What Is an MVA Charge? Traffic Violations After an Accident Explained

What Is an MVA Charge and How It Affects You After a Crash

What is an MVA charge and why does it matter after a traffic accident? After a car accident, receiving a traffic citation can be confusing and stressful. In legal and insurance contexts, “MVA” stands for Motor Vehicle Accident, and an MVA charge typically refers to a traffic violation issued in connection with a crash. These charges are usually tied to unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, or running a red light—actions that may have contributed to the accident. While not always criminal, an MVA charge can impact your insurance rates, driving record, and even your ability to pursue compensation in a personal injury claim.

Understanding What an MVA Charge Means

An MVA charge refers to a traffic citation issued after a motor vehicle accident. Law enforcement may give this charge at the scene of the crash or after reviewing the incident report. It signals that a driver may have violated a traffic law that contributed to the collision.

Key facts about MVA charges:

• Issued in connection with a crash-related traffic violation
• Included in your official police report and driving record
• May lead to fines, license points, or increased insurance premiums

Each state handles these violations differently, but common examples include reckless driving, failure to yield, or unsafe lane changes that resulted in a collision.

Common Violations That Result in an MVA Charge

Many types of traffic behavior can lead to an MVA charge—particularly when a driver is clearly at fault. Common scenarios include:

• Rear-end collisions → Often cited as “following too closely”
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failure to yield at intersections
• Speeding or aggressive driving
• Texting while driving or distracted driving
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Improper lane changes or turns

In some jurisdictions, an officer may wait until after completing the accident report to issue a citation. So even if you didn’t get a ticket at the scene, a charge might still appear in your mail or court notice later.

Does an MVA Charge Mean You’re Automatically at Fault?

Not necessarily. An MVA charge suggests that police believe you violated a traffic law, but that doesn’t always mean you’re solely responsible for the crash.

Here’s why:

• The citation is often based on preliminary observations, not a full investigation
• Insurance companies may come to a different conclusion during their claims process
• Fault in civil claims (e.g., injury lawsuits) can be shared or contested
• You could be cited for a minor infraction while another driver holds most of the fault

If you receive an MVA charge, it’s critical to review your police report and consult a lawyer—especially if your insurance company uses the charge to limit compensation or raise your rates.

Consequences of an MVA Charge

An MVA charge can follow you long after the crash. Depending on the offense and your driving history, you may face:

• DMV Points that affect your license status
• Increased insurance premiums
• Fines and court fees
• Mandatory court appearances
• Impact on personal injury claims (used to question your credibility or reduce compensation)
• Criminal charges in cases like reckless driving or DUI

The more serious the charge, the greater the potential consequences—especially if injury or extensive damage occurred.

What to Do If You Receive an MVA Charge

If you’ve been issued an MVA charge after an accident, here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Read the citation carefully – Understand the exact violation and court date, if applicable
2. Consult a traffic or personal injury attorney – Especially if the charge could affect a pending claim or your license
3. Don’t ignore the citation – Missing deadlines can lead to license suspension or additional penalties
4. Gather supporting evidence – Collect accident photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, or repair estimates to build your case
5. Notify your insurance company – But be cautious about making statements that admit fault

What Is an MVA Charge? Know Your Rights and Respond Strategically

Understanding what an MVA charge is—and how it fits into the broader post-accident process—is essential for anyone navigating an insurance claim or legal issue after a crash. These citations are serious, but they’re also manageable if addressed proactively.

Whether you’re seeking compensation or defending your driving record, reviewing the charge, consulting legal counsel, and staying organized are your best steps toward resolution.

How to Handle an MVA Charge After an Accident

If you’ve received an MVA charge and are unsure how it might impact your insurance or injury claim, a traffic or personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights. From challenging the citation to negotiating with insurers, legal guidance can make a significant difference in your outcome.