Can I file a car accident lawsuit even if I was issued a ticket?
If you are interested in filing a car accident lawsuit, you may be wondering how a ticket affects your ability to pursue legal action to collect compensation. While a ticket may affect the outcome of your case, you can still file a car accident lawsuit and receive the compensation you deserve for damages.
As long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident, you are able to recover compensation for damages. You may choose to contest your ticket or move forward with a lawsuit while having a ticket, depending on the type of ticket you have and how it affects your case.
Common Traffic Tickets After a Car Accident
Car accidents often come with traffic tickets, especially since not following traffic laws is a major cause of accidents. Many types of traffic tickets can be given by a police officer after an accident. These include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, a hit-and-run, running a stop sign or a red light, going down the street the wrong way, and more.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is when a driver clearly disregards the safety of others. It can include high speeds, tailgating, and other aggressive driving tactics. While an officer may not witness reckless driving, witness testimonies can reveal this, providing grounds for a ticket after the accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is becoming more common as smart devices continue to gain in popularity. Georgia enacted the Hands-Free Georgia Act to make it unlawful for a driver to physically hold or support a wireless telecommunication or stand-alone electronic device while operating a motor vehicle.
Distracted driving is a rising cause of accidents, and a Georgia police officer can issue a ticket for this after an accident upon reasonable suspicion and evidence.
Hit-and-Run
A hit-and-run happens when a driver leaves the scene of an accident, and it is a serious offense in Georgia. If a driver is involved in an accident, they must stop and remain on the accident scene. If not, they will face penalties.
Running a Stop Sign or a Red Light
Failure to follow traffic signs or stop lights can always result in a ticket. Witnesses can attest that one or more drivers involved in the accident ran a stop sign or a red light. Running a stop sign or a red light is a common cause of accidents today, and major damage can be done when this happens at a large intersection.
Going Down the Street the Wrong Way
Whether by accident and due to impaired driving, a person can get a ticket for going down the street the wrong way, which is also a failure to follow traffic signs. It is clear how this traffic violation can cause an accident, and many cars can be involved.
Fighting a Ticket
Sometimes, traffic tickets can make a big difference in your case. Other times, both parties are violating traffic laws, which may not affect the overall outcome. If you’ve gotten a ticket after a car accident, you can choose to contest the ticket, but it will need to be addressed quickly.
Your case will be heard in court, and the officer that gave you the ticket will appear and testify. Bring any evidence that you have to the hearing, including witness testimonies. When your success in filing a lawsuit is at stake, it’s important to come prepared.
If the officer does not show up to the hearing or if you can prove that the ticket was invalid, you can get the ticket dismissed. In cases where the traffic ticket proves that you are 50% or more at-fault for the accident, getting the ticket dismissed is the vital first step that you need to take before filing a lawsuit.
File a Car Accident Lawsuit with a Ticket
You may fight a ticket and win, and then decide to pursue a lawsuit. As another alternative, you may decide to pursue a car accident lawsuit with the ticket. If you have suffered many damages and been involved in a severe car accident, it’s understandable why you want to take legal action – even with a ticket.
Haug Law Group is here to help you pursue legal action when you have endured significant damages from a car accident. Even if there is a ticket involved, we can help you get the best results possible, especially when it’s unclear which party is at fault. If both parties have tickets, it can help your case.
Our experienced car accident legal team will analyze all of the details of your case and demand the compensation you deserve. We have the experience you need to get the best result possible, and we will fight to win all of the compensation you are owed.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Ready to discuss your case with a top Atlanta car accident lawyer at Haug Law Group? Schedule a free consultation and case evaluation to find out your best path forward. Call 1-844-428-4529 or send us a message to get in touch with our team.
