I got court in 5 days, I rear ended a driver and the driver called the cops, I got a following too closely citation which I chose to attend court to explain the details in hopes to get if off my record.
Details of Accident:
Accident occurred on the highway at 35 MPH before i hit the brakes. I was at least 4 car lengths behind the driver in front of me. The driver in front of me slammed on the car breaks and swerved off the road onto the left shoulder. as to not hit the car in front of her, and left her right rear exposed. My front left headlight area hit her rear right area. Her behavior was very sudden and confusing, my instincts said she was going completely off onto the shoulder, well i was wrong. When i slammed on my breaks I slid all the way into her car, wheels were locked up and I feel I did my best in the situation. Apparently there was a light shower prior to my presence and I had not known this nor was there obvious evidence that there was a thin layer of water on the asphalt.
She called the cops for some reason, I have no idea why. The damage done to her vehicle was nonexistent to my perception, perhaps a scratch or two that i was unable to locate. My headlight, fender and hood got a bit crumpled up because my vehicle was lower than hers so her bumper slid over mine. Had our vehicles been level i doubt any damage would have occurred. I was able to fully replace all parts at the out of pocket cost of 125$. Calling the cops was not necessary as the cops only have to be called if the total damage done exceeded 700$ in the state of Washington.
Are there any tips on fighting my case in court, paying the 175$ following too closely citation doesn't bother me, I just don't want this incident on my record to save me in the long run for insurance costs.
Details of Accident:
Accident occurred on the highway at 35 MPH before i hit the brakes. I was at least 4 car lengths behind the driver in front of me. The driver in front of me slammed on the car breaks and swerved off the road onto the left shoulder. as to not hit the car in front of her, and left her right rear exposed. My front left headlight area hit her rear right area. Her behavior was very sudden and confusing, my instincts said she was going completely off onto the shoulder, well i was wrong. When i slammed on my breaks I slid all the way into her car, wheels were locked up and I feel I did my best in the situation. Apparently there was a light shower prior to my presence and I had not known this nor was there obvious evidence that there was a thin layer of water on the asphalt.
She called the cops for some reason, I have no idea why. The damage done to her vehicle was nonexistent to my perception, perhaps a scratch or two that i was unable to locate. My headlight, fender and hood got a bit crumpled up because my vehicle was lower than hers so her bumper slid over mine. Had our vehicles been level i doubt any damage would have occurred. I was able to fully replace all parts at the out of pocket cost of 125$. Calling the cops was not necessary as the cops only have to be called if the total damage done exceeded 700$ in the state of Washington.
Are there any tips on fighting my case in court, paying the 175$ following too closely citation doesn't bother me, I just don't want this incident on my record to save me in the long run for insurance costs.