When you’ve just been in an accident, the stress doesn’t stop when the vehicles are towed away. For many drivers in Illinois, the next challenge is dealing with a traffic citation—most commonly, Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident.
At The Davis Law Group, P.C., we understand how overwhelming this process can be. Our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights, help you understand your legal options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Why Was I Cited After a Crash?
In Illinois, police officers often issue a citation even if they didn’t witness the accident themselves. After arriving on the scene, they assess the situation by:
- Reviewing the damage to the vehicles
- Interviewing the drivers and passengers involved
- Speaking with any available witnesses
One of the most common conclusions? That someone failed to reduce their speed to avoid the collision—especially in rear-end accidents. While this might feel like an automatic judgment of guilt, you have the right to challenge it, and we’re here to help.
What the Law Says
Under Illinois law 625 ILCS 5/11-601(a), you can be charged if you fail to drive at a speed that’s considered “reasonable and proper” for the current road and traffic conditions—even if you were driving under the posted speed limit.
In other words, it’s not about the posted limit—it’s about using good judgment.
What Are the Penalties?
This charge is more than just a ticket—it can come with real consequences:
- A moving violation with fines up to $1,000
- Mandatory court assessments
- Increased insurance premiums
- A mark on your public driving record
- Potential driver’s license suspension if the accident involved injuries requiring hospitalization or if you have received other recent moving violation convictions.
Even worse, a plea of guilty can be used against you in a civil lawsuit if the other party sues for damages.
Your Legal Options
It may be possible to challenge the ticket at trial. Also, you may be eligible for court supervision, which helps you avoid a conviction on your public driving record.
In some cases, a dismissal is possible—especially if witnesses fail to appear. However, dismissals are never guaranteed and depend heavily on the circumstances of your case.
That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled traffic attorney by your side.
Let The Davis Law Group, P.C. Defend Your Driving Record
If you’ve been ticketed for Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident, don’t try to navigate the legal system alone. Our attorneys regularly represent drivers across Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, and beyond.
We’ll review the details of your case, explain your options, and build a defense aimed at protecting your driving record and your future. We may even be able to appear in court without you, depending on certain factors.
Contact The Davis Law Group, P.C. today for a free consultation — and let us help you move forward with confidence.