Cadillac Helps Accident Survivor Replace Ride with CPO Model
MILWAUKEE — A 25-year-old Milwaukee man who thankfully survived a 20-foot drop into a downtown sinkhole while driving his black 2007 Cadillac Escalade got a helping hand from a local Cadillac dealer and the brand's certified pre-owned program after his SUV was totaled in the accident.
An onlooker helped Lance Treankler out of the sinkhole, and the accident was covered by Treankler's insurance policy.
His Escalade did not meet the same fortune, as it was completely ruined by the crash. However, that's where Cadillac and its dealers stepped in.
With their help, Treankler was able to locate an Escalade in the Milwaukee area that was "almost identical" to his, as it was from the same model-year, sported the same color and included all-wheel-drive.
Not only that, but because they made sure the vehicle was a CPO unit, Treankler will get to enjoy warranty coverage and a slew of other amenities on the vehicle, according to officials.
The vehicle was found at Metropolitan Cadillac in Milwaukee, which had the model at the store.
Max Stephenson, who owns the store, voiced his happiness with being able to offer a model almost exactly like the original.
"Every day there are people who have accidents," Stephenson stated. "For us, it's common practice to help them out however we can. This one just happens to be a little more public because of everything that happened to Lance."
As far as Treankler's health, he said there has been back pain, however, there were no serious injuries.
Oddly enough, the original vehicle ran for 28 hours after a crane removed it from the sinkhole.
"It was a pretty surreal moment," Treankler said. "Everything happened so quickly. I'm just happy to be out and alive."
Treankler also shared his joy of once more owning an Escalade. He was pining to replace his totaled ride with another Escalade as soon as he discovered the original was rendered useless.
Treankler praised the Escalade for the space it offers as well as its handling when the weather gets rough, which often happens in Wisconsin.
"I like the size," Treankler said. "And living in Wisconsin, I like the way it drives. It's a beast in the winter."