Being in any kind of car accident is stressful. But an accident involving an unlicensed driver can be even more challenging, especially if you’re also recovering from car accident injuries.
Here’s what you should know if you’re involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver.
Who’s Liable?
Liability is determined by the circumstances that caused the collision. Simply driving without a license is not the cause of the accident. Speeding, failure to stop at traffic signals, and other actions are more likely to be the cause.
You could be liable for a car accident with an unlicensed driver depending on your actions. If the driver without a license was responsible for the accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation. But depending on the circumstances, the lack of license might impact your ability to get compensated for your injuries. This is especially true if the unlicensed driver also doesn’t have a car insurance policy.
What to Do After a Crash
If you learn that the other driver doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, the process for what to do after the accident doesn’t change much. However, there are a few additional steps you should take.
Start by contacting the police. You’ll need a copy of the crash report for your records and for your attorney. Make sure the report notes that the other driver didn’t have a license. The make, model, and registration number of the other driver’s car should also be documented.
Get photos of the accident scene and your injuries if you’re able. If you can’t take them yourself due to injury or a lost/damaged phone, ask someone on the scene to take them for you.
Contact your insurance to let them know about the crash as soon as you can. This will help protect your eligibility to file an uninsured motorist claim if needed.
Get medical attention for your injuries. Consider contacting a personal injury attorney to help you get compensation for your injuries.
Unlicensed Driver Complications
If the unlicensed driver was operating their own vehicle and doesn’t have liability insurance coverage as required in the state of Indiana, getting insurance coverage might be challenging. Insurance companies only provide policies to drivers who hold valid licenses. If the driver allowed their license to expire or get suspended, the insurance company might terminate the policy even if the driver previously had valid insurance coverage.
If the driver was driving a vehicle without permission from the owner, it’s considered driving a stolen vehicle. The insurance company covering that vehicle might not provide coverage for an accident involving a stolen car.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the nuances of an accident with an unlicensed driver to try to get coverage for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
