According to local and state law enforcement agencies, nearly 2 million people across the nation were injured in car accidents in 2020. Many of these motor vehicle accidents resulted in serious injuries, disabilities and death. More than half of these accidents were caused by young adults ages 15-44. Being involved in a car accident, even a minor accident, can be emotionally devastating. There are state and federal laws in place to help reduce and, in some instances, eliminate the risk of accidents on the roadways. One of these laws is the possession of a valid driver’s license. Unfortunately, many people choose to break this law by operating a vehicle without a valid license. A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety determined that unlicensed drivers cause 20 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. Driving without a license not only puts other drivers in danger, but it also poses the vital question of how individuals who are involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver seek compensation for personal injury and property damage.
How to File a Claim when Hit by an Unlicensed Driver
Suppose you are involved in a car accident with an unlicensed driver and sustain property damage or personal injury. The experts at Lastimado Texas have the knowledge and experience to assist you with filing a claim. These types of claims can be complicated, which is why seeking legal advice from the onset is in your best interest.
Is Driving without a License an Arrestable Offense in Texas?
Driving without a valid driver’s license is a crime in Texas. According to the Texas Transportation code outlined in Chapter 521, anyone who is found to violate this provision can be charged with a misdemeanor and face the following penalties.
• First violation – $200 fine
• Second violation within the first year of the first violation $25-$200
• Third violation – A fine of up to $500 and 72 hours to 6 six months jail time if the offense is within the same year as the first violation
Offenders may also have restrictions placed on their driving privileges along with additional fees and fines. Texas has constructed a driver responsibility program that is mandatory for particular traffic violations, including driving without a license. Repeat offenders who continue to drive with a suspended license can face additional penalties, including 12 months jail time if they cause an accident without insurance.
Who Pays for My Damages in a Car Accident?
In most cases, unlicensed drivers are also uninsured drivers. If you are injured or sustain damage to your vehicle in an accident with an unlicensed driver, you may find yourself in a complicated situation. Even without a liability policy to file a car accident claim, there may still be some options available to you.
At Fault Drivers Car Insurance
If you are involved in a collision with an unlicensed at fault driver who is insured, you can file a claim against their liability policy. Unfortunately, the insurance company may attempt to deny any liability due to the policyholder’s inability to provide a valid license. The experts at Lastimado Texas will carefully review all of the documents on your behalf and advice you accordingly.
Can You Claim on Your Own Insurance?
Texas is considered an at-fault state, which means drivers are not required to carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. If you don’t have it already, think of holding the extra coverage on your policy to ensure that you are protected should you be unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Filing a Lawsuit & Suing an Uninsured Driver
In Texas, it is your right to file for compensation for injuries sustained due to another person’s negligence. In uninsured drivers, every case is different, and filing a lawsuit may prove to become very complicated. Before proceeding, contact the experts at Lastimado Texas to help you determine the best course of action for your specific case.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Hutchins & DeSoto, Texas)
To learn more about personal injury law in the Greater Dallas / Fort Worth area of TX, contact the experts at Lastimado Texas today.
