Auto Insurance Claims: Parking Lot Fender Bender, Will it count against me?

Question
While parked at South Carolina military base gas station / store parking lot, I moved my 18 wheeler  to load it. As I proceeded to make a sharp turn within the parking lot, the back bumper of my trailer hit a parked car. The Security Police charged me with state statute 56-5-2120, Improper turning : curve. I was not on the highway but in a alley behind the building. Will I be charged with a Moving Violation if I just pay the fine? The ticket is  a United States District Court Violation Notice. How can I dispute the charge?

Answer
Donald,

   You have a very good question.  The statute you cited refers to the movement of vehicles when they are on a highway.  You might have a case proving that you were not on a highway as defined by South Carolina law, and that may make the violation a non-moving violation, or a non-reportable accident (depending again on specific laws in South Carolina which I do not have the authority to interpret for you.  You definitely need an attorney.  I am not an attorney and do not have the capability of answering your question without violating the unauthorized practice of law statutes in South Carolina.  If you want to discuss the matter in more detail, feel free to call our office directly at 214-414-7985 or 903-335-8488.  Due to your CDL, I urge you to be sure about the outcome before taking action on paying the fine or fighting the charge.

Sincerely,
Justin Petty