Do Traffic Citations Affect Your Car Accident Claim?

Traffic citations often seem like an inconvenience—just another piece of paper handed out after an accident. But when a car crash occurs, that citation can carry much more weight. Whether someone was ticketed for speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield, the violation can significantly influence how fault is determined in a car accident claim. In New Mexico, where comparative fault laws apply, understanding the role of traffic citations is key to protecting your rights and building a strong case.

What Is a Traffic Citation?

A traffic citation is a legal notice issued by law enforcement when a driver violates a traffic law. In the context of a crash, officers may issue citations at the scene if they believe one or more drivers broke the law leading up to the collision.

Common reasons for citations after an accident include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Failing to yield
• Following too closely
• Reckless or aggressive driving

A citation serves as documentation that a law was broken, but its impact doesn’t stop there.

The Role of a Traffic Citation in Determining Fault

A traffic citation can be a valuable piece of evidence in determining who was at fault in the accident. If one driver was ticketed for speeding and the other was not cited at all, that information may support the claim that the speeding driver was at fault.

This matters because proving negligence is a key part of any personal injury claim. Speeding often shows a failure to act with reasonable care, a concept central to negligence. If the citation is directly related to the cause of the crash, such as running a red light and hitting another vehicle, it can help establish liability.

Insurance companies pay close attention to citations. If their policyholder receives one, the company may be more likely to offer a settlement. On the other hand, if the injured person was the one cited, it could result in a denial or a reduced offer.

Can a Traffic Citation Automatically Determine Fault?

Receiving a ticket does not automatically make someone legally responsible for a crash. It’s a significant clue but not the whole picture.

Other factors must be considered:

• Eyewitness statements
• Photos or video of the accident scene
• The official police report
• Vehicle damage
• Skid marks or debris patterns

Sometimes, accident reconstruction professionals are brought in to examine the evidence and provide a more detailed analysis of what happened. Their testimony can be helpful, especially if fault is disputed or multiple drivers may have contributed to the collision.

Traffic Citations and Personal Injury Claims

If you’ve been injured in a crash and the other driver was cited, that ticket could strengthen your personal injury case. It helps demonstrate that the other party acted negligently and may entitle you to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

The presence of a citation can influence how much the insurance company is willing to offer. A clear violation, such as excessive speeding, may lead to a higher settlement. But if you were cited, even for a minor offense, the insurance company may try to argue that you contributed to the crash and reduce your compensation.

What If You Were Issued a Citation But Believe You Were Not at Fault?

It’s not uncommon for a driver involved in an accident to receive a citation and still feel the blame is misplaced. In these cases, you have the right to contest the ticket in court. A successful challenge may not erase all liability, but it can weaken the other side’s case.

Even if the citation remains on record, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. With strong evidence—photos, independent witness accounts, and professional analysis—you may still be able to show the other driver was primarily or entirely responsible.

Can You File a Claim If You Didn’t Receive a Citation?

Absolutely. You don’t need a citation to file a car accident claim in New Mexico. In many cases, law enforcement officers may not issue any tickets at the scene, especially if drivers have conflicting stories and no clear violation is observed.

In the absence of a citation, other forms of evidence become even more critical:

• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Accident scene photographs
• Witness interviews
• Medical records
• Vehicle inspection reports

All of this can help paint a complete picture of what happened and support your claim for compensation.

Talk to a Lawyer About How a Citation May Affect Your Claim

If you’ve been involved in a crash and have questions about how a citation, or lack of one, affects your case, it’s wise to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. A car accident attorney in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can help you understand your rights and gather the evidence needed to build a strong claim.

Traffic citations may affect your car accident claim, but they aren’t the only factor. Building a strong case with clear evidence is key. If you're unsure how a citation could impact your claim, a personal injury lawyer can help.