Get Us Back on the Road

Those who know us know that this is extremely hard for us to do. We are usually the ones helping others without question. However after the events of Wednesday December 14, 2022, we have been left without a reliable vehicle and no financial means to replace it. So I find myself reaching out for help.

For those who don’t know us, my husband, Ashley, and I are both on carer’s pensions for our 10yo triplets with disabilities. So finances are tight and it limits our lending ability. For the most part we make do and manage quite well from day to day. Until something like this happens.

On the evening of Wednesday December 14, 2022, just before 5pm, we had a serious accident which should have left us with serious injury or dead. We were extremely lucky to all come out of it alive and with only minor injuries. Ash and I have a few stitches from minor cuts, I have a dislocated finger and some bruising from the seat belt, the kids all have seat belt burns and minor bruising. The car, however, did not share the same fate. We were travelling home from a trip to Nissan to pick up some free items to be used in the home we are building. The trailer was loaded and towing beautifully. We checked the load at Kilkivan and all seemed ok, so continued our journey home. We got about 17km down the road before the trailer detached from the car. I remember Ash saying “it’s off” and as I looked in the rear view mirror I saw the trailer swaying from side to side with force. I turned back to look at Ash and as I did the trailer hit the back of the car, throwing us sideways and causing us to ram head on into the embankment on the opposite side of the road. The force of the impact, probably with the action of the trailer still attached by the chain at that time, resulted in the car being flipped at hi speed onto its roof. The contents of our load destroyed, our car flattened, hanging upside down from seat belts. We miraculously climbed out of the car with minimal cuts and bruises.

Inspection showed that the nut that holds the tow ball to the tongue had come off and the tow ball had come out. The tow ball was found still in the trailer hitch. The trailer has a bent wheel so can’t be towed home either.

The tow fees for both the car and the trailer have already set us back nearly $1000, draining what little money we had save or put aside for bills. And we are left without a reliable car for transport. I know this is a hard time of year for many, but if you are able to help even the smallest amount it would be so greatly appreciated. We don’t expect much, the target is just because I had to put something and looking at the price of second hand cars right now it’s not likely we will get something suitable for much less than that.

Thank you in advance to anyone who is able and willing to help. You generosity is greatly appreciated.