Probably, but maybe not.
Paying a traffic ticket does not make a truck driver liable in Ohio. Most insurance companies will take it as a pretty strong indication that he’s guilty; but it’s not admissible in a civil lawsuit.
There might be different witnesses available at the civil trial. The driver may have more important things to do than go to court to fight the traffic ticket – although there aren’t too many things more important for a trucker than keeping his driving record clean.
And a judge isn’t the same as a jury.
All the same, most insurance companies are going to see the driver as the main witness. And once he does something as blatant as admitting guilt on a traffic case, the insurance company’s approach will probably switch from contesting liability to limiting damages.
I have been a lawyer over 30 years. While the insurance company for a truck driver who pays a ticket can fight liability, it’s usually a bluff. If you have been in an accident with a truck, call me, a Cincinnati injury lawyer. My phone is 513-621-4775.
Because all situations are different, and because there may be other facts pertaining to your case that I don’t know about, you should not rely on this answer for legal advice. I am not your attorney, and no lawyer client relationship has been formed. All discussions are limited to Ohio law unless otherwise indicated. And past performance cannot be used to predict future results.
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