Traffic citations issued after an accident can play a significant role in determining liability. These citations indicate that a driver violated traffic laws, which can be a critical factor in assigning fault. Understanding how traffic citations affect liability is essential for both parties involved in a crash, as it can influence insurance claims, legal outcomes, and compensation.
What Are Traffic Citations?
Traffic citations, often referred to as tickets, are official notices issued by law enforcement for violations of traffic laws.
- Types of Citations
Common citations include speeding, running a red light, following too closely, and failing to yield. These violations are frequently linked to car accidents. - Legal Consequences
A citation may result in fines, points on a driver’s record, or mandatory court appearances. It also serves as an official record of the violation.
Traffic citations are a key factor in accident investigations and legal proceedings.
Do Traffic Citations Automatically Establish Liability?
While citations are strong evidence of fault, they do not automatically determine liability in an accident.
- Evidence of Negligence
A citation shows that a driver violated a traffic law, which is often considered negligence. For example, a driver cited for running a red light may be presumed at fault for a resulting collision. - Further Investigation
Liability is determined by considering all evidence, including witness statements, accident scene photos, and police reports. A citation is one piece of the puzzle.
Courts and insurance companies evaluate citations alongside other evidence to decide liability.
How Citations Affect Insurance Claims
Traffic citations significantly impact how insurance companies handle accident claims.
- Impact on the At-Fault Driver
A citation against a driver can make their insurer more likely to accept liability. This often leads to higher insurance premiums for the cited driver. - Disputes and Investigations
If both drivers receive citations or the cited driver contests their ticket, insurers may conduct a more thorough investigation to determine fault.
Citations simplify the claims process but can complicate disputes when contested.
Can Citations Be Contested in Court?
Drivers have the right to challenge traffic citations in court, which can influence liability outcomes.
- Reducing or Dismissing Citations
If a driver successfully contests their citation, it may weaken the case against them in determining liability. - Evidence in Civil Cases
In a personal injury lawsuit, the outcome of a citation hearing can be introduced as evidence, impacting the court’s view of fault.
Contesting a citation can alter the perception of fault in both insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Shared Fault and Comparative Negligence
In accidents where multiple parties receive citations, shared fault may come into play.
- Comparative Negligence
Many states follow comparative negligence rules, assigning a percentage of fault to each party. Compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party. - Example Scenario
If Driver A is cited for speeding and Driver B for failing to yield, both may share liability, and compensation will be adjusted accordingly.
Traffic citations often contribute to determining fault percentages in shared liability cases.
Conclusion
Traffic citations play a significant role in assessing liability after a car accident. While they are strong evidence of fault, they do not automatically establish liability and must be considered alongside other factors. Understanding how citations impact insurance claims, legal proceedings, and shared fault can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident. If you’re involved in an accident where a citation is issued, consulting a personal injury attorney can provide clarity and help protect your rights.
