Nobody expects to be involved in a traffic collision after getting behind the wheel, but car crashes can happen at almost any time and any place. Crashes can be devastating, and injury victims should immediately begin the process of seeking compensation for losses. Yet knowing what to do when you have been involved in a collision with an unlicensed or uninsured motorist can be difficult. If the at-fault party caused an accident without a license in California, how can you seek compensation for your injuries, and what do you need to know about unlicensed drivers in Los Angeles? Further, what are your options for obtaining compensation if another driver causes a crash in which you are injured, but you are cited for failing to have a valid driver’s license? In other words, can you seek compensation if you are injured because of another motorist’s negligence but you do not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the collision?
Our Los Angeles car accident lawyers have information for you, and we can speak with you today about seeking compensation following an unlicensed traffic collision.
Having a Valid Driver’s License is Required
All drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license in order to operate a motor vehicle in California. If a motorist is caught driving without a license, or if a motorist is involved in a collision without a license, that person can face serious consequences that can include criminal penalties. In some cases, an unlicensed driver may have forgotten to renew his or her license and it simply may have expired. In other circumstances, a driver could be on the road without ever having received a valid driver’s license.
Either way, the driver may face an infection or a misdemeanor under California Vehicle Code 12500. An infraction will result in a monetary fine, but a misdemeanor charge could result in jail time and a fine. How does any of this impact your car accident injury case? While the outcome of an injury claim will depend upon the particular facts of the case, both unlicensed motorists and motorists involved in collisions caused by unlicensed drivers may still be able to obtain compensation for injuries.
Seeking Compensation After an Unlicensed Driver Accident
If you were involved in a crash caused by an unlicensed driver, you will need to determine if that driver has auto insurance. If not, you may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim, or you may be able to file a lawsuit. While uninsured and unlicensed motorists often are unlikely to be able to pay damages, your car accident lawyer can determine whether another party may be liable, such as the owner of the vehicle or the employer of the driver.
If you were unlicensed at the time of an accident caused by another motorist, you likely can still seek compensation by filing a claim against that at-fault driver. Our Los Angeles car accident attorneys can work to prove that the other motorist was at fault and that you should be compensated for your losses.
Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today
Do you need assistance filing a claim after a collision without a valid driver’s license? A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help. Contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers online or call us at 213-985-1120 for more information.