The Claims Process Following an Automobile Accident Involving an Unlicensed Driver

There is no shortage of accounts of accidents caused by drivers who lacked proper licensing, each with its own unique set of circumstances and outcomes. Those in an accident without licenses often need an injury lawyer and frequently do so for a variety of reasons, including:

• The licensee was either unaware of the expiration date or had not yet renewed it.
• License canceled or suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Those under the age of legal eligibility for a driver’s license
• Teenagers who have not attempted or passed their driving exams
• Those who have had their driving privileges taken away because of a health problem, such as epilepsy, may appeal the decision.
• People over 65 who are unable to pass the required exams to renew their licenses
• Persons with cognitive or visual impairments as a result of advancing age
• Refugees and immigrants who have not yet been issued a US driver’s license

Automobile accidents, insurance claims, and illegal drivers.

According to research conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, intoxicated and unlicensed drivers had a much higher propensity to cause hit-and-run accidents. Many deadly crashes involve drivers who lack proper documentation. 

Many unlicensed drivers are also uninsured, further complicating matters for a licensed driver harmed in a car collision. This can create a tangled web of legal and financial hurdles, making it harder for lawful drivers to promptly get the recompense they need for their injuries and expenses. 

What role does an unlicensed driver play in an accident?

An unlicensed driver’s involvement in an accident does not necessarily make them culpable. Fault in an accident is often difficult to ascertain and requires an inquiry into factors such as who failed to obey traffic laws, who failed to exercise due care, who made an error in judgment, and whether or not any drivers were under the influence of alcohol or distraction.

You and your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer will need to sort out the tangle of damages recovery if it turns out that an unlicensed driver caused the accident. Examples of popular approaches include:

• Since unlicensed drivers are more likely to be uninsured, you may need to make a claim on your uninsured motorist policy to cover the costs of the collision.
• Damages caused by an unlicensed driver operating a borrowed vehicle may be covered by the owner of the vehicle’s insurance policy if the borrower authorized the driver to use the vehicle.