As I mentioned in the other thread, insurance rates are assessed based on convictions for moving violations, major violations, and at-fault accidents, not the DMV points. DMV points themselves are only used by the DMV to determine when to suspend someone's license for having too many of the above. Only your insurance agent will be able to answer for sure if a moving violation arising out of an accident will raise your insurance on top of the surcharge for an at-fault accident.
1. Honestly, you didn't do anything wrong when you hit the truck that decided to cut 3 inches in front of you and immediately slam on the brakes. Paying nearly $300 doesn't make sense when you stand a decent chance of beating the case or an excellent chance of getting a fine reduction + traffic school even if you lose. Also, keep in mind that if you win, you might be able to convince the insurance company and DMV to remove the at-fault accident from your insurance file and driving record, as well.
2. Contrary to the popular belief, quite a few judges/pro tems offer traffic school to convicted defendants that are eligible for 8hr traffic school. I sat on quite a few traffic court calendars and seen it happen on each one. Just dress up nicely and be polite when speaking to the officer and the judge. While a lot judges might deny traffic school to habitual traffic violators who show up for court dressed like hood rats, the odds are way better for a typical Joe Schmoe who dresses up nicely for court and checks the attitude at the door.
If the traffic is heavy enough to be moving at 20-25mph in a zone posted for 40, fender-benders happen. Assuming the officer even shows up, feel to ask the officer about the traffic conditions at the time and place of the accident. Also ask if it's common for sudden or unsafe lane changes to happen in heavy traffic (ummm...YES). Finally, and this is the big one, ask if it's possible to be traveling at a safe speed behind another vehicle when someone cuts you off and instantly slams on the brakes because the vehicle that you were following at a safe distance had to hit the brakes for whatever reason.
I also suggest that you take the time to write down your side of the story on paper so you are not stammering and stumbling when it's your turn to testify. Make sure you mention all the relevant bits about the rest of the traffic flowing at similar speeds, that you were following another vehicle at a safe distance (1.5-2seconds behind), and that you didn't have the time to increase the following distance after that truck cut you off. You get the picture, right?
Even if the judge does find you guilty without asking if you want to go to traffic school, just POLITELY ask if you take traffic school to protect your driving record and insurance.

