Police Officers Gave Me a Ticket After My Florida Car Accident – What Does That Mean?

Being involved in a car crash is chaotic, with all parties attempting to determine whether they are hurt and assess the damage to their vehicles, all while experiencing a massive surge in adrenaline. Receiving a traffic ticket from law enforcement during this time can add another layer of stress to an already confusing situation and it often leaves the parties involved wondering how it could affect their ability to recover compensation.

Can Traffic Tickets Be Used as Evidence? 

Many people who receive traffic tickets after an accident worry that they no longer have the right to file a claim. The good news is that in Florida, traffic crash reports and accompanying tickets aren’t automatically admissible as evidence in personal injury cases. This means that just because a car accident victim was issued a ticket does not mean that he or she can’t still seek compensation for crash-related losses. It’s important to note, however, that Florida’s traffic laws do play an important role in determining liability for a crash, so evidence of violations, like speeding, failing to yield or running a red light, can be seen as indicators of negligence. Whether a traffic ticket is evidence of such an act, however, will depend on the circumstances of the case.

Did the Officer Arrive at the Scene After the Crash? 

One important distinction when attempting to determine whether a traffic ticket can be used as evidence of fault in a personal injury case is whether the officer who issued it actually saw the accident occur, or whether he or she arrived at the scene after the fact. In the latter case, the decision to issue a ticket would be based solely on the statements of the parties involved, so the ticket will likely be given less weight in a civil case. If the officer actually saw the accident happen, on the other hand, then his or her testimony of the course of events leading up to the crash could play a role in determining fault.

Did You Pay the Fine? 

Another factor that can impact how a traffic ticket is perceived for liability purposes following a crash is how the recipient responded to receipt. A person who opted to plead guilty and pay the fine without contesting the ticket, for instance, can expect that plea to be used against him or her if a case goes to court. Insurers have also been known to use such responses as evidence of fault, which is why it’s so important for car accident victims to first speak with an attorney before taking any steps regarding a traffic ticket they received following a crash.

Contact Our Tampa Law Office Today 

The mere receipt of a traffic ticket doesn’t always affect the outcome of a personal injury case. A guilty plea to such a ticket can, however, influence how a case unfolds. To ensure that you don’t compromise your own chances at recovery after an accident, please reach out to the experienced Tampa car accident attorneys at Anderson & Anderson today. We can help you determine the best course of action before you move forward.

Sources:

 flhsmv.gov/traffic-citations/

flclerks.com/page/HDI_PayTraffic