The most important thing was no one was hurt, apart from your pride. It is scary and very upsetting when you are involved in something like this, but accidents are exactly that.
Did you find out why the bonging noise was happening?
Slightly alarming that it took so long for recovery, but I guess it depends on how busy they are, and the location of where you are. I believe they prioritise dangerous locations first, i.e. in the 3rd lane of the M6 for example vs that of a golf club car park.