Being involved in a car accident is unfortunately often followed by a traffic ticket. Charges such as Unsafe Movement, Failure To Reduce Speed, Following Too Closely, and other accident related citations can affect your license, your insurance premiums, and even your ability to pursue or defend a civil claim.

​

Attorney Jake Kruger, through Kruger Law Firm, PLLC, represents drivers facing accident related tickets in Salisbury, Rowan County, and throughout North Carolina. The focus is on protecting your driving record, your insurance, and your legal position after a crash.

​

What Is “Unsafe Movement” In North Carolina

Unsafe Movement is a common traffic charge written after a collision or near miss. Under North Carolina law, a driver can be cited for Unsafe Movement when they fail to move their vehicle safely or appropriately in traffic, for example by:

​

• Changing lanes without first making sure the lane is clear

• Turning or merging without signaling or without proper lookout

• Pulling out from a driveway, side street, or parking lot into the path of oncoming traffic

• Starting from a stopped position when it is not safe to enter traffic

• Moving in a way that causes another driver to swerve, brake hard, or collide

​

Unsafe Movement is a moving violation, and it is often charged when the officer believes your actions contributed to the accident.

​

Other Common Accident Related Charges

In North Carolina, officers frequently charge one or more of the following in connection with an accident:

​

• Failure To Reduce Speed. Not slowing down or braking in time to avoid a collision, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic

• Following Too Closely. Often called “tailgating,” charged when a driver is considered too close to the vehicle ahead and a rear end wreck occurs

• Failure To Yield Right Of Way. Common at intersections, driveways, and left turns, charged when the officer believes you failed to allow another vehicle or pedestrian to go first

• Left Of Center. Crossing the center line into oncoming traffic without a lawful reason

• Hit And Run Involving Property Damage. Leaving the scene of an accident without providing required information or assistance, even when no one is injured

​

How Accident Tickets Affect License And Insurance

Even when no one is seriously hurt, accident related tickets can have real consequences, including:

​

• Driver’s license points. Moving violations add points to your North Carolina driving record. Too many points in a short time can lead to a suspension

• Insurance points and premium increases. Insurance companies often treat accident related convictions as indicators of risk. A single conviction associated with a crash can raise your premium for several years. Multiple accident related tickets make it difficult to keep rates manageable

• Impact on civil claims. A conviction or guilty plea can be used by insurance companies or other parties in later civil cases. Being “at fault” in traffic court may affect how much you can recover for your own injuries or property damage

​

Because of these overlapping issues, it is never a good idea to simply pay an accident related ticket without legal advice.

​

Why You Should Not Automatically Plead Guilty After A Crash

Many people want to move on quickly after a wreck and assume that pleading guilty to charges such as Unsafe Movement or Failure To Reduce Speed will help. In reality:

​

• Paying the ticket is the same as admitting fault for the traffic charge

• That admission can be used against you in a civil claim for damages

• Your insurance company may rely on the conviction in deciding fault and setting rates

• You may miss the opportunity to reduce the charge or obtain a result that better protects your record

​

What To Do After You Receive An Accident Related Ticket

If you are cited for Unsafe Movement, Failure To Reduce Speed, Following Too Closely, or other accident related charges in Salisbury, Rowan County, or anywhere in North Carolina:

​

1. Do not immediately pay the ticket or plead guilty

2. Contact an attorney before going to court

​

Contact Us

If you are facing an Unsafe Movement ticket or any car accident related charge in Rowan County, Davie County, or Davidson County Kruger Law Firm, PLLC can help. Attorney Jake Kruger will review your case with you and work to secure the best possible outcome for your situation.