Failure to Yield, Other Driver's Headlights Were Off

[basketball762]

Hi expert law! I first want to thank any help in advance! Now let me tell you my story. Tonight I was driving home from my volunteer job. I was coming up to a four way intersection, as I came up to it the light was green. As usual I looked ahead of me and there were no cars I saw. I then continued to take the left turn at the 4 way intersection. Let me also note that it was completely dark outside, and it was pouring rain. As I made my turn I noticed a black SUV going straight he immediately stopped, I also noted what I saw him having no headlights on. After I made my turn I noticed a cop was sitting behind him and pulled me over right after he saw me do this. He then gave me a citation for failure to yield going left for $88 and 4 points off. I'm 17 years old, and had my drivers license for 11 months. This is also my first ticket I have ever gotten! The officer said he was also going to add a note that it was raining hard and that might of been why I was confused. Now here are my questions:
(1)- I plan on fighting this in court because I feel like I had no way to notice the driver until I finally made the turn. What are my chances of getting this ticket dropped or receiving a lesser charge (the officer said I might be able to get the points removed)?
(2)- Do you think my insurance rate is going to sky rocket now that I got a ticket and that I am only 17 years old?
(3)- Do you have any other suggestions of what I should do?

Thank you again VERY much for any help, it is greatly appreciated.

[cyjeff]

Please give us your state.

1 - I wouldn't use the "I didn't see the oncoming car" defense. It is your job to see the car coming. I realize that the combination of rain and the lack of the driver's headlights may help. Did the officer notice the lack of headlights?
2 - Any ticket a 17 year old gets will increase car insurance premiums.
3 - Present yourself in court like it is the most important job interview of your life. Dress professionally, get a recent haircut and treat court like church. Realize that you are going to get about 5 minutes to plead your case. Practice what you are going to say before court and keep it short, concise and clear.