WRECK CASES
​
Being Accident-related traffic citations in North Carolina can have serious long-term consequences on your driving record, insurance rates, and even employment. Tickets issued after a collision—such as Unsafe Movement, Failure to Reduce Speed, Failure to Yield, Failure to Maintain Lane Control, and Reckless Driving—are not simple infractions. These charges may result in fines, DMV points, insurance surcharges, and in some cases, misdemeanor convictions. Many drivers don’t realize that paying the ticket is the same as pleading guilty, which can negatively impact your driving history for years.
Wreck Case Defense in North Carolina
Common Accident-Related Violations in NC
-
Unsafe Movement – Often issued when improper movement or lane changes lead to a collision.
-
Failure to Reduce Speed – Common in rear-end and failure-to-stop accidents, frequently leading to insurance increases.
-
Failure to Yield – Can be treated as an admission of fault and used in insurance or civil liability claims.
-
Failure to Maintain Lane Control – Typically cited in sideswipe or single-vehicle accidents.
-
Reckless Driving – A Class 2 misdemeanor that may carry fines, license suspension, and even possible jail time in aggravated cases.
​
Even if these violations seem minor, they can still lead to significant insurance penalties and DMV points that stay on your record for three years or more.
Why You Should Not Simply Pay the Ticket
Most people don’t realize that paying a ticket is a legal admission of guilt. By doing so, you may be accepting fault, adding points to your license, increasing your insurance premiums, and potentially exposing yourself to civil liability. These tickets can often be reduced, negotiated, or dismissed entirely—especially with the assistance of an experienced attorney.
How a Traffic Defense Attorney Can Help
A knowledgeable North Carolina traffic defense attorney can protect your record and handle the legal process for you. An attorney can:
Negotiate with the District Attorney to reduce or dismiss the charge
Avoid DMV points and prevent insurance increases
Appear in court on your behalf in most cases
Work toward outcomes like a non-moving violation or Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC), when eligible
Protect you from unintended legal consequences linked to admitting fault in an accident
Why Legal Representation Matters

Legal representation matters in wreck cases because these charges often imply fault, add DMV points, increase insurance rates, and in some cases lead to misdemeanor convictions. Without legal guidance, a single ticket can turn into a long-term financial and legal problem.
Poteet Law Firm understands how accident-related charges are handled in North Carolina courts and works to protect your driving record, negotiate for reductions or dismissals, and often appear in court on your behalf. Our goal is to prevent one accident from becoming a lasting legal, insurance, or financial burden.
​
With Poteet Law Firm, your case is handled with experience, strategy, and a focus on protecting your future.
Your driving record affects more than just your license—it affects your insurance rates and financial future. Even one accident-related traffic conviction can significantly raise insurance premiums for years. Having legal representation can reduce or eliminate these consequences and safeguard your driving history.
