"Following Too Closely" ticket

[jackdonald]

i was in an accident where i rear ended a car. i was in the left lane (4 lane road) following a minivan that was going below the speed limit (35 mph), at which time i decided to change to the right lane in order to pass them. directly after making the change, a car was at or near a complete stop in front of me in the right lane. i hadn't seen the car until i had made the lane change. my brakes locked and i slid directly into the back of the car. the officer issued me a ticket for "following too closely" without clarifying what had happened. the officer was under the impression that i had been following the car that i had hit. on the contrary, i did not even see the car i had hit until after the lane change. should i contest the entire ticket?

 

[lawrat]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

I think you should definitely contest it, but remember one thing----> try to paint as clear a picture as you can. Try to make sure you slowly and carefully explain this and paint the picture as you were carefully driving and looked everywhere. When you change lanes and brakes lock (any accidents ensued from this) usually will be counted against you. You see you have a strict duty to make sure your brakes are always in top condition in your car.

Hope this helps.

 

[EMJ]

IF YOU GOT THIS TICKET IN NJ, YOU DEFITITELY SHOULD TRY TO CONTEST IT: IT IS 5 POINT ON THE LICENSE.