What If The Person Who Hits Me Does Not Have A Valid Driver's License?
If the person who hit you does not have a valid driver’s license, you can still get compensation to cover your accident-related damages. If the unlicensed driver has auto insurance coverage, you can seek compensation from them if you can prove that they caused the crash. The fact that the driver is unlicensed does not automatically absolve them from liability for hitting you. If they don’t have insurance coverage, you may still have avenues of compensation available to you.
Being hit by another driver is stressful enough. However, being hit by a driver without a valid license makes the situation even more overwhelming and confusing. In this light, it’s in your best interest to speak to a Greenville car accident lawyer to explore your legal options and ensure you get fair compensation for the losses you incurred in the collision.
Can I Seek Compensation From The Unlicensed Driver Who Hit Me?
Yes. Not having a valid driver’s license does not mean the driver can avoid financial or legal responsibility for the damages their negligent actions caused. Driving without a valid driver’s license is a misdemeanor offense in SC. However, that does not mean the driver is automatically at fault for the crash.
Fault and liability for a crash depends on the circumstances that led to it. Whether or not the driver has a valid license, they must have acted negligently, and their actions must have caused the crash. It will be up to your Greenville car accident attorney to prove that the unlicensed driver caused the crash so you can pursue compensation from them.
What If The Unlicensed Driver Does Not Have Auto Insurance Coverage?
In this case, you should figure out other sources for financial recovery, which can include:
Insurance Policies That Cover The Vehicle
Remember that most auto insurance policies follow the vehicle. For example, the unlicensed driver may be covered by another household member’s policy, which is usually the case for young adults or teenagers who live with their parents and drive the family vehicle. Likewise, if the unlicensed driver who hit you borrowed the vehicle from an insured owner, you can seek compensation from the vehicle owner’s insurance coverage.
Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Auto insurance coverage requirements in South Carolina include uninsured motorist coverage. This policy covers the damages you incur if you get injured or sustain property damage in a crash with an uninsured driver or hit-and-run driver.
A Lawsuit Against The Unlicensed Driver
While this route can be challenging if the unlicensed driver has limited income or assets, it’s an option that you should explore. A Greenville car accident lawyer can help evaluate the viability of a lawsuit based on the unlicensed driver’s financial situation and other relevant factors.
Get Legal Guidance From Our Seasoned Greenville Car Accident Attorneys
After getting hit by an unlicensed driver, you should focus on healing instead of stressing about how you’ll pay for your bills and care for your family. Let our Greenville car accident lawyer work on your case. To arrange your free consultation, you can reach Fulton & Barr Attorneys at Law by telephone or online.