According to statistics provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA), one in five car accidents in the United States involves an unlicensed driver. While it can be said that accidents with unlicensed drivers equate to thousands of accidents each year, one of the most common misnomers is that a driver lacking a driver’s license is ultimately responsible when involved in a mishap on the roadways. The experts at Lastimado Texas have provided the following information to educate drivers regarding liability and the rights of unlicensed drivers involved in an accident.
What Happens when an Unlicensed Driver Gets in an Accident?
Contrary to what many people believe, unlicensed drivers are not automatically held liable for damages caused in an automobile accident purely because they are unlicensed drivers. Instead, liability is based upon the driver’s negligence, and in most cases, the driver who caused the accident will be considered the at-fault driver. If you are unlicensed and are not at fault, there are consequences to operating a vehicle without a license, which may result in legal ramifications.
What are the Civil Liabilities for Driving Without a License in Texas?
Driving without a license will not automatically impede your success in winning a payout if the other driver is at fault. Legally, you are entitled to file a third-party liability insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Keep in mind that the insurance company representing the defendant will do everything in its power to protect its client and avoid a payout. One tactic is to claim that you may have contributed to the damages or injuries sustained in the accident. These actions could potentially damage your case and reduce the amount of your settlement. Discuss the details of your case with your Lastimado Texas professional, who will guide you through the process before filing your claim.
Can You Go to Jail for Driving Without a License in Texas?
The law in Texas is particular in wording; all individuals operating a motor vehicle must be in possession of a valid driver’s license, or he/she will be violating the law. First-time offenders can expect a fine of $200 or less, and repeat offenders can expect a conviction that may result in a $500 fine and up to six months jail time. Suppose an unlicensed driver is responsible for causing an accident. In that case, they will be responsible for the cost of damages to property, physical damage, and personal injuries, as well as additional fines for operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Richardson, Farmers Branch, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, Grand Prairie, Duncanville, Hutchins & DeSoto, Texas)
To summarize, driving without a license and driving carelessly and negligently are all very different things. In layman’s terms, this means that liability in an accident does not fall on the person’s shoulders operating the vehicle without a license simply for not owning one. That being said, if the unlicensed driver causes the accident, they can face penalties for being negligent and for driving the vehicle illegally. Insurance typically follows the vehicle, not the driver so if an unlicensed and/or uninsured driver causes an accident while driving someone else’s insured vehicle with permission, then that policy should cover the injured party’s damages; regardless of whether the driver is licensed or not. If you are an unlicensed driver and have been injured in an accident and are not at fault, contact the experts at Lastimado Texas today.
