Should I contest an unwarranted careless driving ticket in Louisiana?

Question

My 18-year-old son was traveling on I-20 in Louisiana last week and had a horrific accident when his rear passenger wheel blew out while he was traveling the speed limit, 70 mph. Fortunately, he survived the ordeal with his few injuries -- but his vehicle didn't. The Louisiana Highway Patrol issued him a ticket for "careless driving," saying it was *required* for all single-vehicle accidents and that they "hated to do it," considering the circumstances. I find this difficult to fathom and wonder if it's worth our while to travel from several states away to contest this unwarranted ticket.

Answer 1

Pay it or contest it. Most States have reciprocal agreements, which means they will honor any fines or warrants issued in another State. It could possibly affect his driving privileges in the State you live in.

Answer 2

Yeah, the judge can excuse it and the ins co won't charge you and your son with a chargeable accident, saving 100s on future ins bills

Answer 3

From my experience, traffic courts are just like a money making machine.  You have a judge who doesn't care a hoot what you say.  He just summarily cuts you short and orders you to pay the (outrageous, and unmerited) fine.

Since this law is so looney, take the story to Fox News.  They love stories like this, especially Sean Hannity.  Fox has pursued other injustices before.  I think stories like this are good for the ratings.  You are exposing a law that is obviously and severely flawed.  How can someone be cited for reckless driving when the problem was mechanical?

Answer 4

Why did the rear tire blow?  was it balding, under inflated, or over inflated.  Either way, (if it were in Missouri)  They may drop that charge and refile under driving with defective equipment, or something similar.  Personally, I am like you, I don't think it would be worth the gas or the time to travel so far to contest the citation.  You can however hire a lawyer to plea-bargain it down to a non-moving violation to save points on your license and higher insurance cost.  You will pay a higher fine but, again you will save in insurance.  This is done all the time.