Hey everyone, I was involved in my first accident and need some advice. Here’s what happened: a small car in front stopped, and the pickup truck behind it hit the car. I was driving a truck behind the pickup, and I also hit the pickup, but it didn’t move after I hit it. The small car and the pickup had major damage, but my truck only got a small scratch. The police gave me a ticket for negligent driving and now say I’m responsible for all the damage. I feel like this isn’t fair since the pickup hit the car first. Does anyone know how this works or what I should do next?
It sounds like the pickup caused most of the damage by hitting the car first. You might not be fully responsible for everything.
Rowan said:
It sounds like the pickup caused most of the damage by hitting the car first. You might not be fully responsible for everything.
That’s what I think too. But since I hit the pickup, the police think I’m at fault. How can I prove I’m not?
Rowan said:
It sounds like the pickup caused most of the damage by hitting the car first. You might not be fully responsible for everything.
You can try challenging the ticket in traffic court and provide evidence, like photos, to show you didn’t cause the pickup to hit the car.
Did the small car driver say anything? If they only felt one impact, that might help show the pickup hit them first.
Kerr said:
Did the small car driver say anything? If they only felt one impact, that might help show the pickup hit them first.
Yeah, the small car driver confirmed they only felt one impact. Could that be useful in court?
Kerr said:
Did the small car driver say anything? If they only felt one impact, that might help show the pickup hit them first.
Absolutely. Their statement can help prove the pickup caused the damage before you even hit them.
If your truck only has minor scratches, it’s a good sign that you didn’t cause significant damage to the other vehicles.
Lopez said:
If your truck only has minor scratches, it’s a good sign that you didn’t cause significant damage to the other vehicles.
Exactly. The damage on the pickup’s back is barely noticeable, but the front is smashed. That doesn’t seem right to me.
Lopez said:
If your truck only has minor scratches, it’s a good sign that you didn’t cause significant damage to the other vehicles.
You’re right. The damage patterns usually tell a lot about what really happened. Bring that up when you challenge the ticket.
Since the pickup didn’t get a ticket, it might come down to your word versus theirs. Photos and witness statements are key.
Ira said:
Since the pickup didn’t get a ticket, it might come down to your word versus theirs. Photos and witness statements are key.
I have some photos, but I didn’t take them right after the accident. Will that hurt my case?
Ira said:
Since the pickup didn’t get a ticket, it might come down to your word versus theirs. Photos and witness statements are key.
It might, but even later photos can help if they show the damage. Just explain why you didn’t take them immediately.
Have you talked to your insurance about this? They might help argue that the pickup is partially responsible.
Bryce said:
Have you talked to your insurance about this? They might help argue that the pickup is partially responsible.
Not yet. I wasn’t sure if they’d be helpful or just try to settle quickly.
Bryce said:
Have you talked to your insurance about this? They might help argue that the pickup is partially responsible.
They usually try to settle, but it’s worth giving them all the info to see if they’ll fight it for you.