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we dont really have that option here. Ive tried declining tickets before and was told flat out I could accept it or take a trip...
however, you can decline to sign the ticket and choose to go to court over it.
personally, I think that it truly sucks that you had this happen, but also, from what you've described, to me it sounds like you "could" have avoided hitting the other driver. but as I wasnt actually there and cant know the timeline of events, I cant say for certain. I do know Ive had similar things happen to me and have avoided incident. (barely)
as for the statey, they can find the truth about who was where since 90% of lights across the nation have traffic cams, so he should be able to access that to see that you were the front car at the light, and the rav4 had to run the light. but, the reasoning behind giving you both citations is a lot simpler.
the states are hurting for money, they charge both of you and they get a cut from the court battle (since both would have to pay court costs).
Ive also been issued a citation when it was clear I was NOT at fault, and I had witnesses to the accident. the other driver even left the scene and didnt get a citation for that.
the officers reasoning ?
I knew the girl from school. (this was back when I was just out of HS and she was a senior)
I would do as stated above, ask for any witnesses to come forward to give a statement, I dont know how it works in chi-town, but in FL if you get even 1 witness to corroborate your story, that would be enough to throw your citation out and allow you to in turn sue for damage on your car. but you need to act quickly, I dont know how long they keep photo's from traffic lights stored.
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~Mike
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