What is the name of your state? Pennslyvania
I think someone posted a situation like this (in another state though). I was making a left turn at a 4-way intersection controlled by a stop light with no turn arrows. There was a car in the oncoming direction also turning left and I knew we could both proceed with no problem. I saw nobody behind that vehicle and assumed I was clear to turn. Well out of nowhere I get hit by an SUV who was going straight.
Based on testimony at the accident scene (each party saying what they were doing when the accident happened), I received a ticket for failing to yield when turning. If I am convicted, I will have 3 points added to my license, which will cause my insurance to skyrocket on top of the accident (which I am "at fault" according to state law) which totaled my car.
I am a very careful driver and have never had a ticket or accident before. I would have never made that turn if I could have seen that car (it is possible that the other driver tailgated the other vehicle or went around it illegally as he hit me hard and went another 100 or more feet before stopping--it is unlikely that he saw me either). Unfortunately, points are mandatory upon conviction and there is no such thing as driving school in PA.
My question is if I explain my side of the story to the judge is there any chance that I could be acquitted or be found guilty of a non-moving violation? The cop who wrote the ticket did not witness the accident firsthand and the only evidence is the accident itself.
I think someone posted a situation like this (in another state though). I was making a left turn at a 4-way intersection controlled by a stop light with no turn arrows. There was a car in the oncoming direction also turning left and I knew we could both proceed with no problem. I saw nobody behind that vehicle and assumed I was clear to turn. Well out of nowhere I get hit by an SUV who was going straight.
Based on testimony at the accident scene (each party saying what they were doing when the accident happened), I received a ticket for failing to yield when turning. If I am convicted, I will have 3 points added to my license, which will cause my insurance to skyrocket on top of the accident (which I am "at fault" according to state law) which totaled my car.
I am a very careful driver and have never had a ticket or accident before. I would have never made that turn if I could have seen that car (it is possible that the other driver tailgated the other vehicle or went around it illegally as he hit me hard and went another 100 or more feet before stopping--it is unlikely that he saw me either). Unfortunately, points are mandatory upon conviction and there is no such thing as driving school in PA.
My question is if I explain my side of the story to the judge is there any chance that I could be acquitted or be found guilty of a non-moving violation? The cop who wrote the ticket did not witness the accident firsthand and the only evidence is the accident itself.