What Happens if I Was in an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver?
In Florida, all drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license. Driving without a license is an offense in Florida. Individuals caught driving without a license can face harsh penalties, including jail time, fines, and vehicle impoundment. Often, drivers assume that all the other drivers on the road have valid licenses. Most drivers assume that all drivers follow the law like they do. However, this is not always true. It is not uncommon for drivers to be on the road without a license. Unfortunately, this means that car accidents involving unlicensed drivers are not uncommon in Florida. Being involved in a car accident with an unlicensed driver can be a stressful experience. If you were involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver, you might be wondering about your rights. So, what happens if you get into an accident with an unlicensed driver?
Can You Pursue Compensation After Being Involved in an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver?
If you were involved in a car accident because of the negligence of another driver and the other driver does not have a license, you can still file a claim for damages. However, recovering compensation from a driver without a license may be difficult. This is because if a driver does not have a license, there is a high chance they also do not have car insurance. But if the other driver has insurance, you can file a compensation claim against their insurance company. To recover compensation, you will need to prove negligence, which generally entails showing that the other driver breached their duty of care and caused you harm.
If the unlicensed driver does not have insurance, you may have the option of filing a civil lawsuit against them. If you can prove that the other driver was negligent and their negligence caused your accident, you may be able to obtain a judgment against them. However, even if you get a judgment against an uninsured driver, collecting damages may be challenging if they have insufficient assets or income.
If the unlicensed driver who caused your accident does not have insurance and lacks the assets or funds to pay for your damages, you may have the option of filing a claim with your insurance company. You can file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. UM/UIM coverage is meant to compensate you if you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. How much you can recover from your insurance company will depend on your policy’s coverage limits.
Steps To Take After an Accident With an Unlicensed Driver
Taking the proper steps after being involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver is vital. The following are some of the crucial steps to take after an accident with an unlicensed driver;
- Call the police and report the accident
- Gather information, such as the driver’s name, contact information, and vehicle details
- Collect witness information
- Document the accident scene by taking pictures and videos
- Seek medical attention
- Notify your insurance company
- Seek legal advice
Contact Our West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorneys
If you have been involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for legal help. We can help you understand and evaluate your legal options.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Fort Myers, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
