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khuct · 03-01-2005, 10:39 PM

I have a two-part question. I live in Seattle, Washington.

1) I got into an accident on Thanksgiving. It was raining and traffic was travelling about 50 or so. But all of a sudden traffic started backing up. I don't know what happened but I couldn't stop in time. I tried to hit the brakes---my car skidded and my steering wheel locked. I wanted to release the brakes and steer to the next lane but I think someone was on the next lane and it was perhaps too late. So I slammed into the guy...my airbags popped. There were no injuries reported on the collision incident report and five people were in the car (including 2 kids). But the guy right now is still "going through treatment." My ticket says I was going "too fast for the conditions." But I was going about 50ish...not 60---the speed limit. It wasn't a heavy rain either but just rained enough to get the highway wet. So my question is...is having bad tires a good defense for this case? I took pictures of my tires after the incident and maybe perhaps go to a mechanic and have them mark the bald spots. Is this an effective defense---saying my tires were bald and skidded because of the weather conditions, and bringing pictures to prove it. If that is not an effective defense, what is? I was going the same speed as everyone else, even slower than some.

2) My second question is...would it be more effective to write and mail in my defense rather than appear in court?

Thanks in advance

03-01-2005, 10:39 PM	#92 (permalink)
khuct Upright	I have a two-part question. I live in Seattle, Washington. 1) I got into an accident on Thanksgiving. It was raining and traffic was travelling about 50 or so. But all of a sudden traffic started backing up. I don't know what happened but I couldn't stop in time. I tried to hit the brakes---my car skidded and my steering wheel locked. I wanted to release the brakes and steer to the next lane but I think someone was on the next lane and it was perhaps too late. So I slammed into the guy...my airbags popped. There were no injuries reported on the collision incident report and five people were in the car (including 2 kids). But the guy right now is still "going through treatment." My ticket says I was going "too fast for the conditions." But I was going about 50ish...not 60---the speed limit. It wasn't a heavy rain either but just rained enough to get the highway wet. So my question is...is having bad tires a good defense for this case? I took pictures of my tires after the incident and maybe perhaps go to a mechanic and have them mark the bald spots. Is this an effective defense---saying my tires were bald and skidded because of the weather conditions, and bringing pictures to prove it. If that is not an effective defense, what is? I was going the same speed as everyone else, even slower than some. 2) My second question is...would it be more effective to write and mail in my defense rather than appear in court? Thanks in advance