Paul Masters is a troubled and irresponsible young man who doesn't much care about himself or his future until he crashes into the elderly Mrs. Halston one morning while rushing to school. He nearly kills her and, as a result, faces the harsh reality of severe legal jeopardy if she dies. His relationship with his girlfriend Sandy is also on the rocks and everything in his life seems to be spiraling out of control until Mrs. Halston recovers and appears in court on his behalf, rescuing him from a lengthy jail term and a doomed perspective on life as well.
Following the brutal accident caused by Masters' impatience and carelessness, Mrs. Halston is taken to the hospital with her life hanging by a thread. He witnesses her carted away and realizes his life is forever changed by one careless act. Ironically, he fails to realize that what seems like a tragic event ending only in misery for him is really the most fortunate and life-altering moment of his life. Bad luck turns into the best possible circumstances for Paul Masters.
Sandy, the love of his life, is equally a mess and hasn't a clue what she wants from life. She parties too much, hangs out with destructive, immature friends and considers Paul a crimp on her wild, unrestrained lifestyle. She only wants to dump him after the accident and possible jail sentence because she can't deal with the tragedy of it all and, unknown to her, the even greater tragedy of losing him.
Reconciliation is hard won for both after a rather rocky break up but when they start talking openly for the first time because the pressure's off at last, they find they have more in common than they realized which draws them closer together. Toward a greater appreciation for each other and profound love too after Mrs. Halston rescues Paul from himself.