Rear ended someone who stopped in the middle of the intersection. Can I fight the ticket (Michigan)?

Question

I was following an SUV through an intersection when she suddenly stopped under the traffic light. I Clipped her back end and got a ticket. The reason she stopped is because the road was closed ahead, but there were no signs ahead of time to say that the road was closed. This occured in Michigan, so is there anyway I can successfully fight this ticket.

Answer 1

My wife was in a similar situation and the cop told her that the person who runs into the back of another is always in the wrong--no matter why the person in front stopped.  He said you can't follow so close that you can't stop if the person in front of you stops.

Answer 2

The key word is "successfully." No probably not. Your citation was probably for "following too closely" or  "inattentive driving", although it may be phrased differently in Michigan.

Granted, I don't know the intersection involved, but I'd guess the problem for the officer is that she legally had control of the intersection, and could have paused in her left-hand turn.

It would have been better for you if she'd done the same thing on a street and not in an intersection. Then, he could have cited her for stopping on the roadway.

Answer 3

if you rear end someone, it doesnt matter if the person you hit was drunk. you are supposed to keep enough distance so that if the person stops in front of you, you can stop too. no matter what you say, it will be your fault.

Answer 4

probably not.. you were probably following too close and regardless of whether the driver in front of you knew which way was up is irrelevant BECAUSE you are required to drive far enough behind the car in front of you to be able to stop safely and suddenly

Answer 5

Nope, you rear ended the person in front.  Either you were driving too close to stop in time, or not paying attention.  Sorry, you are out of luck.

Answer 6

The best thing that can happen is that your insurance will take care of the damage, and she won't appear it court.  The charge will then be dismissed.  You can't fight the ticket because a driver is supposed to be in control of their vehicle at all times.

Answer 7

I doubt you would be successful heres a driving tip though-

for every ten mile per hour that you going, leave one car length between you and the car in front of you.  If you are going 30 mph thats 3 car lengths.  What do they teach in driving schools any way????

Answer 8

I doubt it. My friend went through the same thing. You rear-ended her, therefore you were following so closely that you couldn't stop in time.

Cops here in Michigan seem to be fairly certain that almost any time someone is hit from behind, it's the person who hit them who is at fault.

Answer 9

No,

when you rear end someone you are at fault.

Answer 10

Your chances are slim to none in winning any dispute over this citation.