| Author | |
TracyFD
Forum Pro
Joined: July 22 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 313
|
| Posted: July 28 2009 at 5:40pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
of a person who ran you off the road and kept going?
This happened to me last fall on a metro interstate. Fortunately my children were not with me and it happened in front of two state troopers who promptly pulled him over.
The accident was not very serious and auto insurance paid for all damages and medical costs. Time lost from homeschooling due to doctor appointments and lying on the sofa for hours with an ice pack probably doesn't count for much, legally!
I am not seeking additional monetary restitution, I just wonder - if I attended the court hearing with my husband and children, would it would make an impact on this person for the better? If he saw our faces maybe he would better imagine how a whole family would have been affected if the accident had been worse.
I have no experience in matters such as this and thought maybe someone here might have some good advice. Moms are the best experts after all! Especially this group of moms!
__________________
Tracy
Mom to 3 girly girls,
1 absent-minded professor, and one adorable toddling terrorist.
Pinewood Castle
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Becky Le
Forum Rookie
Joined: June 11 2008
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 91
|
| Posted: July 28 2009 at 5:49pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
If I could use it as a learning experience for my children and they could sit quietly and still in the courtroom then I absolutely would!
__________________
Becky, loving wife to Chris and mom to Stephen (11/99), Elizabeth (04/01), Catherine (08/04), Natalie & Samantha (10/07)
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
RamFam
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 21 2008
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 425
|
| Posted: July 28 2009 at 9:15pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I attended a court hearing in the case of an uninsured guy who rear-ended me. I don't think I would take my young kids to court, but I would go, maybe with husband and/or older children. It can take a while and the court room must be silent. Just my thoughts. I'm glad you weren't injured and that everything financially was solved.
__________________
Leah
RamFaminNOVA
Tom ^i^, Kyle (my Marine), Adeline '00, Wyatt '05, Isaac '07 Philip '08,Michael '10, and John Xavier Feb '13
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
MaryM
Board Moderator
Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13104
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 1:06am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I don't think I would take young children either - and most courtrooms probably wouldn't allow them anyway. When I served jury duty this spring there were signs on most courtroom doors about no children. But you could check.
Myself, I think I would be inclined to go. A bit out of curiosity and also maybe having an impact as you mention. Plus it might impact the judge as well.
__________________
Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Paula in MN
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 25 2006
Location: Minnesota
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4064
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 7:41am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I'd go, without young kids.
__________________
 Paula
A Catholic Harvest
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
TracyFD
Forum Pro
Joined: July 22 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 313
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 11:48am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Looks like it would be a good idea to go. Now, if only our babysitter weren't leaving for college before then!
__________________
Tracy
Mom to 3 girly girls,
1 absent-minded professor, and one adorable toddling terrorist.
Pinewood Castle
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Paula in MN
Forum All-Star
Joined: Nov 25 2006
Location: Minnesota
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4064
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 11:56am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Tracy, when do you have to go? Maybe I can help out!
__________________
Paula
A Catholic Harvest
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Jody
Forum All-Star
Joined: March 16 2009
Location: Ohio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 709
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 7:16pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Sounds like an interesting learning experience.I'd go too, but leave little ones at home if possible.
Jody
__________________
Jody,
Mom to 10 blessings
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
guitarnan
Forum Moderator
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: Maryland
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 10883
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 8:55pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
One of my husband's sailors was murdered and his accused killer was arrested and tried. My dh transferred to another duty station before the trial, but the new CO personally attended every trial day, with a group of sailors from the base, all in dress uniform. The young man on trial (who had been convicted of several weapons offenses but not jailed for the last one) is now serving a life term.
I'd go. Not for extra penalties (you've made it clear you don't want that), but to show this driver that you have a face and a family - and he could have parted them from you forever. I think being there could make a difference.
__________________
Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Angie Mc
Board Moderator
Joined: Jan 31 2005
Location: Arizona
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 11400
|
| Posted: July 29 2009 at 10:23pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Another option, if you feel that being there would be too difficult for you for any reason, is to send someone to represent you and your interests, such as your dh, parents, sibling, or a friend.
Praying!
Love,
__________________
Angie Mc
Maimeo to Henry! Dave's wife, mom to Mrs. Devin+Michael Pope, Aiden 20,Ian 17,John Paul 11,Catherine (heaven 6/07)
About Me
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
TracyFD
Forum Pro
Joined: July 22 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 313
|
| Posted: July 30 2009 at 9:21am | IP Logged
|
|
|
to show this driver that you have a face and a family - and he could have parted them from you forever
(Sorry - I can't seem to do the HTML codes without my DH holding my hand through it!)
This is exactly my heart's desire. This is why I wish I could take the children. I wonder if I can bring a photograph of them and request the judge to order this man to tape it to his steering wheel so that every time he drives (if and when he drives again) he is reminded of how many lives might depend on the drivers with whom he shares the road.
I also want him to know how thankful I am TO GOD that the children were not with me, that state troopers were there to witness the accident, that I just missed taking out the troopers on the side of the road and that the accident was not more serious.
Also, I just realized that the hearing is on the feast of St. Monica! Suppose he has a mother praying for his conversion? You bet we will be praying for her intercession!
__________________
Tracy
Mom to 3 girly girls,
1 absent-minded professor, and one adorable toddling terrorist.
Pinewood Castle
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: Would you attend a court hearing
