So I was at fault in an accident, and I got cited for running a red light and careless driving. The lawyer’s asking for $4000 to help, but I’m wondering if it’s even worth it. Should I just go to court by myself? Anyone been in this situation?
Oof, that’s tough. Honestly, if the fines are high or you risk points on your license, I’d say it could be worth it to hire the lawyer. They might help reduce the charges or at least make it less stressful. But IDK, depends on your situation.
@Wilder
Yeah, I’m worried about the points. But $4000 seems like a lot… I wonder if I could just negotiate with the court instead.
I had a similar thing happen. Ended up hiring a lawyer for a case like that. They got me a lesser fine and fewer points. Honestly, it felt like money well spent, even if it was a little steep at first.
@Tobin
That’s good to hear. I guess if the lawyer can get me a better deal, it might be worth it after all. Thanks for sharing!
I’d be careful. Some courts are pretty strict with red light running and careless driving, so going alone could be risky. If you lose, you might have to pay even more in fines or insurance rates. The lawyer might save you in the long run.
@Ocean
Yeah, that’s what I’m worried about. I guess I should at least think about how much it could cost me if I mess it up.
I went to court without a lawyer once for something similar. It was stressful, and I ended up getting hit with a bigger fine than I expected. I would say it’s better to have the lawyer if you can swing it.
@Skyler
Ugh, that sounds stressful. I might just go with the lawyer then… hopefully, it won’t be as bad as it sounds!
I think it depends on how serious the charges are. If it’s just a red light and careless driving, maybe you can handle it yourself, but if there’s any chance of a bigger penalty or court fees, I’d get the lawyer. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
@GavelGuru3
True, true. Guess it’s better to pay a little extra and not risk more later. Thanks for the advice!