i have to go to court for it and i'm really nervous and i don't want a ticket...what can i do??
2006-09-17 14:12:58 · 22 answers · asked by bigrac15 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Pretty much everytime someone rear ends another it is that persons fault--mainly for driving to close. They only way is if you can prove that maybe the car pulled out in front of you and you didn't have enough time to stop. Other than that, if that didn't happen, then good luck....
2006-09-17 14:16:24 · answer #1 · answered by Kelly M 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The deck of cards are stacked against you. The vast majority of rear-end accidents are caused by the driver in the back.
Unless you can convince the court that you were hit from behind first, then you will probably be found to be at-fault.
The usual reason is that you were following the other car too close to be safe. You are required to maintain a safe folllowing distance behind other cars (usually 1 car length per 10 mph), so you need an outstanding reason to be found not guilty.
You need an alternate explanation that puts fault on the other driver (that's tough), or the condition of the highway or visibility (also tough), or some other factor. Was it at night? Did the other car have non-functional brake lights? Was the sun coming right in your eyes? Those things might help. But if it was clear weather and daylight, I don't see you getting off.
Just be calm, polite and respectful of the judge or hearing officer. Answer questions truthfully and accurately. You don't need to volunteer anything - just answer questions when asked, and ask for clarification if you don't understand. And if you are found to be at-fault, accept the decision and consequences.
You might be able to request a drivers education refresher course if that is an option to keep any points off your record. Take it if offered.
2006-09-17 14:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can't do anything. The damage is done. You will get a ticket and possible points on your liscense. Plead guilty, live up to your mistake, pay for the damage to the other persons car and pay attention to what you are doing when you are driving. Do not follow too closely behind other drivers. You are probably really lucky that no one was injured in the vehicle you hit, it could be a lot worse. Be polite in court and answere the questions you are asked truthfully and you will be fine.
2006-09-17 14:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to court instead of immediately paying the ticket, you can SOMETIMES get the judge to waive the points (the part that really hurts) if you've had a clean driving record and can PROVE there were circumstances.
For instance, if you go into court and can PROVE that your brakes were broken, you MIGHT get a reduction in points.
You're gonna have to pay the money, no matter which way you cut it, and it will be on your record. Relax... we've all got tickets in our past.
2006-09-17 14:23:23 · answer #4 · answered by geek49203 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Getting out of the ticket may not be an option.
See if you qualify for a public defender, if not, you can talk to the prosecutor and see if they are willing to cut you any deals. Since there was an accident in this case, you may not get an offer that you like. If you wish to ask for a continuance to consult with an attorney, the courts will likely grant you one for that opportunity.
2006-09-18 04:07:22 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand - if you have to go to court, don't you already have a ticket?
You're pretty much assumed guilty when you run into the rear of the vehicle in front of you.
Unless there are VERY unusual circumstances involved (heart attack, prescription drug reaction, and so forth) just pay the fine, pay attention, and don't tail gate anymore.
2006-09-17 14:22:02 · answer #6 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Usually you are liable for the damage if you rear end. If they ticketed you, you did something wrong to cause the accident too.
Unless you have a history of bad driving, you are usually offered a chance at going to class (at a cost) to avoid the ticket. If you weren't, then that option is not available to you for a reason, and I guess you'll have to suck it up and pay.
Tickets are there to teach you a lesson. I hope this does.
.
2006-09-17 14:16:49 · answer #7 · answered by Ray Nagin 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are exactly 2 was you can rear end someone and not be at fault.
1. You were rear ended and pushed into them.
2. They cut in front of you and stopped suddenly.
If they stop suddenly without having cut you off, you are at fault for not maintaining 'assured clear distance'. If visibility or road conditions do not allow you to stop, the same applies. You are required to allow enough space to guarantee that you can stop without hitting whatever is in front of you. The law does not make exceptions.
2006-09-17 14:38:51 · answer #8 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry to say, that in most instances, a rear ending is the fault of the vehicle that did it! If you can prove that the car in front of you caused the accident then you will not get the ticket!
2006-09-17 14:16:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
let me see you hit the other car in the rear, not much of any way out of that.
If the officer who wrote you the ticket don't show up, and the other driver does not show up, you could plead not guilty and lie to the judge, but short of that, no if you are guilty, you are guility. You also have civil court issues for paying for the other cars damage,
2006-09-17 14:27:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋