You can get a ticket days after an accident. The timeline for investigating accidents varies, and law enforcement officers need time to gather evidence, review footage, and determine fault.
A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you understand the factors that influence an officer’s decision and what steps you can take if you receive a ticket. They can help you seek compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Understanding the Timeline of Accident Investigation
After an accident, you’re likely shaken and worried about the consequences. As you try to process what happened, you might wonder what comes next in the investigation process. Following standard accident protocols, the authorities will typically start gathering evidence and statements from witnesses and those involved.
However, investigation delays can occur due to various factors, such as the severity of the accident, the number of parties involved, or the complexity of the case. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim or lawsuit if you suffered injuries in a car accident.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
The Role of Police Reports in Issuing Tickets
The police report plays a vital role in this process. The officer’s report serves as the primary documentation of the accident, outlining the events leading up to the accident, the damage, and any witness statements.
The officer’s discretion also plays a role. Based on their observations of the scene and the evidence collected, officers may choose to issue tickets.
If the report indicates that you were at fault, you can expect to receive a ticket. The report’s accuracy and the officer’s discretion help investigators determine who is responsible for the accident.
When Can You Expect to Receive a Ticket After an Accident?
How soon you can expect to receive a ticket after an accident varies. Typically, you’ll receive a ticket within a few days to a few weeks after the accident. In some cases, there may be a ticket delay, especially if the accident involves severe injuries or fatalities.
The officer may need to conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and interview witnesses before issuing a ticket. Additionally, the officer may need to review footage, inspect vehicles, and consult with experts to determine fault.
How a Ticket Can Factor Into a Claim or Lawsuit for Injuries
If you receive a traffic ticket days after an accident, it can significantly impact any claims or lawsuits related to injuries caused by the crash. Traffic tickets are typically issued for violations such as speeding, running a red light, failing to yield, or reckless driving.
While receiving a ticket does not automatically mean you are at fault, it can be used as evidence in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. In a car accident case, fault plays a critical role in determining who is responsible for damages.
How Florida’s Modified Comparative Negligence Applies
If you are ticketed after the accident, the opposing party’s insurance company may argue that the ticket proves you were negligent and contributed to the crash. This could reduce or even deny your compensation, especially in states like Florida, which follow a modified comparative negligence rule.
Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are found more than 50% at fault, you are ineligible to recover damages. However, if the other driver was cited for a traffic violation, their ticket can serve as strong evidence to support your claim.
For example, if the other driver were cited for running a red light, this would reinforce their liability for the accident, making it easier to recover compensation for your injuries.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer can help if a ticket factors into your case. For example, they can:
- Challenge the ticket: If you were ticketed unfairly, an attorney can help contest the violation to protect your claim.
- Use the ticket as evidence: If the other driver was cited, your lawyer can use it to build a compelling case for their negligence.
- Negotiate with insurers: Insurance companies often try to use tickets against you, and a lawyer can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Working with a skilled attorney can protect your rights and strengthen your injury claim or lawsuit, regardless of whether a ticket was issued.
We Can Help if You Get a Ticket Days After an Accident
Receiving a traffic ticket after an accident can complicate your injury claim or lawsuit, but it doesn’t mean your case is lost. Whether you were wrongly cited or need to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their negligence, having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can make all the difference.
Our attorneys can help challenge unfair citations, use critical evidence to establish liability and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call The Schiller Kessler Group today for a free consultation.
Injured? Call The Aggressive Attorneys Today
