Ticketed After an Accident in Florida?
Don't Just Pay the Ticket - Protect Your Driving Record & Insurance Rates
Experienced Defense Against Accident-Related Traffic Citations
Request a Free ConsultationWhy Fight an Accident Ticket?
Receiving a traffic citation after an accident might seem minor, but simply paying it can have significant and costly consequences beyond the initial fine.
Points on Your License
Paying the ticket is an admission of guilt and results in points being added to your driving record.
Increased Insurance Rates
Points and an at-fault accident on your record almost always lead to significantly higher insurance premiums for years.
Risk of License Suspension
Accumulating too many points from this and other tickets can lead to license suspension or even HTO status.
Fighting the ticket, even if you believe you were partially at fault, can help avoid or minimize these negative consequences.
Accident Investigations & Report Privilege
How Tickets Are Issued & What's Admissible
When investigating an accident, officers gather information from drivers, passengers, witnesses, and physical evidence (roadway marks, vehicle damage). Based on this, they determine fault and may issue a citation.
The Accident Report Privilege (F.S. 316.066(4)):
- Statements you make *to the investigating officer* during the crash investigation portion are generally privileged and cannot be used against you in court (civil or criminal) for the ticket itself.
- The crash report itself is also typically privileged and not admissible as evidence in court.
What is *NOT* Privileged:
- Statements made to anyone *other than* the investigating officer (e.g., other drivers, witnesses, paramedics).
- Statements made *after* the crash investigation concludes and a criminal investigation begins (e.g., DUI investigation).
- Physical evidence observed by the officer (skid marks, vehicle position, damage).
- Results of field sobriety tests or chemical tests (breath, blood, urine).
- Statements from independent witnesses not involved in the crash.
Understanding this privilege is key, as the officer often cannot rely solely on your statements to prove the traffic violation in court.
Defending Against Accident Tickets
Just because an officer issued a ticket doesn't mean the state can prove the violation in court. We challenge the citation by:
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Challenging the Officer's Conclusions: Officers often arrive after the fact and rely on potentially biased or inaccurate statements, or misinterpret physical evidence. We highlight inconsistencies and alternative explanations.
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Utilizing the Accident Report Privilege: We ensure that any privileged statements you made to the officer during the crash investigation are not improperly used against you in court for the ticket.
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Identifying Lack of Independent Evidence: Often, the only "evidence" of the violation is the officer's opinion based on privileged statements. We highlight the lack of independent, admissible proof.
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Negotiating for Dismissal or Reduction: We leverage weaknesses in the state's case and the accident report privilege to negotiate for dismissal, reduction to a non-moving violation (no points), or withholding adjudication (no conviction).
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Accident Reconstruction (if necessary): For complex accidents or those involving serious injury where fault is disputed, expert analysis can provide crucial evidence contradicting the officer's citation.
Meet Our Dedicated Defense Team

Jeff Lotter
Attorney | Founder
An experienced Orlando attorney, Jeff brings more than two decades of front-line law enforcement and legal experience to every case. As a former Florida State Trooper and Deputy Sheriff, he offers clients a powerful advantage: insider knowledge of police procedures and prosecution strategies, including accident investigations.
Stacy Sanchez
Senior Legal Assistant
Since beginning her legal career in 2014, Stacy has brought unwavering dedication to the field of criminal defense. She joined Lotter Law in 2021 and has since become an integral part of the team, known for her reliability, compassion, and sharp attention to detail, including handling accident ticket cases.
Marissa Rodriguez
Legal Assistant
Marissa provides vital support to our attorneys and clients, assisting with document preparation, scheduling, and ensuring the smooth handling of accident ticket defense cases.
Visit Our Office
Law Office of Jeff Lotter PLLC
200 E Robinson St Suite 1140
Orlando, FL 32801
Serving Central Florida, including Orange County.
Get DirectionsReceived a Ticket After an Accident?
Don't just pay it. Contact Lotter Law today for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your record.
Or, reach us directly:
Law Office of Jeff Lotter PLLC | 200 E Robinson St Suite 1140, Orlando, FL 32801