Speed camera ticket on way to ER

[Anonymous]

I got a ticket from a speed camera for going 41 in a 30 mph zone. I was driving myself to the ER with a severe infection (I had no other transportation options that I could afford).

Should I bother to contest the ticket? Is this something the examiner might see as justifying some grace?

[Anonymous]

I would just pay it. If you needed to get to the hospital by speeding, you should call 911 and ride in an ambulance. You honestly probably shouldn’t have been driving at all if you were in that dire of a situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just pay it. If you needed to get to the hospital by speeding, you should call 911 and ride in an ambulance. You honestly probably shouldn’t have been driving at all if you were in that dire of a situation.

The ambulance ride can cost an arm and a leg, depending on your insurance, PP. This is why OP drove herself, just like the majority of patients in the US who don't have adequate insurance in the face of astronomical medical costs.

If you're feeling well enough to contest it, sure, OP. Come armed with hospital discharge papers, point out the date, time and diagnosis. It might work, especially if this is your first ticket in a long time.

[Anonymous]

I would definitely contest it. Many jurisdictions allow you to plead along the lines of “guilty with explanation.“ If you see something like that on the citation, then fill it out with your explanation and see what happens. I would be very surprised if they did not cut you a break.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would just pay it. If you needed to get to the hospital by speeding, you should call 911 and ride in an ambulance. You honestly probably shouldn’t have been driving at all if you were in that dire of a situation.

Bad advice, We don't have an excess inventory of ambulances.

[Anonymous]

I'd contest it. You might get told "Well, you just flat-out admitted you were speeding so the ticket stands" but you might get a compassionate judge who knocks it down. Bring ER documentation that you were diagnosed with an infection. If it was a sinus infection, don't be surprised if they take no mercy on you. If it was gangrene, that's different.

[Anonymous]

Just pay it don't waste you time contesting it you were still speeding they don't car why.

[Anonymous]

Care

[Anonymous]

Op, if there isn't a point issued to your insurance, I would paid.
The court cost is around $50 either way, and time is money!

Some places charge you parking, meter fee which adds up, gas, may lunch out etc...

[Anonymous]

Appeal it. We got a speeding ticket while I was in labor and appealed it online and the appeal was successful and the fine was waived.

Include some proof. In my appeal I included a copy of my sibley discharge papers to show that the dates lined up. I also stated that the location of the camera was within 1 mile of Sibley which was true.

It is not guaranteed it will be overturned but I think it has a decent chance of working.

[Anonymous]

I successfully contested a ticket like this and won, because the officer didn't show up in court. But then I had to pay $40 in court fees and the ticket was only $50! If you can contest by mail, it doesn't hurt to do that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd contest it. You might get told "Well, you just flat-out admitted you were speeding so the ticket stands" but you might get a compassionate judge who knocks it down. Bring ER documentation that you were diagnosed with an infection. If it was a sinus infection, don't be surprised if they take no mercy on you. If it was gangrene, that's different.

Agree. If it’s a sinus infection or UTI or strep you’re probably gonna be SOL.

[Anonymous]

How much was the ticket? If 100 or less I’d just pay it. You gotta pay court fee anyway so it comes down to saving 50-60 is worth your time and trouble

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Appeal it. We got a speeding ticket while I was in labor and appealed it online and the appeal was successful and the fine was waived.

Include some proof. In my appeal I included a copy of my sibley discharge papers to show that the dates lined up. I also stated that the location of the camera was within 1 mile of Sibley which was true.

It is not guaranteed it will be overturned but I think it has a decent chance of working.

Being in labor is very different from "a severe infection". 1-4 minutes may make a world of difference when your water has broken and you are in labor. There are many issues that could be affected by how quickly you get to a trained professional to help you deliver.

For a severe infection, 1-4 minutes is not going to make a difference. If it is, then the infection is so severe that the patient should not be driving themselves and should be taking an ambulance or having someone else drive them. I would be very shocked if any judge would consider a severe infection where the patient can drive themselves to be justification to speed one mile from the hospital.

So PP's case is much more time urgent than OP's case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd contest it. You might get told "Well, you just flat-out admitted you were speeding so the ticket stands" but you might get a compassionate judge who knocks it down. Bring ER documentation that you were diagnosed with an infection. If it was a sinus infection, don't be surprised if they take no mercy on you. If it was gangrene, that's different.

Agree. If it’s a sinus infection or UTI or strep you’re probably gonna be SOL.

Sorry but it’s a BS reason. OP didn’t make a difference getting to the ER two minutes sooner than if they’d driven the speed limit.