IWhat to do if was in a car accident 4 years ago but was found to be at fault and issued a citation?
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IWhat to do if was in a car accident 4 years ago but was found to be at fault and issued a citation?
I called the office back the next day because I left the scene to be with my girlfriend at the hospital. He asked me to meet up with him the next day but he never returned my messages. So I waited and after 3 years I have never received anything in the mail nor have I been summoned. The insurance claimed barely settled 2 months ago. I was wondering if anyone has been in this situation and what the best course of action would be.
Asked on March 26, 2013 under Accident Law, Arizona
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Arizona does have a provision which restricts the court's ability to collect on a citation after three years. There are some limited exceptions. To know exactly what the status of your case is, you should considering hiring an attorney that routinely handles traffic citations to make a couple of calls for you. Then can find out if the citation was ever issued, if it was ever filed with the court, and then determine whether you would have a statute of limitations defense based on the facts of your case. Your other option is to "just wait and see," however, if a warrant has been issued, it could hit you at the worst possible time. Some people move or addresses get transcribed incorrectly-- so notices go out and without more, the court will assume that you failed to appear and issue a warrant. It is worth the peace of mind to know if the citation and the associated case are active with the court, and if so, so go ahead and get it resolved.
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