Results 1 to 2 of 2

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Posts
    3

    Default Rear-Ending a Car That Stopped When Somebody Ran a Red Light

    My question involves an injury that occurred in the state of: Virginia

    I was making a turn from a green left-turn signal (our right of way w/green arrow) when out of nowhere, a speeding car from the other side of the intersection ran the red light, causing the car in front of me to abruptly stop. I didn't have enough time to react or stop in time as I got confused--the brake lights for the front car did not fully light up. I did not acknowledge the red light crosser in time either.

    I rear-ended the car in front. Afterwards, the officer issued me a ticket for "following too closely." The witness, nor I, was able to find the red light crosser's tags (who caused accident in the first place). I even tried to find surveillance showing proof of this to no avail.

    I went to court last month, the officer did not show up and the case was extended. Now my court date is on Tuesday. Is there any chance my ticket could be dismissed? Though I am aware that I was found at fault by insurance (I obviously hit the car), I don't think it was fair to have been given the ticket when it was the red-light crosser's fault that this happened in the first place. If it weren't for him 1.) nothing would have happened or 2.) he would have t-boned either of us. The front car's brake lights did not fully light up, causing me to misjudge the distance. Otherwise, I would've stopped in time.

    This is a dangerous, busy intersection where people cross reds constantly (my dad spotted 4 drivers in the 30 mins he was on the scene) and accidents like this are quite frequent.

    Please help! Much appreciated to get some opinions before going to court.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Rear-Ending a Car That Stopped When Somebody Ran a Red Light

    Quote Quoting annonymous
    View Post
    Is there any chance my ticket could be dismissed?
    You mean if the officer does not appear again? It's possible. You mean, might the prosecutor look at your spotless driving record and give you a break? That's possible as well.
    Quote Quoting annonymous
    Though I am aware that I was found at fault by insurance (I obviously hit the car), I don't think it was fair to have been given the ticket when it was the red-light crosser's fault that this happened in the first place. If it weren't for him 1.) nothing would have happened or 2.) he would have t-boned either of us. The front car's brake lights did not fully light up, causing me to misjudge the distance. Otherwise, I would've stopped in time.
    I have no idea what you mean by "The front car's brake lights did not fully light up" - brake lights have two settings: on and off.

    Had you been following at a safe distance you would have been able to stop on time, just as the car in front of you was able to stop without hitting the car that ran the red light. That's why you received the ticket. The driver who ran the red light deserves a ticket as well.
    Quote Quoting annonymous
    This is a dangerous, busy intersection where people cross reds constantly (my dad spotted 4 drivers in the 30 mins he was on the scene) and accidents like this are quite frequent.
    Then you have no excuse for not anticipating this issue.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Determination of Fault: Rear Ended While Stopped at a Red Light, the Other Driver Denies Being at Fault
    By kethinov in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-13-2013, 03:35 AM
  2. Following Too Closely: Rear-Ending a Car That is Sitting at Traffic Light
    By suzukini in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-09-2012, 07:49 PM
  3. Determination of Fault: Rear Ended a Driver Who Suddenly Stopped at an Intersection with a Green Light
    By netdude11 in forum Moving Violations, Parking and Traffic Tickets
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 11-29-2010, 05:38 PM
  4. Traffic Accidents: Rear Ended Twice While Stopped at Red Light
    By tdmonkye in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 03-05-2010, 06:51 PM
  5. Traffic Accidents: Rear-Ending a Disabled Car, Stopped in a Traffic Lane
    By FranklinBluth22 in forum Accidents and Injuries
    Replies: 32
    Last Post: 01-12-2010, 12:52 PM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources