Scary moment at work today

"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit) 03/22/2014 at 20:21 • Filed to: None

0

16

Finally calmed down..... Was changing the oil on the Camry when some guy comes in a yells "ANYONE GOT A PHONE??" One of the techs asked why and he goes "There's an accident out there, call 911!"

Just so happened I did, so I call 911 and start running out the back door. I see a brand new car up against two other brand new cars, and the engine is revving up like someone's foot is on the gas. Which it was. One of our salespeople who has epilepsy was driving and must have had a seizure. He spun one car out of the way, pinning it against his door, and t-boned another car. The car he spun also hit four or five cars parked behind it. All brand new.

He's slumped over the wheel, airbag deployed, and all the doors we CAN get into are locked. I'm on the phone getting bounced around 911 operators, so I tell the tech that's out there with me to break the window. He runs and gets a hammer and does just that, putting the car in park and shutting off the engine.

The salesperson is incoherent, but appears okay and is breathing normally. Talking to the 911 operator I verify where we are, and that he's okay and responding, and I sit there and talk to him before the paramedics get there.

They couldn't get him out the passenger side easily, so I called a tow truck to pull the other car he hit away from his door. They got him out soon after, and we started assessing the damage. All the while grateful that it happened on the lot with no one else in the car or around, and not out on the highway or with passengers on board.

He's on medications for the seizures, and at this early moment am unsure if he's been taking them or if they've been helping but.... I feel bad for the guy. He's probably going to lose his job over this.

And, the customers who were coming to buy that car backed out of the deal. Not another car in the same color or a discount would help.

Nice, eh?

Gallery of pics; !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

More close ups of the worst damage; !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

$kaycog > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 20:23

0

That is really a chilling story. Glad nobody was hurt. I feel sorry for the guy.

Skif6996 > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 20:29

2

They can't actually fire him for that. They can, however, tell him he isn't allowed to drive dealer vehicles. At that point he might as well leave. Either way, I'm glad he seemed to be ok.

Tom McParland > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 20:34

0

Man...that was intense. Glad the dude is ok and no one was seriously hurt.

Takuro Spirit > Skif6996 03/22/2014 at 20:36

0

Yeah but someone who can't drive isn't the best employee to have at a dealer... I know what you're saying though, it's against all kinds of laws to fire someone for a medical condition.

Skif6996 > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 20:42

0

They can make it incredibly difficult for him until he quits. I don't really get that though, insurance will cover the damages.

Takuro Spirit > Skif6996 03/22/2014 at 20:49

0

But our insurance won't want to insure him after this I'm sure.... in the past I had a driver that I had to let go because after he crashed HIS car, then our delivery vehicle months later (not his fault), our insurance company found out and at first put a high ass deductible on him, then said NOPE. Can't cover him. Gotta let him go.

Didn't help that his own accident was a DUI and he was driving on an occupational only which didn't cover him driving our vehicles at work.

shop-teacher > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 20:53

0

They can stick him behind the parts counter. Something similar happened to an epileptic friend of mine. He's a police officer, and was on the job in a cruiser when he had a seizure. Luckily nobody was hurt. Turned out the pharmacy screwed up his meds. He was reassigned to a desk job.

Pitchblende > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 20:55

0

What are the laws about keeping a driving license when you have epilepsy? I've heard tales of UK drivers keeping attacks quiet from their doctor, because if they get them regularly they are not allowed to drive.

The Compromiser > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 21:20

0

I had to keep my fines and charges under 2 for the dealership I worked at or they had to change what I was alliwed to drive. If I hit 3 I was out. Cadillac s n vettes so I got it.

Agrajag > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 21:20

0

My mother has epilepsy, and the fear of something like this is what stopped her driving completely.

samssun > Skif6996 03/22/2014 at 21:26

0

Instead of "firing him for that", they can just choose not to continue employing him. Or did this take place somewhere where you can force people to employ you (and if so, can they in turn force you to keep working there)?

Takuro Spirit > shop-teacher 03/22/2014 at 22:05

0

Even behind the counter we have to drive. I dunno, things might work out. Can only guess at this point.

mazdaspeed2 > Takuro Spirit 03/22/2014 at 22:24

0

I hope he is okay, and I am glad no one got hurt. Also, he is lucky that you and your coworkers didn't panic in that situation, props to you guys.

Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager > samssun 03/22/2014 at 22:46

0

He can't be fired because of his epilepsy thanks to a little something known as the Americans with Disabilities Act. He would simply be relegated to another job within the company were his condition would no longer be an occupational hazard, most likely a desk job.

samssun > Nighthawkwill7, Hoon Depot Manager 03/23/2014 at 00:35

0

The ADA protects someone who's qualified for his job (government's own description). It says if I can do my job, you can't fire me because you don't like deaf people. It doesn't obligate you to create/find a new job for me if I can't perform my job's essential functions.

Joining a protected group was never meant to grant special rights despite what "progressive" activists may desire. Why should an epileptic car salesman who can't drive have special rights an accountant who can't do math doesn't have? Both need to find something they're qualified for, rather than obligate their employer to support them.

The alternative will only breed resentment for your cause, and send employers running if they know hiring someone from a politically favored pet group means having to support them forever...

Skif6996 > samssun 03/23/2014 at 08:56

0

This is true. If he doesn't work in a "right-to-work" state, they can fire him without having a reason. However, he could sue them afterwards and probably win.