1998 Volvo C70 Convertible problems

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · MD · crash · 1 injury

I bought my 1998 volvo c70 convertible in jan 1999. On may 20, 1999 at approx 11:45 pm, I was driving in the left-hand lane on rt.175-w in columbia, md, approx. 1 mile from my home. Stopped at red traffic light at dobbin rd/rt.175 intersection. No other cars. Light turned green. Proceeded forward. I was accelerating forward then rpms dropped. I pressed on the pedal and had no response. The headlights faded out and the rpms dropped to 5 MPH. No cars around me, I stopped the car, put into park and tried to restart it twice. Nothing happened ?? No sounds from the engine. I immediately put my hazard lights on. Then a car passed me on the right. I saw headlights of a car approx. 200 feet behind me in the same lane. I said out loud, "please don't hit me. Get in the other lane. Please don't hit me." that is the last thing I remember until waking up in shock trauma emergency room at u of md medical center in baltimore, md lying on a gurney - 2 policemen at my feet and my parents on my left. Somewhat aware that I had a neck brace on, but more concerned at the time that my head was killing me. I had a large gash in the back of my head that required 8 staples. I fractured 2 vertebrae in my neck, (c4, c5). The doctors decided on natural healing instead of surgery. I was required to wear a sumi neck brace for 12 weeks. I was admitted to the orthopedic critical care floor for 6 days. I received morphine and percocet. After 6 days, I was released to my parents care to cont. Round the clock care giving. I was unable to take care of myself - required assistance to take a bath and supervised when using the toilet, eating, and sleeping. My mother drove me to my doctor during the 12 wk. Period. The sumi neck brace was removed on august 12, 1999. After which I wore the cushion whiplash brace for another 4-week period. Did not return to work until mid-sept 1999.