What Are My Options After a Car Accident With an Unlicensed Driver in New Port Richey?

August 23, 2023 | Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers | Car Accident

Car accidents are tragic events that can happen to anyone. The situation can become even more complicated when they involve an unlicensed driver. In New Port Richey, FL, the presence of a driver’s license isn’t the sole determinant of fault in a car accident.

Let’s delve into what happens when an unlicensed driver causes a car accident in New Port Richey.

Understanding the Liability of the Unlicensed Driver

There’s a lot to consider when figuring out who’s responsible for a car accident in Florida. Having no valid driver’s license doesn’t automatically mean an unlicensed driver is entirely to blame. Determining liability involves looking at what everyone involved did, how the roads were, and how careless each driver was.

Insurance Coverage and Unlicensed Drivers

When a driver without a license causes a car crash, insurance is a big deal in fixing the mess of injuries and damage. Florida is a “no-fault” state for car insurance, and drivers are required to purchase Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

Of course, an unlicensed driver is unlikely to have insurance. Fortunately, in Florida, you can file a claim against your PIP policy to receive compensation after an accident – regardless of who was at fault for the crash. This is likely your best option after this type of collision, though consulting with a car accident attorney is also generally in your best interest as well.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Although you can utilize your PIP coverage after an accident with an unlicensed driver, that might not be enough to cover all of your losses. In Florida, you can only file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver after a car accident in limited circumstances, such as if you’ve sustained a “serious injury” as defined by state law.

This is where having uninsured motorist coverage could benefit you. Assuming the unlicensed driver doesn’t have insurance, you can potentially utilize this coverage for additional compensation above and beyond what PIP can provide you with. Otherwise, even if you have a valid legal claim against the other driver, they may not have the funds to pay your compensation.

Legal Recourse for Unlicensed Driver Accidents

If you’re the one who got hurt because an unlicensed driver caused a car accident, getting legal advice is vital. You should talk to a skilled car accident lawyer who knows the ropes. They can help you figure out the complicated legal stuff and determine your best course of action.

A qualified lawyer can ensure you get fair treatment and compensation for your injuries. They can also dig into what happened during the accident, talk to insurance companies, and even go to court if necessary.

Common Reasons for Driving Without a License

Some common reasons individuals may drive without a license include:

Some individuals might drive without a license due to needing the required auto insurance, which can lead to legal consequences.
Individuals with previous DUI/DWI convictions or other criminal offenses may have their licenses revoked or suspended.
A history of many driving violations can result in the suspension or revocation of an individual’s license.
Certain medical conditions can lead to the revocation of driving privileges, making it illegal to operate a vehicle.
Individuals who are underage or still need to complete the licensing process may be driving without a valid license.

Knowing why someone might drive without a driver’s license can help us understand unlicensed drivers’ motivations.

Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident

After getting into any car accident, ensure to:

Contact local law enforcement to report the car accident.
Get the contact and insurance information of any drivers involved in the crash.
Take pictures of the accident’s damage and the surrounding scene.
Gather contact details of any witnesses present.
File a police report detailing the incident.
Seek medical evaluation for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem.
Consult a reputable car accident attorney to guide you through the legal process.

Whether the at-fault driver is licensed or not, taking specific steps after a car accident is crucial to protecting your interests.

Experienced Legal Help When You Need It

When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident with an unlicensed driver, having an experienced legal team is crucial. At Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we grasp the complexities of these situations and are committed to ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.

Our skilled attorneys diligently navigate legal complexities, engage with insurance companies, and stand up for your rights. Your well-being and rights hold the utmost importance to us. We’re here to offer the support and expertise you need during this challenging period.

Contact a New Port Richey Car Accident Lawyer from Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in New Port Richey today. We have five convenient locations in Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey, and Lakeland.

We proudly serve Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, and its surrounding areas:

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 223-6200

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D, Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 493-4418

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Office
111 2nd Ave NE Suite 350, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 314-5988

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
5006 Trouble Creek Rd Unit #200, Port Richey, FL 34652
(727) 910-5060

Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers – Lakeland Office
1543 Lakeland Hills Blvd Suite 18, Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 251-6196