Asked 8/31/2016 – Fort Worth, TX

On the past week, during a rainy day, I was heading back home from college and was heading out of the highway through a ramp. I was below speed limit due to caution of rain. I pressed on brakes in order to slow down for the ramp and the red light right after. When I did, tires started to skid instead. I panicked a bit due to not knowing that was happening and pressed the breaks again and still continued to skid. I ended up hitting the car in front of me. While his car was only scratched, my car front was damaged significantly. We pulled over to the side of the road. We ended up calling insurance companies to file claims and shared information. When we almost done about finished an hour later, a police officer showed up and asked for insurance and DL. After another 15-30 min, she came back and gave me a ticket for “failure to control speed” even though i was below speed limit and keeping my distance and only thing that caused it was tires skidding through the wet road. Am I able to get my ticket dismissed or not be charged?

Answer

The offense of Failure to Control Speed is governed by Texas Transportation Code Section 545.351 (note: it is NOT a defense that you were traveling at less than the posted speed limit). That being said, you still have the right to contest the matter. Call a local attorney to begin the process,