B
beagle
Guest
I was in a car accident a few weeks ago near Portland, OR. I was stopped at a stop sign, intending to turn left. There was a truck coming towards me on my left who had his right turn signal on and looked to be going slow enough to turn. Expecting him to turn right onto the road I was on, I pulled out in front of him to make my left turn. He didn't turn. I was cited for failure to obey a stop sign. In his statement to the police, the other driver stated that he was going 30 mph (in a 45 zone) and was on his way to do some rototilling for someone. He claimed that I rolled the stop and didn't even look at him before turning. I categorically deny that I failed to stop at the sign or look at him. I feel that he gave ample indication that it was his intent to turn. I know that my role as a drive is a defensive one and I should never anticipate someone else's move; however, it seems to me that there may be cases where fault is divided. At the least, I intend to make a written statement with my ticket payment, but I was wondering if I would do my cause any good to stand my court date and argue my case to try to get my fine reduced. I was wondering if this would be recommended, or would I be risking a greater fine (court fees in addition to fine)? Thanks in advance for any help.