2fast4weather
New Member
I would like to contest a citation I received for "speed too fast for conditions." I entered a freeway during icy conditions where the snow was still falling. The plows were just out, and I changed lanes from the far right, to the center where it looked plowed. The other reason I changed lanes: a plow was in the far right lane ahead of me.
As I got close to the plow (me in the center, he in the right lane) I hit a patch of black ice, spun around and hit a guard rail. In a 60mph, I was getting up to speed (38-40mph) I could not have been going faster than 45MPH. I had just entered the freeway, I was worried about the conditions, and I had my fiance in the passenger seat who would have complained if I had not been driving cautiously.
Once I called the State Patrol, reported the accident and they came out to "help," i received a citation. MY QUESTION: has anyone successfully contested a similar citation? The state must prove I committed the infraction but have I already lost? I mean, is there anything I can say to convice a judge that just because the officer wrote the ticket doesn't mean speed caused the accident?
If I've already lost I'd rather seek mitigation and pay a reduced fee. Thank you for any help or advice you might offer.
Further details:
no other car was involved, no one was hurt, my car was drivable but simply needed more air in the tires. The officer explained this was a "blanket" citation and I could contest it, Whatever that means.
As I got close to the plow (me in the center, he in the right lane) I hit a patch of black ice, spun around and hit a guard rail. In a 60mph, I was getting up to speed (38-40mph) I could not have been going faster than 45MPH. I had just entered the freeway, I was worried about the conditions, and I had my fiance in the passenger seat who would have complained if I had not been driving cautiously.
Once I called the State Patrol, reported the accident and they came out to "help," i received a citation. MY QUESTION: has anyone successfully contested a similar citation? The state must prove I committed the infraction but have I already lost? I mean, is there anything I can say to convice a judge that just because the officer wrote the ticket doesn't mean speed caused the accident?
If I've already lost I'd rather seek mitigation and pay a reduced fee. Thank you for any help or advice you might offer.
Further details:
no other car was involved, no one was hurt, my car was drivable but simply needed more air in the tires. The officer explained this was a "blanket" citation and I could contest it, Whatever that means.
