Hey everyone, I got two traffic tickets today in NY, and I honestly don’t think either of them was deserved. I swerved to avoid someone who pulled out in front of me, and now I’ve got one ticket for ‘speed not reasonable or prudent’ and another for ‘failure to keep right.’ There weren’t any cops around when it happened, and I had witnesses who explained the situation. My car got towed, and I’m just wondering… can I fight this? Anyone dealt with something like this before?
Yeah, you can totally fight this. Did you get witness statements? That can really help if you go to court.
Vanya said:
Yeah, you can totally fight this. Did you get witness statements? That can really help if you go to court.
I didn’t yet, but I know who they are. Is it better to get written statements or just have them come to court?
Vanya said:
Yeah, you can totally fight this. Did you get witness statements? That can really help if you go to court.
Both, if possible. Written statements are good to have on file, but having them in court is even stronger.
The ‘failure to keep right’ one is tricky. You technically broke the rule, but you had a legit reason, right?
Storm said:
The ‘failure to keep right’ one is tricky. You technically broke the rule, but you had a legit reason, right?
Yeah, I swerved to avoid hitting someone. Isn’t that a valid defense?
Storm said:
The ‘failure to keep right’ one is tricky. You technically broke the rule, but you had a legit reason, right?
It is, but you’ll need to prove it. Like pics of the scene or maybe surveillance footage.
Wait, what does ‘speed not reasonable or prudent’ mean exactly? You weren’t speeding, so why’d they give you that?
Joss said:
Wait, what does ‘speed not reasonable or prudent’ mean exactly? You weren’t speeding, so why’d they give you that?
I think it means my speed wasn’t safe for the situation, even though I wasn’t speeding. It’s so frustrating!
Joss said:
Wait, what does ‘speed not reasonable or prudent’ mean exactly? You weren’t speeding, so why’d they give you that?
Oh, I see. That’s messed up. If the road was clear till they pulled out, you’ve got a good case.
You should check if there’s any traffic camera footage. That could back up your story big time.
Amari said:
You should check if there’s any traffic camera footage. That could back up your story big time.
Good idea, but IDK how to get it. Do I call the city or something?
Amari said:
You should check if there’s any traffic camera footage. That could back up your story big time.
Yeah, usually city or county offices handle that. It’s worth asking for sure.
Just curious, why’d your car get towed? Were you stuck after swerving off the road?
Isle said:
Just curious, why’d your car get towed? Were you stuck after swerving off the road?
Yeah, I ended up on the shoulder and the car wouldn’t start again. So frustrating.
Isle said:
Just curious, why’d your car get towed? Were you stuck after swerving off the road?
Ugh, that sucks. Hopefully, you can use that to show how serious the other driver’s mistake was.