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Answers From a Pensacola Car Accident Lawyer
Hear from Pensacola car accident lawyer Eric Stevenson as he answers the frequently asked question: “If I’m in an Accident and Get a Traffic Ticket, Can I Get Sued?”
Video Transcript For “If I’m in an Accident and Get a Traffic Ticket Can I Get Sued?”
If I’m in an accident and get a traffic ticket can I get sued?
Hi. My name is Eric Stevenson.
I’m a personal injury attorney in Pensacola, Florida.
Please join me as I answer this question.
You know, I get this question a lot.
Does the fact that I got a ticket… does that absolutely mean that I’m at fault?
Not necessarily.
You know, we’re successful in challenging tickets.
It’s a judgment call an officer who typically is not on the scene makes after talking with witnesses.
And sometimes after we do some more digging, maybe do an accident reconstruction, we can learn that our client was not at fault and maybe should not have been cited.
I did have a conversation many, many years ago with a retired highway patrolman who said that it’s rare that he ever sees an accident where each party isn’t somewhat at fault.
And Florida law takes that into account with juries through what’s called comparative negligence and giving awards.
So, a jury might say, “Well, one person’s 80% at fault and the other is 20% at fault.”
But, that’s the beauty of our jury system and our legal system, is that just because one person, a witness or an officer, makes a judgment call at a scene that somebody should get a citation doesn’t necessarily mean that the person’s at fault for the accident.
What we typically do if we have a client who’s in an accident and it’s clear that it’s not their fault but they got a ticket…
We typically will go to the traffic ticket hearing with them, take a court reporter, and get the witness testimony and challenge the ticket so that we can go ahead early on and show the insurance company that our client isn’t at fault and that we’re going to stand behind them through the entire case.
So, the short answer is just because you get a ticket doesn’t necessarily mean that somebody can successfully sue you or that you’re at fault for anything.
Go talk with a lawyer.
Have a lawyer give you an honest opinion about what they think about your case and whether liability or whether you’re at fault is an issue and whether you can recover any damages.
You know, we do these videos because we enjoy talking with people and answering questions and maybe you or a family member has a similar question.
That’s probably why you’re watching this video.
You know, please call us anytime you’ve got a question.
My name again is Eric Stevenson.
My number is 850-444-0000 and our website is stevensonklotz.com.
Thank you.
If I’m in a Car Accident and Get a Ticket, Can I Get Sued?
Many people are afraid that if they get a ticket after a car accident, they can be sued by the other driver because the ticket means the accident was their fault. However, this is not necessarily the case. While there are some instances in which the other driver may attempt to sue you, it is not necessarily because the police officer on-site issued you a ticket. Getting a ticket does not make you automatically 100% at-fault and liable for all the damages involved in an auto accident.
If you have been in a car accident and have received a ticket, it is important to speak with an experienced car accident attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options, and determine if you are at risk of being sued by the other driver. Call Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We represent injured drivers and accident victims.
What Are the Consequences of Getting a Ticket After a Car Accident?
There are several potential consequences of getting a ticket after a car accident, including:
- Higher insurance rates: If you receive a ticket after an accident, your auto insurance rates will likely go up. This is because insurers view you as more of a risk after an accident.
- Points on your license: Depending on the severity of the accident and the ticket, you may receive points on your license which will be reflected on your driving record. These points can lead to a suspended or revoked license.
- License suspension: If you accumulate enough points on your license, you may have your license suspended. This can make it difficult to get to work or school, and can lead to other problems.
- Legal penalties: Depending on the severity of the accident and the ticket, you may face legal penalties such as fines or jail time.
If you have been involved in a car crash and have received a ticket, call Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and legal options, and fight to recover compensation you deserve.
How to Challenge Car Accident Traffic Tickets
If you have been involved in a car accident and have received a traffic ticket, you may be wondering whether you can challenge the ticket. In Florida, you can challenge traffic tickets. To contest the citation, you need to contact the Clerk of Court in the county where the violation happened.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, the attorneys at Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers can help you challenge a car accident traffic ticket and help you determine fault, if necessary.
Steps to Take When You Challenge a Traffic Citation in a Personal Injury Case
- Gather evidence: If you want to challenge the traffic citation, it is important to gather evidence. This may include the police report, witnesses’ contact information, and photos of the accident scene.
- Speak with an attorney: An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and options and how a traffic citation may affect your case.
- Go to court: If you decide to challenge the ticket, you will need to appear in court. The attorney can represent you and help you navigate the legal process.
If you have a serious and permanent injury from a car accident and have received a ticket, call Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Let us fight for your rights and explore all of your options with you.
Determining Fault in a Car Accident
After a car accident, the first thing you may be wondering is who is the at fault driver. Even though Florida is a no-fault state, the coverage you get from your insurance may not be enough for all your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. You may want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit and then you will need to determine who is at-fault for your auto accident.
The attorneys at Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers can help you determine fault in your car accident case. There are many factors that can contribute to an accident, and our experienced attorneys will investigate the cause of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Here are some things that can help your attorney determine who is at-fault for your car accident:
Police report
The police report filed by the police officer from the accident can be helpful in determining fault.
Witnesses
If there were witnesses to the accident, it is important to get their contact information. The attorney may want to speak with them.
Photos and videos
Photos of the accident scene or traffic camera footage can be helpful in determining what happened and who is at fault.
If you have been involved in a car accident and need help determining fault, call Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and options, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
When Should I Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident happened. This is because there are time limits for filing a Florida car accident lawsuit, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process. According to the statute of limitations in the state of Florida you have 2 years to file a car accident claim before you are no longer able to seek compensation for this kind of personal injury case (95.11(3)(a)). Call Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Contact Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident and have questions, call Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.