Georgia Traffic Tickets for Accidents – Know Your Rights

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia and received a traffic citation, you’re not alone. Many drivers are issued Georgia traffic tickets for accidents, sometimes unfairly, and the consequences can be more serious than they seem to be at first. These citations may be used as proof of fault by other drivers or insurance companies. Even if the violation didn’t involve a collision, tickets can impact your license, insurance premiums, and driving record.

Attorney Scott Fortas of Georgia Traffic Lawyers has extensive experience defending drivers against traffic violations related to accidents. Learn more about him by visiting Scott Fortas Bio page.

Contact Georgia Traffic Lawyers 24/7, call 404-315-9936 or fill out our website form for a FREE ticket consultation!

Following Too Closely – Ga. Code Ann. § 40-6-49

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents, and the trailing driver is often cited for following too closely under Georgia law. According to Ga. Code Ann. § 40-6-49, a driver must maintain a distance that is ‘reasonable and prudent,’ taking into account speed and road conditions. The law also addresses caravans and vehicles in tow but exempts funeral processions and parades.

Penalties for this offense include:
– 3 points on your Georgia driving record
– A maximum fine of $1,000
– Misdemeanor classification (may include up to 12 months of probation)

Out-of-state drivers are also subject to penalties. A Georgia lawyer can help negotiate a reduced penalty or challenge the ticket altogether.

Failure to Yield – Multiple Georgia Statutes

Failure to yield is one of the most cited reasons for accident-related traffic tickets. Georgia traffic code outlines several specific yield-related violations, including:
– § 40-6-70: Failure to yield at intersections
– § 40-6-71: Failure to yield when turning left
– § 40-6-72: Failure to yield at a stop sign or yield sign
– § 40-6-73: Failure to yield when entering or crossing a roadway
– § 40-6-74: Failure to yield to emergency vehicles
– § 40-6-75: Failure to yield to construction vehicles
– § 40-6-76: Failure to yield to a funeral procession
– § 40-6-55: Failure to yield to bicyclists
– § 40-6-41: Improper passing and failure to yield to oncoming traffic

These violations are misdemeanors and carry the following penalties:
– 3 points on your license
– A fine of up to $1,000
– Possible probation (rare)

A skilled traffic attorney can argue for a plea to a no-point violation or help fight the citation outright based on the unique circumstances.

Failure to Maintain Lane – Ga. Code Ann. § 40-6-48

Under § 40-6-48, drivers must remain within their lane ‘as nearly as practicable.’ This gives law enforcement broad discretion and can lead to unfair citations, especially when drivers are maneuvering around road hazards or debris.

This offense is commonly associated with DUI investigations, but drivers may be cited even if they’re not impaired.

Penalties include:
– 3 points on your driving record
– A misdemeanor charge and up to a $1,000 fine
– A lasting mark on your criminal history if convicted

These charges can often be reduced with legal intervention, especially if driving behavior was reasonable under the conditions.

Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device

Running a red light is one of the top causes of traffic accidents in Georgia and is typically cited under the general offense of ‘Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.’ This category includes:
– Ignoring traffic lights
– Disobeying road signs
– Failure to follow road markings

While these violations may seem minor, they often lead to collisions, and tickets are prosecuted. Like the others, this offense is a misdemeanor with the possibility of license points, fines, and insurance increases.

Frequently Asked Questions – Georgia Traffic Tickets for Accidents

Can I get a ticket even if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Yes. Officers often issue citations based on preliminary information or assumptions at the scene. However, a traffic ticket is not the same as a legal finding of fault. You have the right to contest it in court.

Will a traffic ticket automatically raise my insurance rates?

Not automatically, but it can. Insurance companies may increase premiums after a moving violation conviction, especially one related to an accident. Avoiding a conviction through legal representation can help protect your rates.

Can I fight a traffic ticket without going to court?

In many cases, yes. An attorney like Scott Fortas can appear on your behalf, negotiate a resolution, or argue for dismissal, especially for out-of-state or working drivers.

What if I already paid the ticket?

Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and closes the case. However, you may still have options such as filing a “Motion to open” or taking steps to remove the offense from your record after a period of time. The longer you wait to do this, the less your chance of re-opening the ticket.

Do I still need a lawyer if I was only given a warning?

If you received only a warning, there’s no immediate legal risk. However, if you are concerned about a related issue, like an at-fault designation or insurance claim, it’s wise to consult a traffic lawyer.

Legal Help for Georgia Traffic Tickets for Accidents

Being ticketed after an accident doesn’t automatically mean you’re at fault, or that you’ll be convicted. Attorney Scott Fortas and his team at Georgia Traffic Lawyers work to:
– Protect your driving record
– Reduce or eliminate points and violations
– Appear in court on your behalf (when allowed)
– Pursue non-reportable or no-point resolutions

Even if you’ve been charged with one of the violations listed above, our firm may be able to negotiate a reduced charge that doesn’t impact your insurance or driving record.

Contact Georgia Traffic Lawyers Today

If you’ve received a Georgia traffic ticket related to an accident, the clock is ticking on your response deadline., Failing to act could mean a more serious outcome.

📞 Call us at 404-315-9936 for a FREE consultation, or visit our site at www.georgiatrafficticket.net to submit your ticket information.

Let Attorney Scott Fortas and the Georgia Traffic Lawyers team help you fight back and protect what matters most—your license, your record, and your peace of mind.