Should I fight a traffic ticket where I was hit by another car? I don't remember what happened and I was given the ticket.

If you were hit by another car and don’t remember the incident, it is usually worth at least exploring whether to fight the ticket. A ticket issued after a crash is often based on a quick scene assessment, and that assessment can sometimes change once all evidence is reviewed. Here are the key things to think about.

1. When it usually makes sense to contest it

You should strongly consider fighting the ticket if:

1. You were injured or unconscious and couldn’t give your version of events.

2. The ticket was issued based mainly on the other driver’s statement.

3. There were witnesses, cameras, or vehicle damage patterns that might tell a different story.

4. The ticket could increase insurance rates or create liability for the crash.

In many states, a traffic ticket tied to a crash can also affect civil liability, so it’s not just about the fine.

2. Evidence that can change the outcome

If you decide to contest it, the following often matter:

Police crash report

Vehicle damage analysis

Dashcam or nearby security cameras

Witness statements

Medical records if you lost memory due to injury

Sometimes the officer did not see the crash and relied on limited information.

3. Why memory loss matters

If you don’t remember what happened, that can actually be important legally. Memory loss after a collision may indicate a head injury or concussion, and it also means you couldn’t give a statement at the scene. Courts sometimes take that into account.

4. Practical approach

A common approach is:

1. Request the police report.
2. Review what the officer relied on.
3. Talk to a traffic or accident attorney (often free consultations).
4. Decide whether to contest the ticket or negotiate.

5. One more important point

If this accident involved injuries or insurance claims, fighting the ticket can sometimes protect you from being automatically blamed in later legal or insurance disputes.

 Generally, If you were hit, don’t remember the crash, and still received the ticket, it’s usually smart to review the evidence and consider contesting it before just paying the fine.

These are complicated matters. You are welcome to call my cell phone, 616-283-9055 for a lengthy answer but there often are other ways to provide evidence in your favor to affect the determination of fault in an accident. If your injuries are serious and your car was totaled, a lawyer may be able to obtain the EDR from your vehicle to prove speed, whether there was veering, braking, etc. Otherwise, the officer’s opinion isn’t usually relevant if they didn’t see the accident.