I was involved in a car accident with my hearing dog. We’re fine, and because we were prepared for any emergency, everything is progressing without any hitches.

The other driver was uninsured, but that doesn’t bother me too much since I was prepared for even that contingency. If the court does fine him and award me anything, that will be a bonus.

I have a vet familiar with my dog, and he has health insurance so his stay in the ICU, with MRIs, X-rays, IV fluids, meds, and all was reasonably priced.

I have a mechanic who’s willing to come to my house to repair the car, and a son who is a scrounger par excellence to find replacement body parts to fix the car.

I am familiar with the police and they responded with politeness and courtesy.

The EMTs knew to check Itzl, my service dog, first, and treated him for shock on the scene, then recommended a trip to the vet because he had a concussion – and later we learned he also ruptured and ear drum.

I have an emergency fund, a series of connections with people who can help me when I need help, and a plan for getting it all taken care of. Had I never needed it (and I’ve had these plans in place for more than 20 years and this is the first time I needed to use them), I would always have the security of knowing I had a plan and preparations in place.

Itzl is going to be fine, and the car will be, too.

I hope all of you reading this also make your plans and have them ready – updated as needed – just in case you need them.

What you need is:

license, insurance, registration.
blankets (even in hot weather, shocky people and critters appreciate a blankie)
make friends with essential people: police, EMTs, fire team, vets, doctors, mechanics, body shop workers, insurance agent, tow truck drivers
an emergency fund in case you end up having to pay for everything yourself (at least $3,000 – that will cover almost all the expenses of a minor accident)
a friend to drive you around getting things done

What you really don’t need, I’ve discovered, is a telephone, cell phone, or other mobile communication device. I didn’t need to use one once during all of this, mostly because everything was in my neighborhood and I knew all these people. Almost everything was in walking distance, or reasonable bicycling distance, as well.

Edited to add: If you’re traveling away from home, I’d take a cell phone anyway, just in case. But most of our travel is going to and from work and in our familiar neighborhoods, so making local arrangements will serve you well in case of accidents. You won’t need a cell phone for that.