So you’ve received a red light ticket, what’s next now? Pay or beat the red light ticket? Certainly you wouldn’t want to pay it if there’s an alternative. If the ticket will significantly increase your auto insurance or lead to a license suspension, you may want to speak with a red light camera ticket lawyer for guidance.
There are so many things that can cause a red light ticket issued to you – the yellow light is too short, the car coming up behind you almost hit you, or the traffic signal may be obscured from your field of vision by trees and larger vehicles. These same reasons for running the red light may be the best way to defend yourself if you get a red light ticket. However, to make sure you are fighting your case effectively, make sure you hire a defense lawyer from Goss Law or similar firms to represent you in court.
However, it’s important to remember that running a red light could be extremely dangerous for you as well as other drivers on the road. In the unfortunate event of a collision resulting from running a red light, the legal ramifications on you can be significant. Not only could you be held liable for any damages or injuries sustained by other parties involved, but they might hire a reputed vehicle accident law firm in Toledo (or elsewhere), through which you could also face legal action and potential financial repercussions. Hence, it’s important to try and avoid this situation as much as possible.
That said, sometimes these things happen for unavoidable reasons. In these cases, here are some ways you can get out of a red light ticket.
The First Step: Traffic Court to Contest Your Red Light Ticket
Beginning the process of contesting a red light ticket usually involves opting to attend traffic court. In some cases, you might even have the choice to have a Criminal Attorney represent you. However, it’s important to note that paying the ticket without appearing in court forfeits your ability to challenge it. This emphasizes the significance of making a decision on whether to contest the ticket before taking any further steps.
The Role of Expert Witnesses: Strengthening Your Defense
In cases involving complex scenarios or technical details, enlisting the expertise of professional witnesses can provide a valuable edge to your defense. Expert witnesses, such as traffic engineers or accident reconstruction specialists, can lend their insights to the intricacies of the situation. For instance, if your red light violation occurred due to obstructed visibility, a certified expert can testify about the obstructive elements in that particular environment. Their objective testimony carries weight in court, adding credibility to your argument.
Understanding the Timing Factor: Yellow Light Duration Analysis
When contesting a red light ticket, delving into the specifics of the traffic signal’s timing can be a powerful strategy. A crucial aspect often overlooked is the duration of the yellow light phase. Research has shown that an insufficient yellow light duration can contribute to drivers inadvertently running red lights. Investigating the timing sequence of the traffic light at the intersection where the violation occurred can reveal whether the yellow light allowed ample time for safe stopping. If you can establish that the yellow light phase was unusually short, it could raise questions about the fairness of the ticket.
Disprove the Officer Who Gave You the Red Light Ticket
You have less chance of winning a case if it involves a police officer. Magistrates or judges rule on traffic cases. They are more likely to believe an officer. You may be able to show through evidence, including eyewitnesses, photos, and testimony about where the officer was standing, that the officer could not have seen you committing the offense. This puts the officer’s credibility at issue. The judge may then be more likely to believe you.
Challenge the Camera
Cameras can take pictures that are not clear, and sometimes the ticketing agency gets license plate numbers wrong. If you can prove the person in the picture was not you, the vehicle in the picture is not your vehicle, the light was not red, or your vehicle was part of a funeral procession, you may be able to beat the ticket. If you are having trouble proving this on your own, then you may consider visiting www.otdlegal.ca for specified legal support with your traffic fines.
The End Result
If you are unhappy with the decision that the judge passes, you have the right to appeal the judge’s decision. You must file the proper paperwork in a timely manner. You should consult an experienced drivers license lawyer if you want to represent yourself effectively.
