Car Accidents Involving Unlicensed Drivers

Unlicensed Drivers

While Section 56-1-480 of the South Carolina Code of Laws requires all drivers to have a valid license, there are plenty of people on our state highways and roads who do not have a license. While most of these drivers had a license at one point or another it was likely suspended and their driving privileges revoked. According to the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), the reasons your license can be suspended include being convicted of one of the following charges:

• Driving under the influence
• Operating an uninsured vehicle
• Failure to pay a traffic ticket
• Failure to file an SR-22 certificate, which certifies liability insurance for high risk drivers

In addition to the above, drivers who are considered habitual offenders also face losing their license. A habitual offender is someone with three or more convictions for major driving offenses, or ten or more convictions for moving violations. These violations include all of the above, as well as reckless driving, speeding, and leaving the scene of an accident.

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Accidents Caused By Unlicensed Drivers

Statistics show that unlicensed drivers present a significant danger to themselves and others on the road. Studies conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety reveal alarming facts about unlicensed drivers:

• Unlicensed drivers are involved in one out of five fatal car accidents
• Almost half of these drivers had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit
• Over 50 percent of unlicensed drivers attempt to flee the scene of an accident

This data would suggest a correlation between drunk driving, hit and run accidents, and unlicensed drivers. Efforts by law enforcement in some states to prevent unlicensed drivers from disregarding the law and driving anyway include impounding vehicles belonging to these drivers until their license has been reinstated.

Another issue concerning authorities at a national level regards unlicensed teen drivers. Studies show that a significant percentage of young drivers (aged 15 to 24) involved in fatal car accidents did not have a license. In most cases, the absence of a driver’s license also means the absence of insurance. So, what should you do if an unlicensed teen driver causes an accident and injures you? Who pays? Discuss these matters with your Florence car accident lawyer to evaluate your options. Under the legal theory of negligent entrustment, the teen’s parents might be liable for any damages resulting from the accident their child caused. Nevertheless, things can get complicated, so having proper legal representation is the best choice for you.

Contact Our Office Today for Assistance

If you or a loved one has been hurt or injured in a car accident with an unlicensed driver, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm right away. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorneys will hold the guilty parties responsible for the damage they have caused, and will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.