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Crashes Involving Unlicensed Drivers: 2 Scenarios ExplainedEvery car accident involving injuries can get complicated quickly. However, crashes involving unlicensed drivers can be even more complex. What is important to understand is that if you were the victim of someone else’s negligence, whether that person was driving without a license or you were unlicensed, you do have legal rights. What Happens If You Are Hit in a Crash While Driving with Insurance But No License?If you drive without a license in Texas and are injured in an accident with a negligent driver, the good news is that you can still pursue compensation for your injuries. Regardless of whether you had a valid license at the time of the accident, the insurance company for the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating you for your losses. Pursuing this claim will likely take a lawyer because the insurance company will probably try to take the position that being an unlicensed driver automatically makes you a bad driver. We have been able to overcome this defense in many cases by showing that the evidence proves that the other driver made the mistake in this particular wreck. The bad news is that you may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. In Texas, a Class A misdemeanor can result in fines of up to $4,000, jail time of up to one year, or both a fine and jail time. The penalties for driving without a license depend on why you do not have a valid Texas driver’s license. If you never obtained a Texas driver’s license, you may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $200. If your driver’s license was suspended or revoked, you could face misdemeanor charges, fines ranging from $25 to $500, and jail time of not less than 72 hours or more than six months. On the other hand, if you accidentally left your license at home at the time of your crash, you would likely only have to pay an administrative fee not to exceed $10. Does Insurance Cover Accidents if an Unlicensed Driver Hits You?If an unlicensed driver hits you, chances are insurance will cover your accident. The question is what type of coverage will take precedence. To drive legally in Texas, drivers must not only have licenses, but also car insurance that includes:
If an unlicensed driver hits you, you can pursue compensation through his or her insurance coverage. If the driver does not have insurance, you would have to turn to your own uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which covers damages caused by an accident with a driver who has no insurance. This type of coverage is optional in Texas, though. In either case, expect a fight for which you will likely need a lawyer as either insurance company (theirs or yours) will probably assert defenses such as permission to use the car, facts of the occurrence, etc. If you have suffered a car crash injury caused by an unlicensed driver anywhere within the state of Texas, call the personal injury attorneys at Tate Law Offices, P.C., today. You may be owed compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. How Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help YouAt Tate Law Offices, P.C., we value care and compassion. Our personal injury attorneys know how physically, emotionally, and financially devastating an accident can be. We will dedicate all of our skills, experience, and resources to helping you seek the maximum compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Our goal is to help ease your burdens and get you back on your feet. Tate Law Offices, P.C., has represented injured Texans for over 25 years. We fight for car accident victims in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and all other areas throughout Texas. Call us today to schedule your free consultation. We know you’re eager to get behind the wheel, but doing so without a valid driver license is extremely dicey when you’re in the Lone Star State. Here’s a look at the repercussions you could face if you get caught driving without a license, driving with a suspended license, and other unique circumstances. Driving Without a LicenseDid you learn how to drive but decided to skirt the whole getting your license thing? That’s not a good idea in Texas. Actually, it’s not a good idea in any state. Do it the legal way, get your license with a state-approved provider like Aceable. No matter how good your driving skills are, all the police officer will care about is whether or not you have a valid license. If you can’t produce one there could be very serious consequences.
In the case of an accident where someone is injured and you’re found to be at fault, you’ll receive a Class A misdemeanor. The penalty is up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. Why risk it when getting your Texas driver’s license is easier than ever? Check out our mobile-friendly Texas adult driver education and teen drivers ed courses! Getting your license is a magical moment! Driving With a Revoked or Suspended LicenseTexas has a special designation for this traffic violation - Driving While License is Invalid (DWLI). It also applies when a person drives with a license that’s been denied or canceled. If you get caught DWLI the penalty is stiff. For the first offense, your license will be suspended a second time, effectively doubling the length of the original license suspension. You could also get a fine of up to $500 and a surcharge of $250 a year for three years on top of that. If you get caught DWLI a second time you’ll be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. The penalty could include up to six months in jail and $2,000 in fines. Need a way to get to work? Instead of risking it, you can get an occupational license while your regular license is revoked or suspended. Driving With an Expired LicenseIs your license renewal notice still sitting in a pile of mail at home? Getting stopped when you have an expired driver’s license will speed up the renewal process. In order to avoid a fine up to $200 (plus a surcharge of $100 a year for three years) you’ll need to:
All that needs to be done before your scheduled court date. If you fail to follow up and renew your license a Class C misdemeanor can get added to the traffic violation. Driving With a Valid License You Forgot to Bring With YouSometimes our brains let us down, and we remember the keys (only because they’re necessary) but forget our driver’s license. If you have the worst luck in the world, that’s probably the one time you’ll get pulled over. Should this happen, don’t panic. You’ll get a ticket for not having your license, but you’ll have a chance to prove you simply forgot it. All you have to do is show up to the courthouse on your court date and present your license to the judge. Once they verify it was valid at the time you were stopped the ticket will be dismissed.  Driving With an Out-of-State LicenseThere’s one more situation you need to watch out for. If you move to Texas from another state you can drive legally with your valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days. After that you’re expected to get a valid Texas driver’s license. If you don’t and you get stopped for a traffic violation, you’ll get slapped with a ticket that’s up to $200 (if you’re lucky it will just be a written warning). Lots of people let procrastination get the best of them and put this off. But don’t be one of those people! It may seem like the state of Texas is putting you out, but really getting a Texas license only takes about 15 minutes at the local DPS if you check-in online. Did this post inspire you to play it safe (smart) and get your Texas license? We've got you covered. Image sources: Aceable, Aceable, PxHere Are unlicensed drivers covered by insurance in Texas?Driving without a license does not automatically ruin your chances of securing funds if another driver caused your accident. You can still file a third-party liability insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should expect them to raise the issue and say you contributed to your injuries and damages.
What is the penalty for driving without a license in Texas?In Texas, residents who are caught driving without a valid license for the first time can face a fine of up to $200. If you're caught violating this law for a second time within a year, it becomes a misdemeanor with an additional fine that can range between $25 and $200.
Can you go to jail for driving without a license in Texas?If it is your third offense within a year of the first offense, you can receive up to 6 months in jail and a fine up to $500. Accidents. If you're driving without a license and get into an accident, you'll face a Class A misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
What happens if someone else is driving my car and gets in an accident in Texas?In Texas, the car insurance of the party at fault for causing the collision is financially responsible for damages. If your friend was at fault for causing the crash, therefore, your auto insurance company will pay for victims' medical bills and property repairs.
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What happens if you drive without a license and get into an accident in texas
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