Is an unlicensed driver always at fault for a Chicago car accident?

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No, an unlicensed driver is not always at fault for a Chicago car accident. Unlicensed driving can be very dangerous and irresponsible but there are many factors that can contribute to an accident, and fault is not always clear-cut. However, if an unlicensed driver is involved in an accident, it may be more difficult to recover compensation from them.

According to Illinois law, it is illegal to drive without a valid driver’s license. Unlicensed drivers involved in accidents may be cited for this violation. This could lead to removal of driving privileges through a license suspension, fines, and other penalties including jail time. Additionally, if the unlicensed driver is found to be at fault for the accident, they may be held liable for any damages suffered by the other party.

If you’ve been in an accident with an unlicensed driver, it’s important to seek medical attention if you’ve sustained injuries and speak with a car accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal options. The Kryder Law Group, LLC has extensive experience handling car accident cases in Chicago, and our law firm can fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation if you’ve been hurt by someone driving without a valid license.

What damages can you recover in a car accident with an unlicensed driver?

There are many different types of damages that you can recover in a car accident with an unlicensed driver if you have been seriously injured through no fault of your own.

Types of Compensation

You may be able to seek compensation including:

  • Medical expenses – If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical treatment. This may include medical bills for hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and more.
  • Lost wages – If you missed work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for your lost wages.
  • Pain and suffering – You may also be able to recover compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
  • Emotional distress – If you’ve experienced emotional trauma as a result of the accident, you may also be able to recover compensation for this.
  • Wrongful death – Close relatives of victims killed in fatal crashes may be eligible for compensation for funeral and burial expenses of their loved one.

Speak with a car accident lawyer from our law firm to learn more about the specific damages you may be able to recover from the insurance coverage for the at fault driver or coverage from your own insurance company.

What if the unlicensed driver is also uninsured?

If the driver who caused your accident is both unlicensed and uninsured, you may need help from an attorney experienced with cases involving uninsured motorists. Many insurance companies will refuse to insure an unlicensed driver, so your lawyer may be looking to your own insurance coverage to recover compensation.

If the unlicensed driver does have insurance, their policy may have limited coverage. This means that you may only be able to recover a portion of your damages from their insurance company.

The best way to ensure that you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve is to speak with a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand all the legal options available to you and fight for the maximum compensation possible.

How to Prove the Other Driver Was At Fault

Is an unlicensed driver always at fault for a Chicago car accident? Infographic

There are many different ways to prove that the other driver was at fault for an accident. This type of evidence will be used by your lawyer to help build your case.

Some of the most common types of evidence include:

Witness statements – If there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements can be used to prove that the other driver was at fault.

Police reports – Police reports can also be used to determine fault with unlicensed motorists. They may help build your case if the other driver was breaking the law by driving a stolen vehicle or driving with their license suspended.

Photographic evidence – Photos of the accident scene can be used to show how the accident happened and who was at fault.

Accident reconstruction – An accident reconstruction can be performed to determine exactly how the accident happened and who was at fault.

Your car accident lawyer will know how to collect and use this evidence to build a strong case for you.

Contact a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in an accident with an unlicensed driver, the experienced car accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC can help. We understand the challenges you’re facing and we know how to build a strong case for you. You shouldn’t have to suffer from the fault of unlicensed drivers. We’ll fight for the maximum compensation possible and we won’t get paid unless you do.

How to Protect Yourself from Being Involved in a Car Accident with an Unlicensed Driver

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from being involved in a car accident with an unlicensed driver and to make sure you are not inadvertently driving without out a valid license or registration for your own vehicle:

  1. Check for valid license plates and insurance before getting into the car.
  2. If you’re in an accident with an unlicensed driver, contact law enforcement to create a police report and do not sign anything until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
  3. Make sure your own insurance policy is up to date and meets Illinois law for uninsured motorist coverage including $20,000 for property damage to another person’s vehicle; $25,000 for injury or death to another person; and $50,000 for injury or death to two other people.

Call Us Today

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident with an unlicensed driver, contact the experienced car accident lawyers at The Kryder Law Group, LLC today. We can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Can I recover damages from an accident with an unlicensed driver?

Yes, you may be able to recover damages if you’ve been seriously injured in an accident with someone driving without a driver’s license. Despite the at-fault party driving without a license, they may have an auto insurance policy that could cover some or all of your damages, if for example they were unaware their license expired or had a suspended license.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

But even if they don’t have insurance, your own liability insurance policy may help you recover compensation. Illinois requires motorists to include uninsured motorist coverage in their insurance policy. This coverage can provide compensation for your damages if you’re involved in an accident with an unlicensed and uninsured driver.

Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC

The best way to ensure that you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve is to speak with a car accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand all the legal options available to you and fight for the maximum financial compensation possible from the at-fault driver.

Free Consultation

Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today to schedule a free consultation. A personal injury attorney from our firm will examine your case and work to get the help you need.

Is an unlicensed driver always at fault for a Chicago car accident?
Is an unlicensed driver always at fault for a Chicago car accident?

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