I got into a car accident today.

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

<p>I never thought it would happen. I got my license three weeks ago, insurance two days ago, and my friend was in the car (and I learned later that no one under 20 was supposed to be in the car with me for a full year after I got my license, or until I turned 18)</p>

<p>I ran a red light. I broke the law, and I didn't even realize it. I felt like I was in a daze, and I woke up when I heard honking and a car smashed into my friend's side of the car and hit us so far that we hit another car.</p>

<p>The police didn't seem to notice that my friend was under 20. They would have arrested me? My insurance is liability only, so if the insurance finds out that it as completely my fault (which they will because it was), they will pay fully for the other two cars involved and I pay for my own damages.</p>

<p>I am completely shocked. There's a smell that I can't get rid of...broken glass? I don't even know what it is, but it's something burning.</p>

<p>Two cars, including mine, look absolutely terrible. The other car got a slight bump. and NO ONE WAS HURT.</p>

<p>The minute it all happened, I started crying...I hardly cry, but I just imagined....that I would get arrested, that my parents would kill me, that I don't know what. The other two drivers didn't talk to me and I don't have their insurance info or anything, but the police has it...The police were incredibly useful and efficient..and just amazing.</p>

<p>The reason I'm posting this is..well, this was a life changing moment for me. It humbled me enormously, especially with my brother (who picked us up) and I just...I'm so grateful that no one was hurt...and I'm scared out of my mind as to
a) how much this will all cost
b) what my parents will do when they find out in an hour or two
c) what will happen if the court notices that my friend was under 20 (dmv website says fine and/or comm. service)
d) what happens if, a few months from now, one of the other drivers realizes they got hurt- -- or fakes an injury (like my brother's friend did, and got 150k for it)</p>

<p>I'm just...I know I did something wrong, and I'm prepared to deal with it, but I'm still so incredibly scared. </p>

<p>That's all...</p>

2

<p>You're very lucky. I really feel like screaming at you, but I'm not going to. A person who ran a red light almost killed my dad, but instead left him alive, with no memory, and years of rehab and an inability to work. </p>

<p>You were VERY lucky nobody was hurt.</p>

3

<p>I've had two car wrecks and just recently had my suspension on my license lifted.</p>

<p>Praise the Lord you're all fine.</p>

4

<p>I am so sorry to hear of your accident. I know it seems like the world is going to come crashing down around you. The most important thing is no one was hurt, cars can be repaired, parents will calm down (eventually) and your life will go on. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes, stand up and accept responsibility for your own actions and be thankful.</p>

<p>I hope everything works out well for you.</p>

5

<p>Romanigypsyeyes - I'm sorry to hear about that. At least he is still alive. I know I'm extremely lucky no one was hurt. You should scream at me - albeit, online - I've done it to myself, my brother has...and I expect many more to come.</p>

<p>Tyler - How did they happen? Was everyone okay?</p>

<p>Counting - You're right. It's just hard to see that right now. Over time, I'm sure it will pass by, but right now I'm just...incredibly upset and disappointed with myself and it doesn't really seem real yet. It probably will in the next...half hour or so when my mom comes home. I hope she doesn't take it too hard. :/</p>

6

<p>Your parents will definitely be relieved that no one was hurt.</p>

7

<p>Being in a car accident is really frightening. Hopefully your parents will be understanding. =] I'm glad to hear that no one got hurt.</p>

8

<p>@Optimization</p>

<p>Both were rear end collisions as well as my fault. </p>

<p>The first one happened as I was turning left at a stop light. The car in front of me randomly stopped as I was exiting the intersection. I was not able to stop in time, although I was able to maneuver my car to reduce the impact. </p>

<p>About three weeks later, I was hurrying home from school to get changed for work. Traveling about 80, a car stopped in front of me and I hit them from the back.</p>

<p>No one else was hurt. However, I had severe whiplash and had constant migraines for almost 6 months.</p>

9

<p>Your parents, like Central said, will definitely be relieved that everyone's okay. It's good that you had insurance and you're VERY lucky that the cops didn't realize your friend was under 20...it's a fine and/or comm. service, but if you get a mean cop he can take your license (depending on your history) and make your friends walk home.</p>

<p>Yay california. -.-</p>

10

<p>I get my license in a few weeks (if I pass the test that is), and this is a real concern of mine. I could never forgive myself if I hurt someone because I wasn't paying attention. California law is a bit irritating, as it would be so much easier for my friends and I to carpool to track practice/cc classes together, but, oh well.</p>

<p>I'm so glad everyone is fine.</p>

11

<p>Yeah. I never appreciated or..even respected CA law and I just...today was easily the worst and best day of my life. It was the biggest reality check...realizing what my parents have done for me, how incredibly ostentatious and just righteous and arrogant and all this stuff I've been with them just because they are minimum wage earners, and my lack of....my brother always told me that I was book smart, but I never had actual sense, that I wouldn't survive on the street or even living alone. And, I used to dismiss him and just make fun of him..being arrogant as I was with him. He was the first and only person I called. He was there for me. and he gave me a reality check.</p>

<p>And I'm so grateful..unbelievably grateful that no one was hurt and that it was okay. I'm gonna go back to taking the school bus, and I'm just...going to wait and see things out. Get a job, hopefully, so I can pay my parents for this back. </p>

<p>I won't be driving for quite awhile, but umm...yeah. </p>

<p>I hope none of you ever have to experience this (again, for those who have already). And thanks for your kind words.</p>

12

<p>Optimization:</p>

<p>Speed bumps like this happen for everyone. You're a great person, and you should know that. Now get ready to put this behind you and move on in life. I know you'll do well.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

13

<p>I got into an accidet four weeks ago, i too had only had only had my license for three weeks actually. I was in my dad's car and I was skidding on ice and the car wouldnt slow down, so i had to swerve into a snowbank to miss hitting a car stopped at a stop sign. However, I ended up hitting a fire hydrant and there was $4500 in damage. I also had two passengers in the car which Im not supposed to for 6 months, but I dont think they noticed? because I havent heard anything about a license suspension still. Anyway, hang in there.</p>

14

<p>Thanks everyone. The police claims and insurance agents of one of the other parties involved called me yesterday. Up until that call, it almost seemed like everything was forgotten. I was still haunted when I got into a car, and I haven't driven since (besides once around the block when my dad made me...and I know I should get back up on the horse, but it is the least of my concerns right now).</p>

<p>I told my parents everything that happened except...that my friend was in the car. They don't know, and my brother agreed to hide it from them. My parents told me not to drive anyone and they are very traditional..and just...I'm so afraid of what would happen if they knew. They'd...you can imagine. </p>

<p>Now that I got the call and the court date is set...My dad said not to answer or call back any of the insurance agents. He said they shouldn't be calling me, that they should call my insurance agent. So, I should stop picking up their calls. I feel like I should because it was my fault and I want to resolve it, but after everything that happened, I'm going to do what my dad says. </p>

<p>I'm just...I know GreenDayFan and one more person said they had someone in the car that they shouldn't have..but the police didn't notice. The police took down the information of my friend - well, her name. So, they noticed, but they didn't seem to notice/care about her age.</p>

<p>I'm just...I feel like I'm trapped in this lie, and I want to tell my parents but I know that it would be dumb to do so.</p>

<p>Any reassurance? Has anyone been in a situation like this and their parents didn't find out there was someone else in the car or something similar to that?</p>

15

<p>


</p>

<p>ahaahahaha. on a less hilarious note--what kind of car did you crash?</p>

16

<p>A Toyota Camry...It was somewhat old, and it was practically totaled after the accident. So, we didn't have it fixed up, and just got rid of it. It probably would have cost more to fix it up than it was worth.</p>

17

<p>OPT: Do not go to court without a lawyer. They really know what to say and do, and will get you off the hook as much as possible- you'll have to pay a fine for sure, but could avoid points. Also, make sure a parent goes with you-judges like that. I speak from experience.</p>

18

<p>We don't have a family lawyer, and my parents are a bit against getting a lawyer since they said that these things happen and it's not a big deal.</p>

<p>But, I'll try to convince them otherwise...try, but probably won't succeed. How do you think I could find a decent, but not super expensive lawyer? There are TV Ads, but I think you might caution me against that. And, how much do lawyers usually charge for their services for something like this?</p>

19

<p>What year Camry?</p>

20

<p>95, if I remember correctly</p>