Traffic Accidents Attorney on Long Island

Defense Against Accident-Related Citations in Garden City, Suffolk County, & Nassau County

Traffic accidents are stressful events that can result in more than just vehicle damage; they often lead to traffic tickets and potential liability. Citations issued at accident scenes carry points that affect your driving record. Unfortunately, they can also be used as evidence in insurance claims or civil lawsuits. Understanding how to defend against these charges becomes crucial for protecting both your license and your liability exposure.

At All County Traffic Defense Group, we defend drivers who have been issued citations following a collision. Led by Zan Sheikh, our firm offers a calm, experienced voice during chaotic times. We focus on protecting your driving record and your rights, so that a bad day on the road doesn't lead to long-term legal consequences. 

Our multilingual team is available to assist speakers of English, Spanish, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. If you are seeking a traffic accident attorney in New York City, Long Island, Rockland County, or Westchester County, please call All County Traffic Defense Group at (516) 440-2348 or contact us online.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene in New York State

One of the most serious accident-related charges is “Leaving the Scene of an Incident,” commonly known as hit-and-run. Under VTL 600, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage is a traffic infraction, while leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury is a misdemeanor.

Drivers are required to stop and exchange information, but confusion or panic can sometimes lead to mistakes. When these cases arise, the facts matter. Was the driver aware of the impact? Did they attempt to report it later?

Resolving these charges carefully is critical to avoiding a criminal record and license revocation. Courts often consider context when determining penalties, making it essential to present the circumstances clearly.

Accident-Related Traffic Tickets on Long Island Explained

Police officers often issue tickets at accident scenes based on their assessment of fault, even if they did not witness the crash. Common citations include “Following Too Closely,” “Failure to Yield,” “Unsafe Lane Change,” and “Speeding.”

These violations carry points and can be used as evidence of fault in insurance claims or civil lawsuits. Fighting these tickets is essential not only to protect your driving record but also to avoid admitting liability for the accident.

We challenge these citations by questioning the officer’s basis for the charge. Without a witness or clear evidence, the officer’s conclusion may be speculative. Our goal is to have these charges dismissed or reduced to protect your liability standing.

How Traffic Tickets Affect Civil Liability in New York

When a traffic accident occurs, police officers often issue tickets to the driver they believe is at fault. Many drivers pay these tickets to put the incident behind them, unaware that paying the fine constitutes a formal admission of guilt. This decision can have lasting consequences that extend far beyond the traffic court, specifically if the other party involved in the accident decides to file a personal injury lawsuit or property damage claim against you.

In New York, a conviction for a moving violation, whether obtained through a guilty plea or a court verdict, can often be used as evidence of negligence in a subsequent civil trial. If you have already admitted to "following too closely" or "failure to yield" by paying the ticket, it becomes significantly more difficult for your insurance company or civil defense attorney to argue that you were not responsible for the accident. This can expose you to higher insurance premiums and significant financial liability.

All County Traffic Defense Group approaches traffic defense with this broader picture in mind. By working to get tickets dismissed or negotiated down to non-moving violations (such as parking tickets), we aim to reduce the ammunition available to opposing lawyers in civil court. 

Our goal is to protect not only your driver's license but also your long-term financial well-being by minimizing the legal consequences of a traffic stop. When you need help from a traffic accident lawyer, call All County Traffic Defense Group at (516) 440-2348 or contact us online.