Charged with Impaired Driving but was not Impaired.
Short details, was driving in Ontario, Roads were snow-packed/icy. Tried to pass a transport, another transport was then seen in the oncoming lane so I merged back into my lane too soon and clipped the front drivers side of the transport with my rear passenger side. I think the transport driver sped up on-purpose but I was a bit shaken because of the collision. There was no/minimal damage to the transport from what I know. Moderate damage to the minivan I was driving. Started travelling at Noon Collision was about 5PM.
I take pain medication for persistent chronic pain (Hydromorphone/Gabapentin). I was also taking Valium during that period for an alcohol cessation outpatient program. I didn't take any of these medications or others that I'm prescribed that day because I was travelling and know I'm not supposed to take them while driving. The last time I took them was around 5-8PM the night before. So urine sample showed Gabepentin/Hydromorphone (which stay in your system for days/weeks after) and Benzo metabolites (broken down drug not the actual drug).
I was immediately arrested for impaired after the accident and taken to the station where they took a urine sample and did a DRE test (I said yes because I couldn't afford to get a lawyer and thought, I'm not impaired it should be fine). I'm pretty sure I failed the DRE tests based on balance because I can't stand on one foot normally and was under a lot of stress/anxiety (which I also have medication for that I didn't take but its more of a long acting medication).
Anyways, I have a Self-Represented Judicial Pre-Trial (as advised by duty council as I told them what happened and that's what they recommended) coming up in the next couple weeks. I guess I'm just wanting to know what to expect/what to say. I considered speaking with a lawyer but the cost is more than double what the fine is.
My main concern right now is the fine/license reinstatement fees because I'm enduring extreme financial hardship at the time. The 12 month suspension is less of a worry to me as, even though i do a lot of medical travel, i can deal with that if need be. Also the license re-instatement fees seem kind of unfair if by chance the charge is dropped.
So what do I expect at a Self-Rep JPT? What do I say/not say? What happens after that?
I'm just really stressed over the whole situation and don't know what to do as I've never even had a speeding ticket.