At the David W. Martin Law Group, our South Carolina personal injury attorneys know traffic citations can significantly influence liability determinations and compensation outcomes in car accident injury claims throughout the state. When a traffic ticket is issued at the scene of an accident, it can affect insurance claims, negotiations, and even the trial process.
Here, we examine how traffic citations impact car accident injury claims and what this means for those seeking compensation.
What Are Traffic Citations in South Carolina Car Accidents?
A traffic citation is just another name for a traffic ticket – it’s the official piece of paper a police officer gives when they catch you breaking a traffic law. These citations can range from speeding and running a red light to more serious offenses like reckless driving or driving under the influence. They are intended to hold the responsible party accountable for breaking the law but also serve as critical evidence in car accident claims.
How Traffic Citations Affect Liability in South Carolina Auto Accident Claims
Our South Carolina car accident and injury attorneys recommend calling 911 immediately after a crash to ensure law enforcement can review the scene and check for potential traffic violations. Police officers play a crucial role in documenting the accident, interviewing witnesses, and determining whether traffic laws were broken, which can significantly impact your injury claim. When involved in a car accident, the officer first gives everyone involved a quick form called an FR-10 at the crash scene, but the official police report (called a TR310) comes later after the officer has time to finish investigating everything that happened. While both the quick form FR-10 and official police report show who is at fault for the wreck, traffic citations make it clear exactly which traffic law or laws were broken to help further establish liability and damages in a personal injury case.
An official police report can provide critical evidence, including:
- Establishing Fault
In South Carolina, fault is central to car accident injury claims. If one driver receives a traffic citation, it can serve as evidence that they were negligent, increasing the likelihood of being found at fault for the accident. For instance, a driver cited for speeding before a crash can be deemed negligent, directly impacting liability determinations.
- Impact on Insurance Settlements
Insurance adjusters often consider traffic citations when evaluating claims. A citation issued to the at-fault driver can strengthen the injured party’s case, potentially leading to quicker and more favorable settlements.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyer in South Carolina Today
Understanding the role of traffic citations and having strong legal support can help you navigate the claims process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been involved in a car accident where a traffic citation was issued, consulting with our experienced South Carolina car accident and injury attorneys is crucial to building a solid case—call (803) 548-2468 to learn more during a free consultation.
