This post is sponsored by State Farm®.
From Dream Trip to Deer Collision: Our Cross-Country Road Trip Disaster and the Priceless Lessons Learned
“At least it will make for a great blog post!” That was my parents’ reassuring second thought, right after confirming we were all safe and sound. And they couldn’t have been more accurate. What you’re about to read is, without a doubt, one of the most intense, emotional, and genuinely storytelling-worthy experiences I’ve shared across the hundreds of posts on this blog. It’s a raw account of resilience, quick thinking, and making the impossible happen when the world feels like it’s conspiring against you.
Our journey began with a vision: a memorable cross-country road trip, C and I, along with our beloved fur-baby, Bodhi. Little did we know, our adventure would take a dramatic turn on day one, culminating in our car being totaled by an unexpected encounter with a formidable 6-point buck. This is a story of survival, gratitude, and the enduring power of partnership, even when facing a deer that certainly didn’t win the war.
The Optimistic Start: Minneapolis to the Badlands
Our grand adventure kicked off in Minneapolis. C and I, a bright-eyed couple brimming with anticipation, carefully loaded our baby blue Prius with essentials for a journey across America. Bodhi, our loyal companion, nestled comfortably in the back, ready for his own version of a cross-country snooze. Looking back at that photo, we were so fresh-faced, so ready for whatever the open road might bring. What we got was far more than we ever bargained for, a stark reminder that life often has its own plans.
Badlands National Park was our first significant stop, a natural magnet for travelers from the Twin Cities. Despite being over eight hours away, its captivating and otherworldly landscape makes it one of the closest and most alluring National Parks to our home. As we meticulously charted our course from Minneapolis to San Francisco, a visit to Badlands was non-negotiable. It was a decision that would, in hindsight, become a true test of our tenacity and resolve to see this challenging trip through.
An Alien Landscape and Quiet Solitude
We departed Minneapolis early on a Wednesday, mentally bracing ourselves for a long, uneventful drive across endless plains. Bodhi, ever the opportunist, seized the moment for some much-needed beauty rest, blissfully unaware of the dramatic events that lay ahead.
The drive itself passed without incident. We fueled up with a quick lunch at Panera, determined to reach Badlands National Park in time for sundown. And when we finally arrived, it felt as though we had traversed not just states, but planets. The entrance to the park was remarkably unassuming, almost modest, but the moment we crossed its threshold, we were transported into a landscape that felt entirely new, utterly alien.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our Badlands experience was having the entire park virtually to ourselves. Apparently, November isn’t prime tourist season, as evidenced by the deserted visitor center. We embarked on two short hikes, (whose names now escape me), fully immersing ourselves in the breathtaking vistas. The park’s formations are truly awe-inspiring, resembling a colossal shark’s mouth, with its landscape sculpted into jagged peaks and razor-sharp ridges. It’s difficult to reconcile such a dramatic, sculptured environment with the natural forces that created it.
Had our trip been longer (a lament we’d voice repeatedly throughout our journey), we would have gladly spent an extra day exploring more of the park’s trails. But the sun was beginning its descent, and our Airbnb was still an hour and a half away… or so we believed. Before exiting the park, C suggested we pull over for a few more minutes to fully absorb the spectacle of the sunset. I am profoundly grateful for those grounded moments. We consciously looked around, then at each other, overwhelmed with gratitude for our lives and our shared adventure. I truly believe that the challenging events that followed would have been far more difficult to navigate had we not taken that precious time to simply be present. It serves as a powerful reminder: slow down, observe, and appreciate. You never know when life is about to take an unexpected turn.
The Collision: A Road Trip Nightmare Unfolds
We continued westbound on I-90, heading towards Hot Springs, South Dakota. We were approximately 40 miles outside Rapid City when, in a split second, our journey transformed. A magnificent, six-point buck—a truly massive deer—decided, perhaps unwisely, to cross the freeway directly into our path. We were cruising at 80 miles per hour. “BAM” was the only sound I registered, a terrifying concussion of metal and flesh. My gaze immediately snapped up, only to be met by an impenetrable wall of black. The hood of our car had buckled upwards, smashing violently into our windshield and sending shards of glass flying into our laps. The chaos was immediate and absolute.
Bodhi, startled but remarkably quick, darted into the front seats, seeking refuge amidst the sudden trauma. With incredible presence of mind, C managed to guide our rapidly dying car to the side of the road. The engine sputtered, then failed entirely, followed swiftly by the battery. In less than two minutes, we were stranded, plunged into silence, dumbfounded by the destruction, yet profoundly lucky to be alive and miraculously unharmed. The pristine beauty of Badlands and the peaceful sunset now felt a world away, replaced by the stark reality of a shattered windshield and a totaled vehicle.
This harrowing experience, while terrifying, became an invaluable lesson. I’ll share what we did in the immediate aftermath, followed by what, in retrospect, we wished we had known or done differently. I hold no regrets about how we handled the situation; every challenge offers a learning opportunity. (Though, I sincerely hope there won’t be a “next time” for an incident quite like this!) As I write this, I can almost hear C’s parents’ reaction: “You’ll be teaching people how to navigate totaling your car in a week!” They truly know us well.
Navigating the Aftermath: Our Immediate Actions
In the initial shock and adrenaline-fueled moments after the crash, here’s what we instinctively did:
- Safety First: Our absolute priority was checking on each other and Bodhi. We confirmed we were all physically okay, a relief that transcended the immediate chaos.
- Alerting Loved Ones: We immediately called our parents, not just to inform them of the accident, but primarily to reassure them that everyone was alive and unharmed. Their peace of mind was paramount.
- Tow Truck Scramble: We began the frantic search for a tow truck. Without a clear understanding of our insurance coverage or roadside assistance options, this was a challenging task.
- Out-of-Pocket Tow: Lacking immediate guidance, we ended up paying for a tow truck out of pocket, deciding we’d figure out the reimbursement details later.
- Dog-Friendly Accommodation: Our next urgent task was to find a dog-friendly hotel for the night. Our pre-booked Airbnb was now unreachable, and Bodhi’s comfort and safety were a top concern.
- Rental Car Quest: I made a staggering 15 calls to Enterprise®, desperately trying to secure a rental car that would be suitable for continuing our journey, despite my “sob story” about the deer. A huge thank you to every Enterprise employee who listened patiently!
- Securing Possessions: We locked all our worldly possessions inside the demolished car, now sitting in a random tow truck lot in Rapid City, hoping for the best.
- Unwinding (Reluctantly): We eventually found ourselves unwinding at the hotel bar, which, bizarrely, was situated inside a Perkins restaurant hosting karaoke night. Another round of thanks to the incredible Perkins staff who bent a few rules to allow Bodhi inside during our stressful evening.
Priceless Lessons: What We Should Have Done Differently
While we managed to navigate a truly chaotic situation, the experience offered invaluable insights into preparedness and priorities. Here’s what we now know we could have handled better, and crucial tips for anyone facing similar unexpected travel challenges:
- Prioritize & Plan: Instead of a mad scramble of phone calls, we should have spent more than a fleeting five seconds checking in on each other and devising a calm, realistic plan of action. The initial shock can cloud judgment, making a few moments of intentional assessment vital.
- Keep Loved Ones Informed: This one, we nailed! Keeping our parents informed promptly was the right move. They provided emotional support and practical advice, becoming an essential part of our immediate response team.
- Know Your Insurance Inside Out: This is perhaps the most critical takeaway. The car was brand new to us, a recent gift from C’s parents, and still under their insurance as we researched our own policy. This meant we were blind to critical details.
- Before Any Road Trip: Understand your current car insurance policy thoroughly. Know your coverage limits, deductible, whether you have roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and contact information for filing a claim.
- Roadside Assistance: Many policies offer roadside assistance that covers towing, saving you significant out-of-pocket expenses and simplifying the tow truck process. We learned the hard way how important this is.
- Emergency Kit: A well-stocked safety kit in the car is non-negotiable. Essentials include:
- First-aid kit
- Flares or reflective warning triangles
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Warm blankets and extra clothing (especially for cold weather)
- Non-perishable food and water
- Jumper cables
- Basic tools (screwdriver, wrench, pliers)
- A portable phone charger/power bank
- State Farm Assist Patrol: Speaking of assistance, we learned post-crash about services like State Farm Assist Patrol. This totally free service operates in 15 states across the U.S., with fleets patrolling highways to assist stranded motorists, clear dangerous debris, and provide support after crashes. It’s an incredible, often overlooked resource. If you’re traveling, especially during holiday seasons, check HERE to see if it’s available in your state. Knowing about services like this beforehand can make an enormous difference in an emergency.
- Prioritize Safety Over Logistics: In the moment, I became obsessively focused on securing a rental car to ensure the accident wouldn’t prematurely end our trip. I made 15+ phone calls, often changing plans and hanging up in frustration. This intense focus on “what’s next” overshadowed the immediate need to get to absolute safety and calm down. While having a “will” to continue is admirable, that will could have waited until we were safely back at the hotel. Getting to a safe location should always be the very first logistical step after confirming no immediate injuries.
- Valuables vs. Safety: The decision to leave all our belongings in the totaled car was tough. The trunk and passenger-side doors wouldn’t open, and retrieving items in zero-degree darkness felt impossible and unsafe. While I still feel a bit “icky” about it, this experience reinforced that, ultimately, “stuff is just stuff.” Personal safety always outweighs material possessions.
- Embrace the Unexpected (Post-Safety): Our karaoke night at Perkins? Absolutely no regrets! YOLO. At least I can now add “drank in a karaoke bar inside a Perkins in Rapid City, South Dakota” to my next game of two truths and a lie. After the immediate danger is handled, finding a way to cope, even if it’s unconventional, is part of the healing process.
We were incredibly fortunate that we had cell service and were only 40 miles outside a city. I often reflect on the vast, isolated stretches we drove through Nevada, where cell service was non-existent and other vehicles were sparse. Had the crash occurred there, the outcome and our ability to cope would have been drastically different. This realization deeply underscores the importance of preparedness, communication, and knowing your resources.
The Emotional Aftermath and Moving Forward
It’s been a month since the crash, and I’m still processing a whirlwind of emotions. Initially, the sheer fact that we had survived relatively unscathed didn’t quite register. People kept telling us how lucky we were to be alive, yet it felt abstract. A few days later, the emotional impact began to surface in the form of unsettling dreams. I’d wake in the middle of the night, needing to verify that C and Bodhi were truly okay. These dreams have largely subsided, but I recognize that I didn’t allow myself to fully process the emotional trauma of the crash right away. It’s a journey I’m just beginning to tackle, offering myself more grace and understanding.
Despite the emotional challenges, I feel an immense sense of pride in how C and I navigated the entire ordeal as a couple. We weren’t perfect, but we were a unified team. There’s no doubt in my mind that we wouldn’t have been back on the road by 9:30 the very next morning if we hadn’t faced it together. And of course, Bodhi, in his own unique way, contributed significantly to our morale and resilience.
The Journey Continues: Beyond the Crash
This dramatic account marks the first installment of a six-part series detailing our cross-country road trip. Unsurprisingly, this initial piece proved to be the most emotionally charged, but I assure you, the remainder of our journey was not without its own brand of excitement and unexpected twists. Be sure to watch the video embedded above and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don’t miss future installments, including some incredible drone footage!
This entire experience has been a profound reminder of how incredibly fortunate I am—for the supportive community I have here, and for the precious life C, Bodhi, and I share. Hug your loved ones a little tighter today. You truly never know what tomorrow might bring.
Disclaimer: This post is in sponsorship with State Farm Assist Patrol. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make THM possible.