Got into a car accident

I was trying to merge onto another lane when there was enough space open to go in but the lady in front of me, decided for some reason to just stand still and I ended up hitting her.

Now, i was given a court citation or to pay a ticket. This is my first time doing this so I am a newbie. The cop that came to the scene said, in some way like suggesting, to go to court even though i am at fault. This way she said that if the other driver would not show up, they would dismiss the case and cancel the ticket.

Is this correct? if i go to court is like saying that i am not at fault? if the other driver shows up, what difference does it make?

I have no problem paying the ticket but since the cop said i had perfect driving record, it might be worth a shot. Just wanted to double with you all!

I did not know they give you a ticket for a car accident. I thought dealing with insurance was punishment enough.

Next time install a dashcam on your car. It looks like she is at fault for breaking.

Good luck! never been in a car accident.

Well they gave me a ticket for not paying attention. Thanks!

You have nothing to gain by going to court to fight the ticket. You hit her and essentially you "failed to control speed". That's a lost cause so the biggest thing you need to do is minimize the damage to your driving record so your insurance rates don't go through the roof.

1. A ticket is a ticket so if you can ask to take defense driving class for it and take it off your record, go that route. I don't know where you live but in most places out in the county in Texas you have to go to the court house, even before your court date and just tell the clerk, and they give you the paperwork to fill out and then you give them proof and it's off your record.

You can only do this once a year so certain cities also require you to go to the court and then send a request to the state to get your driving record so that way they can know for sure you hadn't done this already and then come back with proof and it'll be off your record. You still have to pay court fees and such but overall it will come out being cheaper than paying off the ticket and it'll be off your record.

2. Then your next course of action is to report it to your insurance also and explain what happened so they get a heads up when the other guy files the claim. If it's something minor, maybe you can offer to pay it yourself but overall it won't. Also mention to your insurance that you took defense driving and that will give you a discount which can offset your rate increase for the accident.

If you have a valid driver's license and insurance, don't worry about it much. It's just some headaches. Pay more attention next time.

Thanks a lot IamAman! I appreciate. I'll call the court to ask.