I was in a minor car accident today and

I have just felt horrible all day long. It's the first accident that I have ever been in. It was my fault. I was trying to avoid being stuck in the left lane and put my signal on to switch to the right lane and I looked quickly but, obviously I did not see the car coming..I saw the car in the corner of my eye at the very last second and I hit it kinda side swiped the car.. I immediiately pulled over and checked the other car for damage and got out to see if she was okay.

The woman, had a baby in the back seat. I said to her oh you have a baby in the car! At that point I was so thankful that it was not a bad scene. I was thankful that the baby and her were okay. She mentioned that her hubby is a mechanic.

We pulled around the corner because there was no shoulder and I was concerned that other cars would not see us right away. It would be dangerous to stay there because there is no shoulder. I started to get very upset and crying because I saw that baby in the back seat and I just said thank goodness that that little baby was okay. Turns out the baby was only 3 weeks old! She called the police and we gave our information. I told her that she probably would be able to have the minor buff's compounded out. Her husband is a mechanic believe it or not. I told her if they felt that it needed more work to just have it go through my insurance. I just felt horrible and mad at myself all day for not being more careful. As I said, this was the first accident I have been in (that I caused) and the baby in the car really made me more mad at myself. I have her address from the police report and I really want to send her a card with a gift card to a baby store.. is that weird? I just feel really bad and want her and her husband to know how sorry I am..

Message edited 10/20/2008 6:52:52 PM.

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

I was in a similar situation once where the lady I accidentally hit was sooo nice about it, I really wanted to thank her for not making a big deal out of it. I tried to call her just to say a nice thank you!

No need to send a gift card, she may think that is weird or trying to "buy her" out of reporting the accident.
I think a nice card or follow-up phone call would be nicely accepted.

So sorry this happened. Good to know there are nice people out there!

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

I agree that you don't need to send anything. You did the right thing already - you pulled over and assessed the damage, offered to go through insurance, and apologized as much as you could. Minor traffic accidents happen all the time, but RARELY do they happen where the person who is at fault admits it, apologizes for it, and sincerely tries to make amends. You've already done more than most people would.

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

I would not send anything

I got into similar accident and I would not even think to send something

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

I'm sorry you were in an accident today, but happy no one was seriously injured. I used to work in claims for a major auto insurer and the only thing I would suggest is that you replace the carseat if you are not going to go through insurance. You do not want to be held liable if something were to happen and her carseat failed because of the collision. HTH!

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

i am so sorry this happened... glad that you are both ok!!

i agree with the ladies...no need to send anything...maybe a follow up call if you wanted to!

you did all that you could and was very apologetic.. im sure the lady appreciated that!

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and

Re: I was in a minor car accident today and