Jason Stephens | February 2, 2024 | Car Accidents
Driving without a license is a significant legal issue. The consequences become even more severe when an unlicensed driver causes a car accident in Fort Worth, TX. For victims of unlicensed drivers, it is important to understand what the legal implications may be.
An experienced car accident attorney can help you understand what happens when an unlicensed driver causes a car accident.
You Must Be Licensed to Drive in Fort Worth, TX
Driving without a license is illegal under Texas law. So, what happens when an unlicensed driver causes a car accident? If an unlicensed driver causes an accident, they can face legal consequences, including fines or criminal charges. They can also face financial responsibility for your damages.
Texas law holds the driver responsible for your accident liable for the damages, regardless if they had a license. If an unlicensed driver is at fault in your case, a Fort Worth car accident lawyer can help you hold them accountable.
Unlicensed Drivers: Liability and Insurance Issues in Fort Worth, TX
In Texas, the at-fault driver is generally responsible for the damages arising from an accident. These costs can include medical expenses, vehicle repair, or compensation for pain and suffering. At-fault drivers typically pay these expenses through their auto insurance. But what happens when an unlicensed driver gets in an accident?
Unlicensed Driver Using a Borrowed Car
Auto insurance policies are usually attached to the vehicle, not the driver. This means the car owner’s auto insurance should be the primary source for covering your damages after an accident. However, this can depend on the policy’s specific terms and whether the unlicensed driver used it with permission.
Unlicensed Driver Using a Stolen Car
An unlicensed driver may be operating a stolen car. The unlicensed driver would likely be responsible for any damages or injuries caused while driving a stolen vehicle. This is because auto insurance policies generally do not cover damages inflicted by auto theft. In this case, you would need to recover damages directly from the unlicensed driver or your insurer.
Unlicensed Driver Using an Uninsured Car
An unlicensed driver may be operating an uninsured car. An unlicensed driver will be responsible for any damages or injuries caused while driving the vehicle. In this case, you would need to recover damages directly from the unlicensed driver or your insurer.
These scenarios show how unlicensed drivers may cause accidents where insurance is unavailable. So what happens when an unlicensed driver gets in an accident without insurance to compensate you fairly?
File an Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claim
A car accident is stressful enough. It is only made worse if an unlicensed driver does not have adequate insurance. This is where your own auto insurance may fill the gap. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional addition to many auto insurance policies. It can protect you if you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who does not have insurance.
UM coverage can compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and even property damage. However, dealing with your own insurance company may be challenging. Your insurer may dispute your claim or offer a settlement that does not fully cover your losses. A Forth Worth car accident lawyer can help you negotiate fair compensation.
File a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may be insufficient to compensate you for your damages or unavailable on your auto policy. In these cases, you may file a lawsuit directly against the unlicensed driver. You generally have two years from the accident date to file suit.
Filing a lawsuit comes with its own challenges. You must navigate the litigation process, which includes proving the unlicensed driver’s negligence and your damages in court. A Forth Worth car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against an unlicensed driver.
A Fort Worth Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if an Unlicensed Driver Has Injured You
If you or a loved one has been in an accident, it is important to understand what happens when an unlicensed driver causes a car accident in Fort Worth. Navigating the legal and insurance issues can be difficult and costly. A Fort Worth car accident lawyer can help make the process of holding the unlicensed driver accountable more manageable.
CONTACT OUR CAR ACCIDENT LAW FIRM IN TEXAS
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth car accident lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000