Texas law requires motorists to have a valid driver’s license. Yet millions of drivers operate vehicles without proper licenses every day ― and the consequences can be devastating. One study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found nearly one in five drivers involved in fatal wrecks in the United States were unlicensed or driving with an invalid license.
After a crash with an unlicensed driver, injured victims often wonder whether the lack of a license automatically places the other driver at fault. The answer is no. Driving without a license is illegal and unwise, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the person is a negligent driver. A Texas car accident claim involving an unlicensed driver is generally handled like any other personal injury claim.
Did you suffer injuries in a motor vehicle accident with an unlicensed driver? You could be entitled to compensation for your losses. Get advice from an experienced attorney right away. You have the right to hold careless drivers accountable for their bad choices.
Seeking legal help is important if you get hurt while driving without a valid license, too. Never assume you lose the right to financial relief. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Texas car accident lawyer.
Why Do Some People Drive Without a License?
Despite the law, some people drive without a license simply because they want to. Others need to get around town and feel there’s no other way. Common examples of individuals who choose to drive without valid licenses include:
- Teenagers who are old enough for learner’s permits but not full driver’s licenses
- Young drivers who aren’t old enough to apply for a permit or license
- Older adults who fail driving tests due to visual or cognitive difficulties
- Non-citizen residents who have not obtained U.S. driver’s licenses
- Individuals with revoked licenses due to medical conditions
- People with revoked licenses resulting from criminal activity, such as DUI
- Drivers who neglected to renew their licenses
- Individuals who cannot afford to pay driver’s license or license renewal fees
- Those who never obtained a driver’s license
A recent study published in the International Journal for Environmental Research and Public Health found that the likelihood of a severe car accident increased when drivers were unlicensed. Likewise, the probability of a crash decreased for licensed drivers.
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without a License in Texas?
Driving without a license is a criminal offense in Texas. All drivers must have current and valid licenses for the class of any vehicles they drive. For instance, those who drive motorcycles must have valid Class M licenses. Commercial drivers need Class C licenses.
Texas residents face a range of penalties if caught driving without a valid license, including:
- Up to $200 in fines for a first-time offense
- $25 to $200 in fines for a second offense within a year of the first
- $25 to $200 in fines and up to six months in jail for a third offense in one year
If you have a valid license but didn’t have it with you at a traffic stop, you can avoid criminal penalties by submitting proof of your license to the court.
What Happens If You Cause an Accident While Driving Without a License?
If you cause an accident while driving without a license in Texas, the police will likely issue a citation for the violation while investigating the crash scene. But the criminal penalties you may face for driving without a license do not necessarily protect you from civil liability if you cause a crash.
A traffic ticket does not mean you are automatically responsible for the financial repercussions of a car accident. You can only be held accountable for your role in causing the crash. Texas law recognizes that unlicensed driving does not contribute to auto accidents.
Your insurance company will pay for the medical bills and other losses suffered by the other driver due to your negligence. If you were driving uninsured and without a license, covering the injured party’s losses would be your responsibility.
You should also know that driving unlicensed does not prevent you from seeking compensation from the other driver if they share the fault for the wreck. A seasoned attorney can help you determine every liable party and pursue full and fair compensation for your losses.
What Should I Do If I Am Involved in an Accident with an Unlicensed Driver?
Take these steps to protect your case after a car accident with an unlicensed driver:
- Call law enforcement to the scene. The accident report should note the other driver was unlicensed.
- Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries. A timely diagnosis shows you took your health seriously and establishes a link between the crash and your injuries.
- Gather evidence from the scene. Photos, witness statements, video footage, and other proof can help build a strong case for compensation.
- Keep all accident-related documents. Medical records, hospital bills, bank records, repair estimates, and pay stubs can establish your financial and non-financial losses.
- Watch what you say to others while your case is pending. Insurance companies look for any reason to deny or diminish personal injury claims.
- Contact a Texas car accident lawyer as soon as possible. At The Wilhite Law Firm, we’ll handle every aspect of your injury case so you can focus on healing.
Can I Claim Compensation for an Accident If I Am Unlicensed?
Yes, it’s possible to claim compensation if you suffer injuries in a car accident while driving without a license. But keep in mind the other party’s insurance company or attorney may try to use your unlicensed status against you.
You can help your case by obtaining or renewing your license right away. That demonstrates you are not likely to commit similar oversights in the future. You’ll also want to work with an attorney who can develop a strong case proving the other driver’s liability.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Texas Today
It’s normal to have questions after a car accident in Texas. At The Wilhite Law Firm, our accomplished legal team can discuss your case and review your options in a free consultation. Call or contact us today to get started.
