I had something similiar happen.  Driving to work one morning before sunrise, ran over an electrical box that was lying in the street (yes, the little 2"x4"x3" box that holds the outlets in your house, not the big metal panel boxes or anything like that).  Not only did it pop both tires on the passenger's side of my car, the corner punched thru the front wheel and dented the rear.  2 new tires and wheels:  $1600.  Even worse, it's not considered a road hazard or comprehensive insurance claim, they consider it a wreck and upped my rates significantly. 

At least you're alright though and no one was hurt. 

And glad to hear about the new man.  :)