Can a Citation Affect a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
If a police officer writes you a traffic citation, it’s because they believe you engaged in some kind of traffic violation. There are several violations that warrant citations, like speeding, not stopping at a stop sign, or running a red light, for example. The citation will indicate the associated fine that you must pay. You have the ability to plead guilty to the charges and pay the fine, or you may fight the charges and possibly have the ticket thrown out without paying.
If you were in a car accident and received a traffic citation in Florida, you may be concerned about how it can impact a personal injury claim. This is understandable, especially if you have never been in a car accident before. It is best to consult with an attorney after a car accident. An experienced attorney can evaluate your accident experience and advise you on if you can obtain compensation and what you should do moving forward.
After a Florida car crash, victims can speak to the Tampa personal injury attorneys at Fulgencio Law for support and assistance with a claim.
The Way that a Traffic Citation Impacts a Car Accident Claim
A citation alone will not impact a claim. The reason is that the citation itself is not admissible as evidence in court. And, just because one driver in a car accident was also given a ticket, that does not necessarily mean that they caused the crash.
Where a citation can be a factor that impacts a claim is how the individual who receives the citation responds. If they decide that it is not worth fighting, so they plead guilty and pay the fine, then this guilty plea can be used as evidence in court. Depending on the circumstances of the crash and what the citation is, a guilty plea may play a significant role in determining fault for the collision.
Also, since most personal injury cases settle outside of court, a guilty plea to a citation can still have consequences. The insurance company will investigate a vehicular accident. Insurance companies are looking for everything they can get that will allow them to pay very little to victims or to avoid liability and deny payment completely. A guilty plea to a citation will be ammunition to use against you and dismiss your claim or reduce any payment to you.
In summation, a citation alone will not impact your case whether you settle outside of court or go to litigation. However, a guilty plea to a citation could play a part in how your case works itself out and if you are able to secure compensation.
Speak with an Attorney at Fulgencio Law Today
Car accidents can be complicated, and many different things can happen that will could affect the outcome of a claim. Having an attorney helping you with your claim puts you in the best position to secure the compensation you need for your damages. Call the Tampa car accident attorneys at Fulgencio Law today to schedule a free consultation to go over your car accident at (813) 463-0123.