The Impact of Traffic Violations on Your Car Accident Claim

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Being involved in a car accident is already stressful. But when a traffic citation is issued at the scene, it raises immediate questions. Does the ticket mean you’re automatically at fault? Will your insurance company deny your claim? Should you fight the ticket in court?

These are all common concerns for drivers facing the dual stress of an accident and a violation. In this guide, we’ll unpack how traffic violations can influence the outcome of car accident claims, insurance decisions, and legal responsibility.

Understanding the Role of Traffic Citations

What Is a Traffic Citation?

A traffic citation is a formal notice issued by law enforcement when a driver is believed to have violated a traffic law. It may be for speeding, failure to yield, running a red light, distracted driving, or other offenses.

Why Do Citations Matter After an Accident?

In the aftermath of a collision, citations are more than just fines—they may be used as evidence by insurers or attorneys to determine fault. If your ticket is tied to the cause of the crash, it can complicate your ability to recover damages or file a successful claim.

Does Receiving a Citation Automatically Make You at Fault?

Fault vs. Violation: Key Differences

Getting cited does not mean you’re legally liable for the crash. While it may raise suspicions with insurers, fault determination involves a full investigation and goes beyond a simple ticket.

How Is Fault Determined?

Fault is typically assessed using:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Photos and videos
• Vehicle damage
• Roadway evidence (like skid marks or debris)
• Dashcam or traffic camera footage

An insurance adjuster or legal team may also reconstruct the scene to better understand what happened.

Examples of Ticketed Drivers Not Being at Fault

Scenario 1: Rear-End Collision with an Expired Registration

You’re rear-ended at a red light but receive a ticket for expired tags. The registration violation has no bearing on the cause of the crash. In this case, fault lies with the other driver.

Scenario 2: Minor Speeding Violation

You were going 5–10 miles over the speed limit when another car failed to yield. Both drivers may share fault, but your citation won’t automatically eliminate your ability to recover compensation.

The Legal Concept of Comparative Negligence

What Is Comparative Negligence?

Comparative negligence is a system used in many states to divide fault among multiple drivers. If both drivers contributed to the crash, compensation may be awarded based on each driver’s percentage of fault.

Types of Comparative Negligence

1. Pure Comparative Negligence: You can recover damages even if you’re mostly at fault, but your award is reduced accordingly.
2. Modified Comparative Negligence (50% or 51% Bar Rule): You can only recover damages if your share of fault is less than 50% or 51%, depending on state law.
3. Contributory Negligence (in a few states): If you’re even 1% at fault, you may be barred from any recovery.

Why This Matters When You’ve Been Ticketed

If you receive a citation, your share of fault may increase—but not necessarily to the point where you lose all rights to compensation. In many states, you can still recover partial damages even if you were cited.

What Happens When Both Drivers Are Ticketed?

Shared Citations and Split Fault

It’s possible for both drivers to be issued tickets after a crash. For example, you might be cited for speeding, and the other driver for failing to yield. In such cases, fault is typically split based on which actions most contributed to the collision.

Insurance and Court Response to Dual Citations

Insurance companies often assign percentages of blame based on the severity of each violation. In court, your attorney may argue that the other driver’s actions were the primary cause, even if you were ticketed for a lesser issue.

Insurance Impacts of Traffic Violations

Will a Citation Lead to Claim Denial?

Insurance companies may deny a claim if the traffic violation clearly caused or significantly contributed to the accident. For example, driving under the influence or speeding excessively may trigger a denial.

However, claims are rarely denied for minor infractions. Insurers must consider the entire context of the accident.

How Violations Can Reduce Claim Payouts

If your ticket shows you shared fault, your payout may be reduced based on your level of liability. This is common in states that follow comparative negligence laws.

Long-Term Effects on Insurance Premiums

Even if your claim is paid, your premiums may increase if the violation appears on your record. Some insurers categorize violations by severity, and repeat offenses can lead to non-renewal or policy cancellation.

Should You Fight the Ticket?

The Strategic Value of Contesting a Citation

If the citation implies you caused the accident, it’s often in your best interest to fight it. Winning or reducing the ticket can help your insurance claim and strengthen your legal position.

How the Outcome Affects Your Case

If your ticket is dismissed in traffic court, it weakens the argument that you were at fault. That can translate to stronger negotiating power with your insurer or in court.

Understanding the Role of Police Reports

What’s Included in a Police Report?

Police reports typically include the officer’s observations, diagrams of the accident, witness statements, and a list of any citations issued. While useful, the report isn’t final in assigning fault.

Can Police Reports Be Challenged?

Yes. If you disagree with the report or believe it misrepresents the facts, you or your attorney can submit additional evidence and request corrections.

Protecting Yourself After a Ticketed Accident

1. Gather Evidence Immediately

Photograph the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any traffic signs or signals. Preserve dashcam footage and ask witnesses for statements and contact information.

2. Be Careful What You Say

Avoid admitting fault at the scene or to your insurance company. Stick to the facts when reporting the incident.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly

Report the accident to your insurer, but don’t volunteer extra information about the citation unless asked. Wait for legal counsel if you’re unsure what to say.

4. Seek Legal Advice

Consulting a personal injury attorney can help you evaluate the ticket’s impact, dispute fault determinations, and build a strong insurance or court case.

Don’t Let a Citation Define Your Claim

A traffic ticket after a car accident can seem like a devastating blow, but it’s not necessarily the end of the road. Fault is determined based on evidence—not just the presence of a citation. Insurance companies may try to reduce or deny your claim, but you have the right to dispute their findings and seek fair compensation.

Understanding your rights, knowing the rules in your state, and taking strategic steps after the accident are critical to protecting your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a traffic ticket ruin my car accident claim?
Not necessarily. A traffic ticket may complicate your claim, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving compensation. Insurance companies will take the citation into account, especially if it relates to the cause of the crash. However, they are also required to consider the broader context of the accident, including the actions of all parties involved, available evidence, and local fault laws. A citation may lead to questions about your role in the accident, but it alone won’t “ruin” your case unless it clearly proves you were primarily responsible for the collision.

Does receiving a citation mean I’m automatically at fault?
No, it does not. A citation reflects an officer’s immediate judgment that a traffic law was violated, but it is not a legal determination of fault in the accident. Fault is established through a combination of factors including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, vehicle damage, and, in many cases, the interpretation of insurance adjusters or courts. It’s entirely possible to receive a ticket and still not be held primarily responsible for the accident itself.

Can I still get compensation if I was cited at the accident scene?
Yes, in most cases you can. Most states operate under comparative negligence rules, which means that even if you share some responsibility for the crash, you may still recover damages. The amount you receive might be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, but a citation does not prevent you from seeking or obtaining compensation. It is important to understand how your specific state’s laws treat shared liability and what limits might apply.

What if both drivers received traffic tickets?
When both drivers are cited, it usually indicates that both may have contributed to the accident in some way. In this scenario, each driver’s role in the crash is assessed independently. Insurance companies often split fault based on how serious each violation was and how directly it impacted the accident. Courts or adjusters may assign percentages of blame and adjust compensation accordingly. It’s not uncommon for both drivers to receive reduced payouts or for one party to challenge their assigned portion of fault.

Should I fight the ticket to help my claim?
In many cases, yes. Contesting a ticket—especially one that implies fault—can strengthen your position during the insurance claim process or in court. If you successfully challenge the citation and it is dismissed, that outcome may be used as supporting evidence that you were not responsible for the accident. On the other hand, paying the ticket may be seen as an admission of guilt, which insurers could use against you. If the violation could influence how your claim is evaluated, speaking to a traffic attorney or personal injury lawyer is highly recommended.

Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., Today

If you’ve been involved in an accident and received a traffic citation, don’t assume you’re out of options. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you contest the ticket, defend against an unfair fault assignment, and negotiate with insurers to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Your first consultation is often free. Don’t wait until your rights are compromised—reach out to The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., today and take control of your recovery.