Would you write an apology letter?

Question

I feel really guilty right now because I damaged my car pretty badly, but it wasn't my fault because I was trying to avoid this car that was wrecklessly trying to switch into my lane. If I didn't avoid that driver I would have gotten into an accident. Unfortunately when I swerved I ran into the curve and couldn't stop in time to avoid it and now my car is messed up and the steering wheel is really messed up and all thanks to that wreckless driver. Hopefully it won't cost too much to fix it. Anyways, my parents were very mad at me and my mom was going off on me the entire day. I haven't even talked to my dad yet since this morning. I'm really afraid to talk to him and apologize to his face because he may blow up at me. My parents aren't even understanding about the whole situation either so I don't know what to do. Should I write an apology letter or does that sound weird? What do you guys think I should do?

Answer 1

First of all, don't feel guilty. The most important thing is that you are alive and in one piece, and all the rest is just money matters. You did what you could, and it's not your fault that you hit your car. Your parents should thank god that there's no damage to you. So don't be too hard on yourself.

Second, don't be too hard on your parents either. They probably just were very scared by the thought what might have happened to you, but somehow can't express it properly. That's all.

Third, if you think they don't understand, then a letter is a good idea. It will be easier for them to see your point if it's in written. Because if they get too emotional reading it, they can just put it aside for while, calm down and get back to it when they are in better mood. I'd go for it.

Answer 2

Perhaps it would be better to get them both together, and say you are very sorry, but you made a mistake, but it was an accident. If you did not get a ticket, you're off the hook, as insurance may help with the cost, but don't write a letter to your parents. Save that for when you are married and you've had it up to here with your husband. That really works.

Unfortunately, I reversed up our driveway hill into what I thought was my parking spot at home, and hit my Dad's chrome bumper. I got up super early the next day and cleaned the car, hoping he wouldn't notice it must have been me. He did guess, but he said "someone banged into my car last night - or did you do it?" I didn't answer. I was always terrified of my Dad.

If you can really get up the courage, and ask your parents to let you tell them all about it, they will see how you feel, and hopefully they'll say, do better next time. It wasn't your fault, but no good turn goes unpunished.

Answer 3

What I read in your question is that you are quick to blame someone else for YOUR actions. The roads are full of wreckless drivers. You must focus on the road conditions constantly. Not let yourself be distracted by friends, stereos, cell phones, etc. And when you must react to the actions of another driver, you must learn to do so appropriately...neither under reacting nor OVER reacting. We all face this challenge and sometimes we have accidents no matter how well we drive. And then we fix the car.

Show your parents that you are growing up and accepting adult responsibilities by telling them that the accident was not your fault but its still your responsibility; tell them that you realize that the insurance premium may well go up if you try to put in a claim; and then tell them that you will get a job to raise the money necessary to fix the car. And then just do it.

But tell your parents and calmly. Not in a letter.

Answer 4

If you write a letter that makes your parents sit down and hear what you have to say with out interrupting you. I think it is a good idea. Any time I was having trouble with my parents that is what I did. Just be warned that if you do a letter they can hold it against you if your story changes or if you say something a certain way. Don't get angry just explain in detail what happened with no feelings involved. Explain what went through your head and why you did something. Then in the last paragraph say you are sorry and let your feeling out then. During that time explain to them it was a total accident and that by having them scream at you it is harder to talk to them. Good luck and I hope this helps you out even just a little.

Answer 5

Wait for your parents to cool down a bit. Then sit down and talk to them about the accident. Tell them exactly what happened, and go through the whole scenerio with them. Ask them (in a kind, inquisitive tone) what you could have done to avoid damaging your car. If there was anything that you could have done differently, let them know that you understand how it could have been avoided. If there was nothing else you could do, then explain to them that you made the only choice that you could have made.

Good Luck !

Answer 6

Dear Ma'am or Sir: Sorry that I'm such a spoiled brat that I have to do such childish things by calling other people names on something. Perhaps one day I'll grow up, but most people on Yahoo! Answers seriously doubt I ever will. You see, I had to go there to ask how to write this apology letter, and this is what they gave me. I just copied it verbatim because I'm too lazy to write one on my own and I'm not really THAT sorry. Sincerely, Spoiled Brat

Answer 7

the best thing is to really apologize personally. But if they are too mad right now, maybe you can just let it cool down for a while. don't talk to them yet, it will just turn into an argument. You can leave them a note saying, "Can I talk to you? I want to apologize for wrecking the car, I can explain everything. Please listen to me." Then just wait for them to initiate the talk. don't go pushing it, don't explain it in that letter. they are fuming mad right now. I can understand that, maybe because they are just glad nothing happened to you in a different manner. Some parents are not as showy as others and they just explode. They explode because sometimes they are mad that it happened to you, not because you wrecked it on purpose. So, just cool it and bear it. In a day or two, start talking. but don't be too defensive, appear apologetic, after all, you did wreck the car.

Answer 8

I would write one. Explain what happened, say you're sorry for the damages and that you weren't trying to do anything but the right thing.

Answer 9

Tell them you had to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Remind them that you are ok and you all should be thankful. If they continue to be upset about the car ask them to rethink their priorities.