Am I Going to Get a Ticket Because I Got in a Car Accident?

Being involved in a car accident can be more than a major headache ─ especially if you have to cope with injuries, including the pain and expenses that accompany them, as well as vehicle repairs. Further, if you are found to be at fault for the crash, then your ability to recover compensation may be compromised, you may get a ticket, and your insurance rates may go up.

Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident?

In Texas, drivers are required to report car accidents to the police if the crash leaves anyone injured or dead, or if it results in apparent property damage of $1,000 or more. When you report the accident, an officer will arrive at the scene of the crash to talk to both drivers, assess the vehicles’ positions and damages, and interview any witnesses.

Based on evidence at the scene, the officer will make a reasonable guess as to what he or she thinks caused the accident and who was at fault. The officer will then ticket the driver who was deemed to be acting negligently or in violation of the law. For example, if speeding caused the accident, then the speeding driver would be the one to receive a ticket.

How Does Fault Affect Compensation?

“Texas law requires people who drive in Texas to pay for the accidents they cause,” the Texas Department of Insurance explains. As such, if you are the one who is found to be at fault for the crash, then your liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s damages, but not your own.

Receiving a ticket may be used as evidence in a car insurance claim. The insurance adjuster may argue that because you received the ticket, you were at fault and therefore are not eligible for your full compensation amount. Although this may be true to some extent ─ getting a ticket is a piece of evidence ─ if you can prove that you are not at fault by using other types of evidence, such as the testimony of an accident reconstruction expert, you may be able to pursue a claim against the other driver. In some cases, you may even have the right to file a lawsuit.

If You’re in a Car Accident in Texas, Contact Us Today

At The Bob Richardson Law Firm, we understand that getting the ticket in a crash can have major implications for your claim and damages. If you received the ticket but still need an insurance payout to help you cover your injuries and losses, contact our experienced car accident lawyers today.

Not only will we work to disprove false allegations of fault, but we can also negotiate with an insurance adjuster to fight for the compensation you need. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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