Accident: Left Turn, my fault?

I got into a car accident yesterday at about 8:15 PM. I was going to make a left and this man was coming straight. I could’ve sworn he was in the right lane to make a right turn (right only sign) at the yield and his blinker was on too. So I turned and he apparently came straight and we hit. My front right side/passenger side headlight was hit and his mostly whole front of the car. I don’t know if I thought he was going to turn or he actually switched and just came straight.
My air bag popped and I felt a little dizzy at first. He said his head was hit on the windshield and his knees hurt. He was walking around outside for about 15 minutes until the cops came and he went to the hospital. A witness came and gave him his card saying he saw everything and it was my fault.
I got a ticket for careless driving. (In NJ) How many points is that on my license? Im 17.
Am I going to have to go to court?

I am really scared to drive a car now, I don’t know why. If this ever happened to someone (like an accident) how did you come over that?

Also, I know it was my fault cause im the left turn person and I can’t get over that guilt =/ I wish I can just go back in time and change that.

mbrcatz

Yep, this is your fault. Careless driving is usually 4 points. At fault accident is usually 3 points. Total for this incident: 7 points.

Likely, you won't have to go to court. You'll just have to pay some fines.

Karen B

I know the accident was scary, but you have to get past it and go on driving. they will probably put 3 points on your license. You can always take a driving course to reduce your ins. rates... Good luck!

Tracy

I really don't know about NJ laws... but in Florida you can take a driving course and the points won't be put on your license. Also, there isnt a reason you should have to go to court.

When I was 17 or 18 I totaled my first car. I was driving at night on a dark road with very little lighting and I saw what I thought was a kid in the road, swerved, slid (it had been raining) and was shot toward the ditch. It was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me. I didn't want to drive after that either.

You'll eventually just realize that you have to learn from your mistakes and be more careful next time. Remember, you can control your actions.. make sure you pay attention to everyone else also.

Archangeldawn

I am really sorry for your accident. I hope you both had insurance to make the financial and fixing of the cars go a bit more smoother.

Accidents are mistakes everyone makes. However in this case I think it was your fault for the reason that you Assume he was going to make a right turn. Yes he had his right blinker on, but let me tell you this, MANY careless people leave their blinkers on. So in this case, I think it was his mistake for having his right blinker on and making you believe he was going to make a right turn. And this confusion led you to go ahead and make that left turn. I think it is mostly your fault because you should have waited to see the outcome of his actions. What I mean by this is that you should have seen him slowing down preparing to make that supposedly right turn. Then you should have made that left.

But don't feel guilty about it, because accidents happen. And it both parties were at fault. Just learn from your mistakes and be a little bit more patient and cautious. Remember there are careless people out there and you have to watch out for them.This is how you will overcome this.

thetunak

The insurance company will take care of everything. You'll probably see your insurance rates go up, however.

Imagine being on Flight 1549 when it landed in the Hudson River. Many of the passengers still continue to fly. You'll get over your fear eventually, but it's natural to feel the way you do right now.

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