't want to do but if it does I will pursue what ever means necessary to make sure Payton and I are treated fairly. I just want to be paid what the Tahoe was worth and they certainly owe Payton something for what he as been through and will continue to be going through as he tries to heal from this mess. They even told me they weren't sure what they could do on his glasses!!! Huh???? What a joke. I really do hope this does not come down to getting a lawyer, but if that is what it takes, that is what I will do.

Thanks,

t

[Terry Hatfield]

Dennis,

I'm not sure dotting the dude's eye will help but I'll keep that in mind. :D

t

[Jack Diemer]

If all this is keeping you awake at night, Hire the lawyer, they will take the extra stess off your back. The insurance companies are probably going to be more responsive to a lawyer than to a concerned father.

FYI, I am a big cinic when it comes to insurance companies and accidents, as our family has been burned every time we have had to deal with accidents.

[Terry Hatfield]

I hear ya Jack. It's not keeping me up at night but it just irritates the heck out of me to be treated this way. We'll see what happens next week and go from there.

t

[Jim Becker]

Terry, shouldn't YOUR insurance company be advocating for you?? While the other carrier has the responsiblity, you do pay premiums...but it does sound like that other outfit is trying hard to get away with the least they can. While I understand you don't want to have to do the lawyer thing, ya have to do what ya have to do, especially since the carrier is being so nasty to you folks, the injured party. Sheesh!

[Terry Hatfield]

Jim,

Yes, my carrier will step in if necessary. That is just one more option to this deal and most likely the last option. If my carrier handles the claim then they will have to subrogate the other carrier for their money and my deductible, tow bills, Payton's medical bills, glasses etc... some of which I have already paid out of my pocket. That could/will take years. Dealing with the at fault carrier directly is the most logical way if I can make that happen.

t

[Steve Clardy]

Terry. Sounds like you might have a fight on your hands the way it has started.
My last major accident I had took a year and half to get settled.
My insurance co. couldn't help me out as I only has liability on my old truck I was driving. A month into the talks, the other insursance co. just shrugged me off. So I had to hire a lawyer. He didn't get anywhere either till I told him He would have to sue the other mans estate to get a hold on this thing. [The man that hit me died in the accident.]
My lawyer finally filed suit on the estate and got a hold on everything. Finally the family of the estate pressed their insurance co. enough to get settled with me. I did not really get enough out of it but got paid for my old truck and medical bills.
Be sure and keep on top of things as I have found most insurance co's do and will try to just forget about you. Press them hard, and if you don't get anywhere soon, hire the lawyer, even though you do not like dealing with them. Get the meanest one you can find.
Steve

[John Miliunas]

Terry, I know you're involved in the insurance bizz, (in a roundabout way) so don't take this offensively. Your experience, thus far, with the insurance carrier(s) is what I feel to be pretty typical in that they charge you the MOST they can, yet reimburse the LEAST they can! We have a number of major insurance companies located nearby and they build office complexes second to none! They're bigger, fancier and more audacious than the bank buildings. Now, tell me WHO has the $$$! :eek: Good luck in trying to settle up with them directly, but if they keep treating you like dirt, throw it in their face! Get the lawyer and carry on! :cool:

[Kevin Gerstenecker]

Man Terry, I am sorry to hear about the hassles you are having. I have a hunch you are like me...........little to no patience dealing with idiots. Sheesh, what IS the problem with paying the fair market value of a customized vehicle, fairly and justly compensating the injured, NOT AT FAULT, motorist, and just getting it done in a timely fashion? This is the kind of crap that almost FORCES you to hire legal counsel............and then the Insurance Company raises hell about that! I think every one of these "suits" at these Insurance Companies should have to go thru what Payton, Cheryl and you are going thru right now.............I have a feeling they would QUICKLY get some morals, ethics and sensitivity about 'em. I hope this gets settled fairly before you have to kick some butt Terry............I am sure you don't need the crap they are dealing. Good luck Buddy..................if ya need some help.......I'll call Bubba and Tiny......them boys is REAL nasty, and they have a certain fondness for Knee Caps! :D

[Tony Sade]

I just saw this post, Terry. My 16 year old just got his license, and while I think I taught him well, I hold my breath every time he takes off in the car. I'll keep your son, and his parents, in my thoughts and hope for a speedy, complete recovery. Good luck,

[Jim O'Dell]

Terry, the Man upstairs must have something really special in mind for your boy!! Really glad to hear that he is mostly ok. We pray that the doctor's visit in the next few days will show nothing but bruising. And yes, he will be sore tomorrow. Tell him to take it easy for a few days. He's got special permission from all of us here at the Creek.
I'ts funny how the little decisions we make day to day come out as blessings in the end (ie the Tahoe, the boots, etc.). Come to think of it, Terry, why don't you and your wife take it easy for a couple days too!! Jim.

[Dave Dionne]

Terry

I put your son on our church prayer list. I have a 18 yr old son and everytime he takes off in a car I worry. I am glad that your son is doing well and that his injuries while painfull are not life threatening. I do believe god was riding with him.

Dave Dionne

[Wade Samuelson]

I too have just prayed for Payton. Jesus is my Savior and the Great Physician.

As for the insurance company, get the attorney. Claims adjusters slobber all over themselves every time they get a case with no attorney. Besides, it'll only cost you a percentage of the recovery. You can only win.

[Michael Stafford]

Terry, dotting his eye may not help the situation but sometimes it will make you feel better... at least until the authorities arrive. The most important thing is that your son recovers. Financial losses are recoverable but you cannot replace that boy. Let the lawyer earn his pay. Take care of your son. The lawyer will take care of the rest.

[Roger Fitzsimonds]

I just read this post, Terry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you son and family.

Roger

[Jeff Cybulski]

Terry -
my prayers for a speedy recovery for your son and I hope all goes well with everything else

Jeff