Can’t believe this happened. Got in a minor accident today, nobody hurt and minor scratch.
I was driving to debate with 2 minors (17 and 18) in the car, both in the backseat. I thought the law in VA was that you can only have 1 minor w/ u UNLESS it’s for a school activity, which it was – a debate meeting. Today is also my first day driving to school (I’m a senior now).
We were on the road to our school, stuck in traffic, and everyone was going <5mph. Stop-and-go traffic. There are kids leaving the school and walking, and there are cross walks across speed humps on the road. My car is sandwhiched between two others because everyone is moving really slowly. The car in front of me drives up to one of the speed humps, and I expect it to keep going because nobody should be stopping on one, let alone one that has a crosswalk. By the time I realize that the car in front of me didn’t stop, I was too late. I had hit the brakes but not fast enough, and I lightly tapped the car in front of me. Minor scratch on their car but no damage on mine, no significant shake or anything that would have indicated injury to the passenger (which was true, nothing happened). The school security officer pulled us over and exchanged insurance information, and told me that it was against the law to have 2 minors, which I accepted but told him that it was for the debate meeting. The officer talked to my parents, who said I am getting 2 tickets (one for the accident and one for the minors), and a 6 month suspension (I think).
The insurance company is handling our claim right now. I’m not allowed to drive to school for the rest of the year, which I fully understand why. However, what frightens me is how this will affect my future. I don’t think it’s going to be a misdemeanor, but the person I hit claimed to have a sore neck (but when I apologized to her, she said it would be fine in a few days and the car is nothing to worry about. She told me to work hard and do good things senior year, we hugged). I’m scared if she might press charges on this and give me a criminal record.
I’m also scared about how the two tickets will reflect on college admissions. Will AOs be able to see this? Will the tickets effect anything in my life later? Please help with this as I’m frightened out of my mind for my future. I had huge dreams with what I wanted to do but I don’t want something like this to stop me from achieving them
She can’t have you charged for anything. You’ve already been charged with two civil traffic infractions. These are not good for insurance. But it’s ok. It is what is and called an accident. there is no misdemeanor possible and even if she sues for the sore neck it’s an insurance company problem.
Oh my goodness. You need to breathe. Everything is ok.
Colleges will not know about a traffic incident. No worries there.
Accidents happen. Things happen. This is going to happen all throughout life. When this happens we regroup, learn, make adjustments and move on. Let’s put this in perspective - it could have been a horrific accident rather than a fender bender (not even).
Don’t worry about the driver complaining of a sore neck. Some unethical people do this but the insurance companies have a way of investigating and getting to the bottom of these things.
I looked up the VA law. You are correct about the to or from a school-sponsored activity. You should fight that ticket. It is a good lesson in how the legal system works. Just bring along a copy of section 46.2-334.01 and reference paragraph B. Note: I am not an attorney so do take this as legal advice.
Why are you so worried that a minor accident can wreck college chances?
And have you read the Common App to see what they do ask about discipline?
Let the insurance companies deal with each other. Honestly answer their questions. If the other complains of a sore neck or wants the scratch repaired, that’s why you have insurance.
And be a cautious driver, going forward.
Yes, fight the ticket about 2 minors. You don’t need a lawyer (though in VA, dozens will solicit you to hire them.)
Yes, fight the ticket with insurance law in hand. The court proceedings for the accident are not going to affect your college process.
However, you said a school security officer was involved. Did he report the incident to the school and did you get some disciplinary action from them that is addressed in the common app?
One more vote for relax! These are minor car infractions, and one should probably be dropped (agree- fight it but be humble in court)… This is not a big deal, though it feels like it.
It’s even more complicated than that in Virginia, unfortunately. You can have two kids in your car for a school event only after you’ve held your license for a year. https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#restrictions.asp . If you’ve held it for less than a year then the officer had the right to give you a ticket. If you’ve had it for a year you’re off the hook. If one of the students was a sibling then the restrictions also don’t apply.
I’m sorry this happened to you! I don’t think it will have an impact on college admissions.