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Unfortunately, there are many Missouri vehicle accidents in which the driver who caused the accident is not covered by auto insurance. Being concerned about how you will be compensated for your damages following an accident can be stressful. However, you can manage these issues with the aid of a Missouri car accident attorney.
20% of all car accidents are caused by the 3% of drivers you pass every day who don’t have a valid license. One in eight drivers doesn’t have insurance, and the majority have no reliable way to cover damages after a collision. The auto insurance provider will cite any provision in the contract that could render your claim ineligible if an unlicensed motorist strikes you. Insurance companies will be hesitant to cover accident-related costs, even if the unlicensed driver is operating an insured vehicle. They frequently look for loopholes or use language that expressly restricts coverage to drivers with valid licenses.
The regulations in your state and the insurance company handling the claim will determine what happens following a car accident involving an unlicensed driver, and not much of it is positive. A driver is most likely not covered by insurance if they are driving without a license. Without a license, you can purchase auto insurance, but the few businesses that do may charge you very expensive rates since they may view you as a high-risk driver.
Look into uninsured motorist insurance if you are in an accident with a driver who is neither licensed nor insured. You might potentially file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver, but they most likely lack the financial resources to cover your damages. If an unlicensed driver hits your uninsured car, the driver can be detained—not for the collision, but for operating a vehicle when their license is revoked or suspended. Without insurance, you’ll probably have to pay for any losses yourself.
If the other driver was at fault for the collision, they might occasionally be held financially responsible. The at-fault driver’s insurance may be held liable for damages even if the at-fault driver strikes an unlicensed motorist. This scenario might get complicated very quickly. If it occurs to you, it might be a good idea to speak with a lawyer to determine the best action.
If the at-fault party is identified, their insurance may be able to pay for the losses. However, driving without a license typically has negative repercussions, and being involved in a car accident makes it difficult or impossible to offer excuses for wrongdoing. If you cause an accident without a legal license, you risk being charged with a crime, paying heavy fines, and having a difficult time getting your license back.
Driving while your license is suspended or revoked can have serious repercussions. Driving with an illegitimate license is also illegal. Even for first-time offenders, driving with a suspended license can result in a misdemeanor, jail time, and penalties. A repeat offender with a history of operating a vehicle while having their license suspended may be subject to thousands of dollars in fines, several years in jail, and a criminal conviction.
You can regain a license that has been suspended. It’s a less severe penalty than having your license revoked. Usually, in order to get it back, you have to fulfill a number of requirements, such as paying fines, going to AA meetings, or paying back child support. A judge may impose a variety of fines, several months in jail, an extension of the license suspension, or even a lifetime revocation for crashing a car while driving with a suspended license.
Your license is no longer valid if it has been suspended or revoked. A license that has been revoked is definitive and nearly always final. Due to many legal violations, advanced age, or ill health, the courts have determined that this person should no longer be allowed to operate a car. You could be prosecuted and held responsible for the damages you cause if you cause an accident while driving with a license that has been revoked, probably without the aid of insurance. The police will also probably impound the vehicle.
If your child is included in the insurance coverage and drives your car alone while using a learner’s permit, the damages can be covered. However, due to the accident or citation for driving without a license alone, expect premiums to go up. If your child is not named on the policy, the insurance company is more likely to reject the claim, leaving you liable for any damages brought on by the accident that injured your child.
Some deadlines must be adhered to when bringing a lawsuit following an automobile accident in Missouri. Even though you might be doubtful that you must file a lawsuit to obtain a settlement, you should be aware that an uninsured driver will only pay if the court compels them to by law.
According to Missouri’s statute of limitations, you have five years from the date of the vehicle accident to file your case if you were injured or your property was damaged. You have three years from the date of the death to launch a lawsuit against the other motorist if death resulted from the accident.
When deciding whether you should bring a claim against an unlicensed driver, it is essential that you consult with a Missouri automobile accident lawyer. In addition, you must remember that there are no insurance companies to bargain with and that filing a lawsuit might be your only option for getting a settlement award.
To ensure that you have enough time to file and investigate your case, you should contact your Missouri car accident attorney immediately following your collision. When dealing with an uninsured motorist and the best method to get compensation from them after your vehicle accident in Missouri, an attorney will advise you on your legal options.
You can sue an unlicensed driver in Missouri as you would in any other vehicle accident lawsuit. You are entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering as a result of the Missouri auto accident, as well as medical costs for your injuries, lost wages while you were recovering or were unable to work owing to the severity of your injuries.
Additionally, emotional distress and a loss of companionship or consortium may be issues in your complaint. Punitive damages, designed to punish a driver further financially for egregious behavior, are also admissible in Missouri car accident cases. This may provide you with some comfort after a car accident in Missouri and assist you in moving forward financially.
A Missouri auto accident lawyer will seek to establish negligence in your case and can assist you in determining the size of your settlement award. Your fault percentage is considered when choosing your settlement amount in Missouri because the state has a pure comparative fault law. Therefore, your attorney will use all available evidence to establish the other driver’s greatest degree of fault in your vehicle accident. This may enable you to receive the highest settlement award possible. However, you should be aware of an uninsured driver’s restrictions and their capacity to compensate you in the absence of auto insurance.
You need the assistance of a lawyer who can handle your case if you are in a Missouri vehicle accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance. The Goldblatt + Singer, the St. Louis Injury Law Firm can assist. When you file a case against the other motorist, they will assist you through the court procedure and advise you on your legal rights. You may trust the attorneys at Goldblatt + Singer to obtain just compensation for you. Make an appointment with us by calling (314) 231-4100 or contacting us online.