Can an Unlicensed Driver Sue for Damages in a Car Accident in Virginia Beach?

People get in car accidents every day. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious head-on collision, it’s a fact of life. You could be on your way home from work and get rear-ended by an impatient driver. Thankfully, most car accidents don’t cause very serious injuries.

Nobody is immune from a car accident. Even if you’ve been driving for forty years, you could still be involved in a car crash. And not all drivers on the road follow the rules. Sometimes, people drive without car insurance. Other people drive without a driver’s license.

If you’re one of these people, don’t worry. Just because you don’t have a valid driver’s license doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to compensation. If you get injured in a car accident, you’ll still be able to file a claim against the other driver.

A Virginia car accident attorney will handle cases like this from time to time. The key is to be honest and upfront with your attorney from day one.

Your Virginia Car Accident Attorney Will Explain How Your Claim Works

If you get in a car accident, someone will be determined to be at fault. Hopefully, it won’t be you. If the other driver is at fault, you can file a claim against his insurance company. If the claim is denied, your lawyer will have to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Depending on your injuries, you could be entitled to the following damages:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

The more serious your injuries, the greater your compensation. Your lawyer can only demand that you be compensated for damages you actually suffered. It’s his job to make you whole. It’s not his job to make you rich.

Your Virginia Car Accident Attorney Knows that an Unlicensed Driver Faces Special Issues

After your car accident, you’ll have to call the police. We know you’ll be reluctant to do this – especially if you don’t have a valid driver’s license. However, the police report is critical to your case. It’s going to come out sooner or later that you don’t have a license. You may as well face the music right away.

When the officers respond to the scene, they’re going to ask for your license and insurance information. If you have no license, you face the possibility of getting arrested. The cops will still make sure you receive the medical attention you need. After that, however, you could face certain consequences.

You could get a citation or you may even be arrested. It depends on the status of your license. In Virginia, the following rules apply if you’re caught driving without a valid license:

  • 1st Offense – Up to 6 months in jail and fines of $1,000
  • 2nd Offense – Up to 1 year in jail and fines of $2,500
  • If you get into an accident, you may be ordered to reimburse the city for the expenses incurred in responding to your accident
  • Your license will be suspended for at least three (3) months

Keep in mind, you probably won’t face actual jail time unless certain circumstances exist such as:

  • You were drunk or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident
  • Someone died in the accident

Usually, you will pay your fines and accept the license suspension. They don’t normally assess actual jail time. Your Virginia car accident attorney can help with this.

Schedule a Consultation with a Virginia Car Accident Attorney

If you were in a car accident and aren’t a licensed driver, you need to contact a Virginia car accident attorney. Your attorney can work hard to do two things:

  • Get you the compensation you deserve
  • Assist you in the penalties associated with driving without a valid license

When you meet with your attorney for the first time, be honest. Don’t keep anything from him. He’s going to learn that you didn’t have a valid license. You don’t want him to get blindsided with this information half way through your case.

The bottom line is that you are supposed to have a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. But we understand that things happen. Your license could have been suspended for an unpaid traffic ticket. Or perhaps your license expired and you forgot to renew it. Your Virginia car accident attorney will work with the prosecutor to make sure you face the minimum penalties.

Call and schedule your initial consultation today. It’s absolutely free and you pay nothing until you settle your case.