racer wrote:Lets just say that if you are convicted of "Careless Driving", that alone
might be reason enough for your insurer to drop you, even if there is no collision involved. Not every insurer will drop you, of course, but your rates will go up regardless of what insurer you are with at the time. Not one insurer will forgive a "Careless Driving".
Getting a break on your insurance right now can work, but if you loose, the rate will go up. It is a very serious charge. Have you started preparing your defence?
No one is more aware than myself the potential repercussions of a careless driving conviction... Assuming the worst case scenario, I don't think what insurance company I'd have at the time would potentially matter as you are absolutely correct; a complete drop or an astronomical price increase would be the reality... hence why I am considering the switch now.
7 days after the ticket, based on the content of this forum, I signed up with OTT Legal. I only received notification of trial date second week of January and since which OTT made my request for disclosure. I have not heard anything from them yet, I will be checking in with them early this week as I want ample time to scrutinize any witness testimony and officer notes.
My scenario, I firmly believe did not warrant this charge.. coming from studying criminology and being not-too-far away from potential graduate school, the 'Careless Driving' charge in particular fascinates me.
It's generally vague description allows for it to be used in a blanket of scenarios where far more specific charges which exist would probably be applicable.. hence why it is one of the charges to prove. From my readings and personal research however, I am alarmed as it appears to be prescribed in hopes of a plead down and mandatory conviction likewise of a charge that seemingly should have been applied (which I honestly do think my case will come to).
I have had my license for almost 8 years, I have never had any moving violations what-so-ever during the duration of this time period... I am careful almost always to the point I am ridiculed for driving the car which I do in the fashion which I do lol... there was no point during the course of action(s) which lead to my unfortunate collision where I lacked due care or neglected consideration for other people using the road.
Viper... you did actually post two essentially contradictory statements. In your first post, you stated 'if you brought it' to a collision center. I never physically brought this report, nor did the other individual involved in the accident...
In your second, you said if I showed my insurance card at the scene of the accident it would be on record for my insurance company. I will assume you mean the scene of the accident. If this is the case, seeing the police were present and circumstances, there was obviously no choice. My question really was/is more so does the officer take it himself regardless? mail it? Or does it simply exist on MTO records, which if you are correct by saying insurance companies own collision reporting centers... would not technically be the same database, although they *might* have access...
I simply wanted to know if anyone knew definitively in that regard?
I will bite the bullet and attempt the switch however, seeing as I have made 3-4 changes to policy since the 'accident' and nothing has increased despite a review at these intervals.