Please Help!! What do I do? CAR ACCIDENT ****ADVICE/HELP****

[cozycritters]

If you can create reasonable doubt for the Careless Driving it will be dropped.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Quote:
I agree.

The careless driving is probably because you swerved to avoid the deer. It's not the recommended thing to do.

 

[PamsPride]

Careless driving because you lost control of the vehicle.

I would suggest if you have to go to court make sure you wear a suit and tie!! It does go a long way! My mom had to go as a witness on one case and the judge made a point to make one guy stand up and show him to the entire room of people waiting for their case to be heard. He was the only gut wearing a suit and tie. The judge told everyone else that they needed to wear and suit and tie and show respect for the court too.

 

[hennypenny9]

I think if you go in and take responsibility you will be fine. Here's an example for you. My friend who was 17 at the time, rear ended an AMBULANCE. She got a ticket. That was all. (even though from personal experience I think she should have had lots worse happen)

Anyway, the "I learned my lesson" line, since you are sincere will probably help you.

Good luck!

 

[silkiecrazy1212]

"Careless driving (inattentive, forgetful, inconsiderate)"

Nebraska DMV


I dont see how swerving to miss a dear fits into the above categories.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Quote:
Because by swerving to miss the deer you lost control of the truck-which is why you are not suppose to swerve. Plus, had there been someone else on the road your actions could have ended up involving them in the accident.

 

[silkiecrazy1212]

I understand that swerving to miss a deer was NOT the right thing to do!!
I would like to know how that is careless! (Oh yeah, and I knew all of the facts about what to do if a deer jumps out, but you never know just how you will react until you are in the situation. That is one thing I have learned.)

 

[silkiechicken]

Dress nicely and be honest at court. In the end, it'll probably be a fine and may go on record meaning higher insurance. It'll be gone soon enough. They may cite you for inattentive/forgetful just because you swerved. Inattentive b/c of not scanning road/bushes ahead far enough, forgetful because they may have taught you to not swerve in that type of situation and you did.

I would try and fight it anyways, just be honest, as those things come with practice and time driving. Say you knew what you did and understand what you should have done the next time. They might reduce/drop or even differ things. But things do vary state by state, and judge by judge. Here, if you drove on a permit, you'd get a huge fine (friend back in 2004 got a 790 fine for driving with only a permit) and the car towed if no other licensed driver was in the car to drive the car back. Then again rules are pretty tough here and if you are under 18, even with a drivers license, you cannot have non family member passengers in the car under 18 if no adult is in the car.

 

[silkiecrazy1212]

I was in a heavily wooded area, so scanning the bushes would have done no good.

During my driving test, (written or actually driving) teaching about avoiding animals were not included in any way.

I am not trying to prove you guys wrong or shoot your ideas down, but please try to come up with anything and everything the judge might say.

Thanks so much, and please keep the advice coming.

Josh

 

[Picky Chicky]

My husband is a sheriff's deputy and he said that every State is different, each one has varied laws/penalties and more importantly, every Judge is different - so anything could go no matter what anyone on this thread suggests.

But, with that being said, here is a case he witnessed:

Driver was a younger kid with a learner's permit (they're supposed to have an adult with them while driving). It was 2:30am and the driver was driving himself and 5 other friends in an SUV.

On court day the Judge gave the young driver 50 hours of community service and a year suspension on his license.

The only tips my husband had was:
Be humble. Dress for court. Show up on time for your court day. Remember your manners (yes sir/ma'am, etc). Speak for yourself - don't try and have your parents bail you out - it shows responsibility that you're owning up to the mistake.

Expect the worst and hope for the best. Maybe you'll just get community service or driving school.

Regardless, I think we all here can say we're on your side and wish you the best!!