Need Advice on a Speeding Ticket – Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Hi everyone,
I’m from Northern Virginia and I haven’t had a ticket in over 15 years. However, I was pulled over this past weekend for going 80 in a 55 on Route 66. For those unfamiliar, it’s a multi-lane highway where traffic typically flows around 70-80 mph. Fortunately, the state trooper only issued me a speeding ticket and not a reckless driving charge. Right now, I have a clean driving record with no points.
I reached out to a lawyer I worked with in the past, and he quoted a rate of $500 an hour or a flat fee of $1500.
As a bit of background, my wife and I have four cars on our insurance policy, including a classic car. We pay about $250 a month for full coverage, which also includes an agreed value policy for the antique in case of a total loss.
I did some quick research, and it looks like a speeding ticket like this could lead to a 25% increase in insurance rates for a couple of years. Has anyone experienced a similar situation with a non-reckless ticket?
What would you do in my position?
Thanks for your advice!
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, especially since you haven’t had a ticket in so long. A couple of things to consider:
Lawyer Costs vs. Potential Impact: The fixed fee of $1500 for the lawyer might seem steep, but consider what getting the ticket reduced or dismissed could mean for your insurance premiums. A significant increase in your insurance rate over a couple of years could end up costing you more than the lawyer’s fee.
Insurance Rate Impact: While a speeding ticket can indeed lead to an increase in your insurance rates, the actual amount varies by insurer and your specific situation. It’s true that it could be around 25%, but that’s not set in stone. Since you have no previous points and a clean driving record, some insurers might be more lenient.
Consider Traffic School: Another option could be to ask the lawyer if they can help you get the ticket dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge, possibly by attending traffic school. This can sometimes prevent points on your license from being assessed.
DECISION: If it were me, I would weigh the potential cost of increased insurance rates against the lawyer’s fee. Given your clean record, it might be worth investing in the lawyer to help minimize any long-term financial impact from this ticket.
Consult With Your Insurer: You might also want to contact your insurance provider to discuss the potential impact of this ticket on your rates. They may provide insight and may even offer to do a quote with and without the ticket.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing the immediate cost of hiring the lawyer against the potential long-term costs of higher insurance premiums. Good luck!