Car Accidents Involving an Unlicensed Driver: Everything You Need to Know

Car accidents are traumatic, and drivers may be seriously injured. Dealing with a car crash is hard enough, but dealing with an unlicensed driver can complicate things with the insurance companies. If the other driver who was at-fault for the car accident in Maryland is driving without a valid driver’s license, you can still file a claim against their auto insurance company. (if they have an active policy) And they will likely face legal penalties for driving without a driver’s license, including fines, potential jail time, and points on their driving record. However, the lack of them having a driver’s license itself does not automatically make them liable for the accident, only their negligent actions that caused the car wreck do.

When someone without a valid driver’s license crashes into your vehicle, that unlicensed driver might face legal penalties. All drivers are required to have a valid driver’s license. Unfortunately, many unlicensed drivers often come with other problems, such as a lack of car insurance. When the unlicensed driver who struck your vehicle is uninsured, you may need to turn to your own insurance for coverage or file a lawsuit against the at-fault unlicensed driver.

If you or a loved one was in a car collision with an unlicensed driver, your case might be more complicated than you first thought. Our experienced Baltimore personal injury car accident attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What’s the Definition of an Unlicensed Driver?

Any driver without a valid driver’s license who operates a motor vehicle on a public road, counts as an unlicensed driver. Examples of unlicensed drivers include motorists who:

• Never obtained a driver’s license from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
• Allowed their driver’s license to expire
• Have a revoked or suspended driver’s 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 driver’s license in their home country.

Legally, unlicensed drivers should never operate a vehicle, even if they are a friend or family member of the vehicle owner.

Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License in Car Crashes

In Maryland, driving without a driver’s license and causing a car crash can result in either jail time, fines, and points on your driver’s license.

Penalties for driving without a valid driver’s license are as follows:

• First offense: An unlicensed motorist can spend up to 60 days in jail and pay a penalty of up to $500, and receive 5 points on your driver’s license once it is valid
• Second offense: Up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $500, and other penalties. Penalties and costs increase if you have been charged with additional crimes, face a third offense, or have a previous criminal record
• Driving while suspended or revoked: Up to 1 year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and license revocation

What If an Unlicensed Driver Borrowed Your Vehicle?

If an unlicensed driver borrowed your car, your insurance protection follows the car – not the driver. So, if you wish to seek compensation in this type of claim, you must rely on your own auto insurance policy if the driver is to blame for the car collision.

The same holds true for someone driving a company owned vehicle. The company will depend on its own insurance policy if the driver is determined to be at-fault for the car crash.

Understanding Unlicensed Drivers

Unlicensed drivers are those who operate a motor vehicle without obtaining a valid drivers license from their state or territory. This can occur for various reasons, such as having an expired driver’s license, being too young to drive, or driving without documentation.

Here are some of the more common types of unlicensed drivers:

Teenagers – Most teenagers have not yet obtained their driver’s license due to a lack of experience behind the steering wheel or access to driver’s education classes.

The danger of car crashes per mile driven for drivers aged 16-19 is almost three times higher than that of those 20 years and older, with the highest risk observed among 16-17-year-olds.

Undocumented Immigrants or Foreigners – Undocumented immigrants may be unable to obtain a driver’s license due to their immigration status, while foreign visitors may not have converted their existing driver’s licenses yet from their home countries.

Such individuals often find themselves driving on roads illegally, often because of invalid licenses and unfamiliarity with road rules and regulations.

Elderly Drivers – Older adults are another group commonly found driving without a valid driver’s license due to age-related conditions. Some cannot pass the written test or vision exam required for renewing a driver’s license.

The elderly may have a visual impairment or other disabilities, preventing them from operating a motor vehicle safely. Limited physical mobility, medication, and cognitive difficulties are the primary reasons why elderly drivers are unable to successfully renew their driver’s licenses.

Compared to middle-aged (35-54) drivers, those aged 70 and up have alarmingly higher rates of fatalities per 1,000 car collision.

Drivers with Expired/Revoked Driver’s Licenses – Individuals who have had their driver’s licenses revoked by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) due to previous violations or offenses (such as DUI/DWI) can still find themselves driving illegally.

Additionally, those who fail to renew their driver’s licenses after it has expired can face hefty fines when caught operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license plate number.

Emergency Drivers – In cases of emergency, individuals may find themselves having to drive even though they do not possess a driver’s license.

For instance, an unlicensed driver may be forced to drive if someone needs medical attention quickly, and public transportation is not an option.

Get a Free Consultation with Expert Car Accident Attorneys at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt

A car crash involving an unlicensed driver can be stressful, time-consuming, and come with unique challenges, such as who is liable for the damages and whether an insurance policy will cover you. Even when you are not at-fault for the accident, the legal system and insurance companies may not always be on your side. Knowing your rights is essential in ensuring a successful outcome if you are a car accident victim.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by an unlicensed motorist, we highly recommend contacting a qualified personal injury car accident attorney right away. For the best results, you need to speak to an attorney experienced in handling these types of auto accident crashes. The legal team at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt have over four decades of experience helping clients navigate the complexities of car accidents involving an unlicensed driver and we are pleased to serve you. Simply contact us today anytime, day or night, at 443-844-1528 to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your unlicensed driver accident claim. Discover how our experienced legal team can help fight for your rights after a car accident involving an unlicensed driver.