Help, Court Case involving not yielding to cyclist!?

Question

Today I was given a citation today for a collision with a cyclist. I was driving to school and i passed her already and I thought she was far away, and then i began to go downhill and I was turning right and she appeared, however I'm not sure I hit her, because she only had a couple marks but no big injuries and her front bike wheel only was out of place. And when the collision happen she went forward and fell she didn't roll on top of my car or anything. However I was kinda nervous already and told the cop that it was my fault and i felt bad she cussed me out, but i have doubts in my mind that I hit her and for her to have little injuries, I feel if i did that she would of been in major pain. But i do feel it was my fault for not yielding as well. I've never gone to court but what should i plead or say? I'm a junior in high school

Answer 1

Tell your story to the judge.



I hope you are able to speak better than you write though because if you speak like you write, the judge may not be able to understand you.

Spelling/punctuation/capitalization......Grammar.... It all matters.

Answer 2

There are variables missing in your statement... Yes, Pedestrians and bicyclist do have the right of way HOWEVER they must obey traffic rules. Example: Was there a stop sign? Was it a red, yellow or green light. So, what I would do is go back to scene and check it out. From the first point of noticing where she was on the block to the point of contact, how many feet was that? Reason being, she may have been going to fast to stop in time to avoid contact. Plus, there are "blind spots" in the car where we can't see. Outside, maybe trees or bushes. It's hard not to be calm in these situations and most likely say things that may incriminates us. Be smart and never admit "full blame" until the whole picture is in view. Could be 50/50. Good Luck!

Answer 3

Suck it up. You caused an accident by right hooking a cyclist. Rookie mistake. Next time, check your mirrors after you pass a cyclist.

Answer 4

What! A cyclist attempted to pass you on the right in an intersection and its your fault! She has the same rights and responsibilities as an auto...she cannot safely pass you at the intersection. Better seek a second opinion/get the police report.

Answer 5

You will have to understand that it is your fault for not checking your mirrors and try your best to explain what had happened from your point of view