Battle Born Injury Lawyers | June 20, 2023 | Car Accidents
Nevada requires a valid driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Drivers face penalties if they fail to obtain and maintain a valid license.
If someone without a driver’s license gets into an accident, it should not impact the victim’s right to compensation if the unlicensed driver caused the collision.
Why Do People Drive Without a License in Nevada?
One of the first things you should do at a car accident scene is get your driver’s license and insurance information to exchange with the other driver and provide to the police officer.
There are numerous reasons why a person might not have a valid driver’s license, including but not limited to:
- The person does not have the required car insurance coverage
- The state revoked or suspended the driver’s license
- Convictions for drunk driving or drugged driving
- The person violated too many traffic laws
- Medical conditions prevent the person from qualifying for a driver’s license
- The person is not old enough for a learner’s permit or driver’s license
- The person is not a legal citizen of the United States
- The person failed to renew the driver’s license when it expired
Not having car insurance is a common reason for driving without a license. Unfortunately, if the unlicensed driver does not have car insurance, that could be a problem for the car accident victim.
What Happens When an Unlicensed Driver Causes a Car Accident in Nevada?
Nevada is an at-fault state for car accident claims. Whether the driver had a license does not impact fault. If the driver caused the car accident, they could be held liable for the resulting damages.
The state requires drivers to purchase minimum amounts of liability insurance. If an unlicensed driver caused a car accident, their liability insurance should pay the claim.
A car accident claim includes all damages you sustain because of the crash.
It includes non-economic and economic damages such as:
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Past and future medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Physical pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Past and future lost wages
- A decrease in earning capacity
- Scarring, disability, and impairment
- Out-of-pocket expenses
However, many drivers who do not have a license also do not have insurance coverage. Therefore, if an uninsured, unlicensed driver causes a car accident in Reno, you would need to file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue a claim against the driver.
The deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Nevada is typically two years from the accident date. There could be exceptions that apply that change the deadline. Therefore, acting quickly to seek legal advice and file claims after a car crash is always best.
You Might Receive Compensation From Your Car Insurance Company
If the unlicensed driver is not covered by car insurance, you could receive compensation for damages from your insurance company. Uninsured motorist coverage steps in when an uninsured driver causes a car accident. You should be able to recover the same types of damages as you would by filing a liability claim against the at-fault party.
What Happens if a Person Without a License Wrecks Your Car in Reno, NV?
Sometimes, an unlicensed driver borrows a car. The owner may or may not know the person has no driver’s license.
Suppose an unlicensed driver causes an accident while driving a borrowed vehicle. If they had permission to drive the car, the insurance company associated with the car should cover the losses.
Protect Yourself if You Are Injured in a Reno Accident Caused by an Unlicensed Driver
Whether the driver is licensed or not, taking steps to protect your rights after a car accident is essential.
Examples of steps to take after a Reno car accident include:
- Contact the police by calling 911 from the accident scene
- Take photographs of the damage to the vehicles and other evidence at the scene
- Gather witness contact information
- Take a video of the scene with your cell phone
- Do not admit fault for causing the car crash
- See a doctor to be evaluated for injuries
People involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver might assume they cannot recover any money for their injuries and losses. However, that is not true in every case.
If you are injured in a car accident in Reno, you could be entitled to compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. A Reno car accident lawyer can help you identify all sources of compensation and pursue each claim to maximize your recovery.
CONTACT THE RENO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS AT BATTLE BORN INJURY LAWYERS TODAY
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident in Reno and need legal assistance, contact our car accident attorneys at Battle Born Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with our legal team. We have four convenient locations in Nevada, including Las Vegas, Henderson, and Reno.
We proudly serve Clark County and its surrounding areas.
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Downtown Las Vegas Office
400 S 4th St Suite 290,
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 357-4868
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
10789 W Twain Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
(702) 903-7252
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Reno Office
675 W Moana Ln #206
Reno, NV 89509, USA
(775) 535-7768
Battle Born Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
8540 S Eastern Ave #200
Henderson, NV 89123
(702) 500-0287
