What is my best option in regards to contesting the ticket in court versus just paying the cost of the ticket?

I was in a very minor car accident on May 15th, 2016 at approximately 9:15 pm. I needed to cross over one lane to the left to have access to the turning lane to the left of that lane. Before crossing the lane I turned on my signal light and made sure that the first lane and the turning lane were clear. I didn’t cross immediately after turning on my signal light. It was on definitely more than 5 seconds. There was a car next to me in the first left lane and I sped up slightly to create a safe space for me to cross. It was less than 10 miles per hour. Maybe 5 at the most. I kept my signal light on and checked the turning lane again to make sure it was safe and crossed into the turning lane. A car ended up hitting me from behind. There are small paint scratches on the back left of the vehicle I was driving and the other driver’s left head light popped out slightly. He asserted that I hit his vehicle which was untrue because if I did the damage would have been the reverse nor would I have had space to enter the turning lane as my car would have been outside of the confines of the turning lane. I was cited for an unsafe lane change and found at fault for the accident. I disagree.

Traffic Accident Lawyer Richard Simon’s Answer

2 considerations. The first is what your insurance company will think. If you are found guilty it could effect your coverage. The second is the risk of having this on your record. You already have an insurance claim on your record, do you want to give more reasons for the insurance company to increase your rates, hire a traffic attorney and get your case taken care of.