What Happens if an Unlicensed Driver Has an Accident With My Car?
If an unlicensed driver has an accident with your car, your insurance company may cover the costs of the accident. However, some insurance policies have exclusions that mean they don’t have to cover collisions involving unlicensed drivers.
You can learn more about the outcomes of collisions involving unlicensed drivers with a Richmond car accident lawyer. An attorney can explain who has to cover the expenses associated with the accident and answer any other questions you have.
What’s the Definition of an Unlicensed Driver?
Any driver without a valid license who operates a vehicle on a public road counts as an unlicensed driver. Examples of unlicensed drivers include motorists who:
- Never got a license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Allowed their license to expire
- Have a revoked or suspended license
- Are too young to get an official driver’s license
Additionally, drivers from another country who do not have a U.S. license may qualify as unlicensed drivers, even if they have a valid license in their home country.
Legally, unlicensed drivers should never operate a vehicle, even if they’re a friend or family member of the vehicle owner.
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Consequences of an Accident Caused by an Unlicensed Driver
The laws in Virginia require all drivers to have a valid license before they operate a vehicle. Drivers without a valid license do not have the legal qualifications to drive.
Unlicensed drivers who cause an accident may have to cover any losses caused by the crash. They may also face legal repercussions for violating this traffic law. Some of the consequences of this act may include:
Criminal Charges
According to the Code of Virginia, driving without a license represents a Class 2 misdemeanor. Individuals caught by the police operating a motor vehicle without a license may face legal penalties.
Civil Liabilities
The driver who caused an accident may hold civil liability for any losses caused by the crash. Therefore, the negligent individual may have to cover all medical bills, property repair costs, and other expenses associated with a collision.
However, simply driving without a license does not automatically put someone at fault for a collision. A legal professional can tell you more about what happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with your car.
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Insurance Complications for Accidents Involving Unlicensed Drivers
You may face changes to the cost of your insurance coverage if you allow an unlicensed driver to operate your vehicle and they end up in a collision. These complications can occur even if you loan a child or another family member a car.
Does Insurance Cover Accidents Caused by Unlicensed Drivers?
Insurance companies sometimes have to cover the damages associated with an accident caused by an unlicensed driver. The terms of the insurance policy will determine whether or not the company has to pay for these expenses.
Generally, policies in Virginia allow permissive use. Permissive use means the driver on the insurance policy can give someone permission to drive their car, and the insurance company will provide coverage in the event of a crash.
However, many insurance companies include exclusions in policies that disallow this coverage for unlicensed drivers. In these situations, the insurance company may deny a claim for payment.
Will an Accident Involving an Unlicensed Driver Affect Your Insurance Premium?
A driver’s insurance premium may increase significantly if the driver allows an unlicensed motorist to operate their vehicle, and it results in an accident. The insurance company increases the risk associated with a driver’s policy in this situation.
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What if an Unlicensed Driver Strikes Your Vehicle?
You may have legal opportunities to secure compensation for your losses if an unlicensed motorist strikes you in Virginia. A Richmond personal injury lawyer can investigate your situation and determine if you’re eligible to file a claim for funds to cover your:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property repairs
- Pain and emotional suffering
In this situation, a lawyer could help you negotiate a settlement with the unlicensed driver’s insurance company. If negotiations cannot resolve your claim, your attorney could help you file a personal injury lawsuit.
You can reach out to a personal injury law firm to find out more about what happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with your car.
What If the Unlicensed Driver Has No Insurance?
Sometimes, individuals operate a vehicle without a driver’s license or insurance. In this case, you may have a more difficult time securing compensation to cover your losses.
The owner of the vehicle the unlicensed driver operated may have to pay for your expenses. You could also seek reimbursement through your insurance company if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage with your policy.
If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you have legal options.
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Find Out What Happens After an Accident with an Unlicensed Driver
What happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with your car? In this case, your insurance may have to cover the losses associated with the collision. The unlicensed driver may also face penalties in the civil and criminal court system.
You can learn more about your options in this situation with the Pendleton Law Team. Call or complete our online contact form to learn more.
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