Yes and no.

Considering how much is at stake and the long term financial ramifications, I would get an attorney. These aren't a couple of speeding tickets. And he's already in the hole a lot of money for the loss of the car since he didn't have collision and comprehensive insurance. I am not a fan of attorneys, but they are sometimes necessary.

 

The only reason I'm considering going to court alone is because the officer said he'd drop them if I go to court. But cops lie.
Also, when I insured my car, I was more worried about theft than collision, since this was my first accident in my 14 years of driving.
I'm not going back to school, I have a degree. Besides, this is a life lesson, not a school lesson.
Here's a lesson for you though, learn to distinguish between "your" and "you're".

 

Guys don't hate on OP. I've never had collision coverage and i don't plan on getting it. Drive safe and remember mistakes happen.

 

Like RMurphy said above, attorneys are sometimes necessary. It's up to you to decide whether you are going to contest by yourself or with an attorney, but I say that you contest.

From my experience of going to the traffic court for my dad's business (anyone can be a representative), the judge will hear you and take your words in to consideration. My dad still had to pay a penalty but significantly less than the original penalty.

If you go with an attorney, I am pretty sure the attorney will contest for you in any way possible since that's the attorney's duty.

Either way, I say you contest and hopefully you can sort out things promptly. Above all, no one was hurt and that's the most important thing.

 

I was harsh because you seem to be asking for more trouble , I understand cops def lie ....at least most of em.I'm sry to see what happen happened to you and really wish you the best if you fix or S or get a new one . I'm sure you'll be more careful and cherish the car as most do who own one long enough before crashing it ....best of luck either way

 

I was harsh because you seem to be asking for more trouble , I understand cops def lie ....at least most of em.I'm sry to see what happen happened to you and really wish you the best if you fix or S or get a new one . I'm sure you'll be more careful and cherish the car as most do who own one long enough before crashing it ....best of luck either way
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Not all cops lie. Yes, some can be real jerks. Many respond in kind when faced with jerk drivers. More often its the drivers/public that are the ones who are in denial and behave poorly. Cops are human too and if they have the ability to respond in kind to jerks, they will only gladly comply. It all comes out in the wash. The wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind to powder.
In court you are under oath. Its a big deal. Cops know this. They are held to a high standard. Ask the right questions the right way and you will get the answers you need.

Keep in mind cops are generally your friends. However, they have a job to do and that is to gather evidence for crimes committed. If you are on the suspect end that means cops are not your friends. YOU become your own worst enemy. Why? Most people unwittingly supply the rope for the courts to hang them with. Cops can and will (I also mean the courts) use everything you say against you BEFORE they read you your rights. By the time they read you your rights or write a ticket, the damage has been done. You have an obligation to identify yourself and supply certain information: registration, insurance, etc. All other questions are dangerous. Even innocent sounding answers are damming. ("I was running late.....") Remember, the cop is trying to gather info for a conviction/probable cause. Sometimes in the initial stages of a pullover, it can be a subjective matter in reading the situation, the cops attitude, and other factors to create the environment to get off and go on your merry way. However. once things become objective the situation is completely different.

Example: 3 guys out drinking. Flat tire. Cop pulls up. Asks who was driving. No comment from the 3. Asks who was drinking. No comment from 3. Cop threatens to arrest all 3 on DUI. Max pressure. All 3 make no comment. All 3 arrested DUI. Outcome? All 3 acquitted. Why? No evidence any ONE was actually driving. You know it was one of the three but it cannot be shown beyond a doubt one in particular was driving. If one of the 3 says something; its all over. Conviction.

I had a case in which an individual was standing next to his rent a car. Had a couple of beers. Cop asks him if that was his car. Yep. Asks if he was driving. Yes, he says. (He was not thinking he had too much, just a couple of beers with Mexican food) He was arrested for DUI and was not even behind the wheel. All based on his unnecessary comments to police. Tried to "back door" the case with the court and get a "wet reckless", that is plead to reckless charge and not have a DUI. Unfortunately he was a high profile individual and MADD went after him to set an example; we could not go that route. He was not convicted of driving under the influence but was convicted of driving with .08 BAC. (Yes there are separate laws in California; will not get into the reasons why). This entire affair came about because the guy opened his mouth and gave the police the ammunition to arrest him. If he had said "no comment" that would have been the end of it.

Be polite, be courteous but do NOT make comments. Do NOT lie. Just make no comment. Never curse or use foul language. NEVER! That will be used against you later. Juries have no sympathy for foul mouthed jerks. If asked to give permission to allow a search of your car, say NO. The police will put pressure on you and ask if you have something to hide. Maybe you don't have anything to hide. Remember YOU DO NOT HAVE TO. The cops are only looking for anything to nail you. Don't let them. Be nice about it, just say you don't want to. Thats it. No reason. You just don't want to.

If you are in an accident and some lunatic is accusing you of all kinds of things, make your desired/required statements to police but do not respond to idiot. It will come out in the wash later.

You need to weigh the consequences of one of those violations sticking and how it relates to your insurance, car, and occupation. With that in mind, you may want to represent yourself, if you think you can, or go the route of hiring an attorney. Yes, it will cost you but may reduce the "price" of this event later.

Good luck.

 

It's intended to hurt them long term so they slow down and drive properly.

We want bad drivers getting tickets. It's how they lose their right to drive.

 

It's ok, he didn't mean that. You bought the car so you earned it. Now get it taken care of(fix it, sell it, etc.), learn from the experience. I've been in this situation, goodluck.

 

One of my favorite videos about why it is *never* in your best interest to speak to the police. It's a long video, but well worth it (it's both informative *and* entertaining too). Probably take as long to watch as to read other poster's comments, but your eyes won't hurt as much. :-D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc

To the OP: be sure to keep us posted on your decisions and progress. This will probably take many months to sort out and won't be much fun for you. Best wishes.

 

So, I decided to get my car fixed by the bodyshop.
They initially quoted me over 10k, but if I paid cash they would do it for 5k.
That includes: all new body panels, straightening the frame, new headlights, new tail light, and suspension components as well as radiator, etc.
They're also painting the whole car. I'm leaning towards a matte black or white, I haven't decided yet...(what color do you guys think?)
As far as the tickets go, I still haven't decided whether to hire an attorney or not, but the court date is in August so I have some time to speak to
attorneys and get their opinions as well.
I'll post pics as soon as the it's done. I can't wait!
Thanks for everyone's suggestions and recommendations, I appreciate it very much. Stay tuned for pics.