As an aside, another thing you can do is get a credit card with a low or no annual fee. Again, don't worry too much about the APR. Buy a few small things on the card every now and again. Don't ever charge it up to more than half of the credit limit, and pay it off every month to avoid getting raped in the wallet by the APR you'll probably have. Three or four times a year, leave $10 on it rather than paying in full, but be sure to pay it off the next month. Keep this card forever (which is why you want the low annual fee). Even after you get better cards later in life, keep this card open.

thanks for the reply Greg,
i had planned on already getting a credit card but like i said, the wreck took me out of work. and no company will give me a card unless i have been working. hopefully soon i'll be able to get a card though.