After a traffic accident, the most common concern and question is whether or not you’ll receive a traffic citation. First off, there is no reason to issue a ticket simply because a crash occurred. Sometimes accidents just happen, and no violations were committed—or at least little evidence of them exists. However, many accidents occur due to traffic law violations. Speeding citations are the most common type of traffic tickets drivers receive after a crash. 

If you receive a speeding ticket, you may worry that your at-fault status will prevent you from claiming compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. At the same time, you may also be concerned about the impact of your ticket on your license. Get in touch with the Maryland personal injury lawyers of the Law Offices of Hillel Traub if you’ve received a speeding ticket and suffered an injury. In the interim, here is some information regarding speeding tickets and injury claims after an accident. 

Your Alleged Speed and How It Affects Your Case

In Maryland’s traffic courts, traffic tickets are assessed based on severity, and depending on the severity level, you may receive fines and points on your license. 

Your case will likely be more complicated and costly the faster you were allegedly going over the speed limit. Below is a summary of the different types of penalties. Keep in mind these penalties also depend on the speed posted in the zone in which you were stopped:

• Those who exceed the speed limit by 10-19 mph will receive 2 points on their license and a $90 fine.
• Those who exceed the speed limit by 20-29 mph will receive 2 points on their license and a $160 fine.
• Those who exceed the speed limit by 30-40 mph will receive 5 points on their license and a $290 fine. 
• Those who exceed the speed limit over 40 mph will receive 5 points on their license and a $530 fine.

In general, individuals who commit speeding violations that result in collisions will likely face more severe penalties, such as higher fines and more points on their license. In some cases, speeding may also lead to a conviction for reckless driving. According to Maryland law, reckless driving means operating a vehicle in a negligent or wanton manner, causing damage to the vehicle or unreasonably disregarding the safety of other people or property. First-time offenses are usually punishable by a $1,000 fine and 6 points.

Compensation Can Be Granted Despite a Speeding Ticket

Your biggest concern may be that if you plead guilty to or are found guilty of speeding related to the accident, you will not be able to pursue compensation for your accident-related losses. Property damage and personal injuries may be covered by an insurance policy or by a court decision depending on which party was liable for causing the crash. Thus, a ticket does not preclude you from receiving compensation from your insurance or from suing the other driver for your injuries. 

If you have been injured in a car accident, you must understand how certain laws apply to your situation. Maryland is one of the few states where contributing negligence still applies, meaning that you are prevented from collecting damages if you are partially responsible for the accident. This would be the case regardless of the degree of fault assigned to you. In other words, even if you were found to be 1% at fault for an accident, meaning the other party was 99% at fault, you would not be entitled to compensation. 

Avoiding a Ticket after an Accident

If you have been in an accident, it is usually required to contact the police. Nevertheless, there are instances when you need to limit your interaction with the police. For example, providing a lengthy statement to the police might not be the best choice if you think you caused the accident. 

The law stipulates that you must provide the police with nothing more than your name, driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. At that moment, it is up to you whether to answer more questions or provide a statement to the police. By keeping your conversation to a minimum, you may avoid getting a ticket; however, if the evidence against you is substantial, the police can ticket you without your statement.

The determination of fault throughout an accident investigation can have an enormous influence on your ability to receive compensation for your injuries. Accordingly, you should never admit fault. You may not have all of the information that you need to make that judgment, even if you believe that the accident was your fault. When an accident occurs, the situation usually is chaotic, and you might not have all the details. Even if you feel inclined to apologize, it is best to follow proper accident protocol by simply exchanging information as necessary, and then contacting a personal injury attorney. 

Contesting Your Speeding Ticket

A ticket can always be contested. Your decision to contest the ticket depends on many factors, including your unique situation, your chances of winning, and the penalties for the ticket. 

In certain circumstances, pleading guilty to the ticket may make you look entirely to blame for the accident, in which case you may be better off contesting the ticket. If you have been injured in an accident and you have been ticketed for speeding, there is no better time than now to discuss your best course of action with an experienced traffic ticket lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Maryland Traffic Ticket Attorney Today

At The Law Offices of Hillel Traub, we can help you avoid the consequences you may face due to a traffic ticket and the pitfalls of being held liable for a crash in Maryland. We can help you fight your traffic ticket in Maryland by assessing your case, seeking evidence, and organizing a sound defense against the charges. Personal injury claims tend to be challenging, but we can help you construct your case and value your damages in order to get you the compensation you deserve. 

When you need reliable representation in Baltimore, Maryland and in surrounding counties, let us defend your rights. Call (410) 580-1100 or complete an online contact form today. 

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