Following too Closely citation?

[darrell]

I was on 2 lane highway in Texas, behind a truck. I saw a car passing me on the left lane and and saw it was clear to pass. The car that passed me crated and illusion of flowing traffic and as soon as I changed my lane I saw her crashing into a car and pushing ti into another. When I changed my lane this happened within seconds and I ended hitting the car that started the accident. The police came and gave me a citation for following too closely. What are the options to this situation? Can I take a driver safety course to avoid a fine? Or can an attorney help me out? What are my chances?

[augustus]

Defensive driving means you are aware of all potential hazards. I bet the truth goes something like this: you were behind a semi truck, saw it was slowing and the car in the left lane passed you so you assumed it was clear moved into it and bam you got into a crash. Sound about right?

You failed to scan the lane next to you for potential hazards and merged over to close to the car that passed you. Therefore you were following too closely.

Next time, don't be in such a rush and stay in your lane. Pay the ticket.