Every driver in Arizona must have a valid driver’s license. Driving without a license is against the law. People who drive without licenses often have a reason. They may have suspended licenses, a history of drunk driving or they never passed a driving test. Getting into an accident without someone who does not have a valid driver’s license could put you at a high risk of a hit-and-run. Rather than getting caught for driving without a license, the driver may flee the scene. Learn your rights after a collision with an unlicensed driver.
Call the Police
After a car accident in Arizona, everyone involved must remain at the scene and exchange information. If the other driver flees, call the police and report a hit-and-run. Otherwise, get the other driver’s name, driver’s license information and plate numbers. If the other driver does not have a driver’s license, call the police to get an official record of the collision. The driver may be breaking the law by operating a motor vehicle without a license. Calling the police can hold the driver accountable and potentially prevent further collisions.
If the police discover the other driver was driving without a license, that driver could face criminal charges. Driving without a license is a traffic violation in Arizona. The driver could be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Forcing the driver to take responsibility for driving without a license can show him or her the consequences of breaking this roadway law. Although it is not up to you to press criminal charges, involving the police could ultimately hold the driver accountable.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Driving without a license is an act of negligence that could give you grounds to file a civil lawsuit against the negligent driver. This traffic violation could be proof that the other driver was negligent or reckless, and that this contributed to your car accident. A driver with a valid license may have had the training and experience to avoid the collision. Proving the unlicensed driver’s fault for the wreck could help you recover damages.
- Your past and future medical bills
- Repairs to your damaged vehicle
- Lost income from sick days taken at work
- Legal fees and court expenses
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages
A judge in Arizona may deem an unlicensed driver grossly negligent or reckless in causing the collision. In this case, you may be eligible for punitive damages. This damage award provides extra compensation to punish the defendant for wrongful or malicious acts. A judge may award punitive damages to show others in Arizona the courts will not tolerate people driving without licenses. The value of your claim will vary according to your specific losses.
Protect Yourself From Liability
Driving without a license can become proof of negligence in a car accident claim. Protect yourself from liability for a wreck by never operating a vehicle without a license. Doing so could get you into civil and criminal trouble. You may face jail time and suspended driving privileges, as well as have to pay any accident victims for their damages. Your car insurance costs could increase or your company may drop you as a policyholder. You could end up with a permanent criminal record for driving without a license.
If you are not sure who may be liable for your recent car accident with an unlicensed driver, speak to a car accident lawyer about your case. A law firm can initiate an investigation into fault for your wreck. If the other driver did not have a driver’s license, he or she may be responsible for your damages. This type of negligence could be proof of liability for the wreck. A Phoenix injury lawyer can help you navigate your specific injury case in Arizona.