TICKET TO BLAME — When a Traffic Violation Determines Fault After a Crash
Traffic violations are more than just tickets—they’re often the key to determining legal fault after a car accident
If you're involved in a collision and the other driver was speeding, texting, or ran a red light, that violation may be the smoking gun for your case.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help injury victims hold negligent drivers and their insurers accountable. If you're being wrongly blamed—or if the other driver broke the law—we’ll make sure fault is determined fairly and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Traffic Violations That Trigger Accidents
According to national data, over 60% of crashes involve a traffic violation. These include:
Speeding
Failure to yield
Following too closely
Ignoring traffic signs and signals
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Texting or using a phone while driving
Even minor offenses can lead to major consequences—especially when they cause a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles.
Who’s at Fault? The Role of Violations in California Crash Claims
In California, fault is often influenced by whether a driver violated a Vehicle Code regulation. If a violation leads directly to a crash, the violator is usually presumed to be at fault. But it’s not always that simple.
Example:
If Driver A runs a red light and Driver B, who was following too closely, rear-ends another vehicle while braking, both may share fault. However, Driver A's violation initiated the sequence, making them the primary liable party.
Key Evidence That Determines Fault
If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t rely on the insurance adjuster’s word. Collecting the right evidence is essential for proving fault after a traffic violation:
Police Reports
If officers issue a ticket at the scene, that citation is powerful evidence of negligence.
Scene Documentation
Photos, video, and dashcam footage can show the violation and the aftermath.
Witness Statements
Eyewitnesses who saw the violation occur can support your version of events.
Driver Statements
An offhand apology or admission at the scene could be considered an admission of fault. Don’t say more than necessary—and let your attorney handle the rest.
Understanding Comparative Fault in California
California follows a pure comparative fault system, which means multiple parties can share blame. Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover compensation—though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example:
You’re 30% at fault for a crash caused by another driver’s speeding and lane change. If your damages total $100,000, you can still recover $70,000.
This makes it critical to minimize your share of fault—and R23 Law knows how to fight for the fairest outcome.
R23 Law: Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
Insurance companies often try to shift fault to reduce payouts—even when their insured clearly violated traffic laws. That’s where we come in.
Our R23 Law California Consumer Protection Attorneys:
Investigate accident scenes
Secure traffic camera and dashcam footage
Review citations and police reports
Work with accident reconstruction experts
Push back against insurers trying to blame you
Injured by a Driver Who Broke the Law?
Traffic violations aren’t just infractions—they’re proof of liability. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver, R23 Law is ready to fight back.
Let our skilled attorneys protect your rights, expose violations, and pursue maximum compensation.
📞 Contact R23 Law’s California Car Accident Attorneys today for a free consultation.
