You pay nothing until we win
by Matthew C. Andrew - February 21st, 2025
You may wonder, “What happens if an unlicensed driver has an accident with my car?” You are not alone. It can be the most complicated situation to handle, as it will involve a lot of legal and financial complications. At Andrew Injury Law, our car accident lawyer team is here to help you navigate these challenges.
A motorist who drives on the roadways without a valid license is known as an unlicensed driver. This class of drivers encompasses drivers who have never been licensed, those with expired licenses, and those whose licenses have been suspended or revoked. According to Idaho law, a misdemeanor is operating a vehicle that necessitates a Class A, B, or C license without a valid license.
Financial penalties are very severe when driving without a license. There could be fines imposed on an unlicensed driver. If he is found involved in any accident, he will have to pay compensation on personal grounds. The insurance company usually doesn’t cover this instance, and he is responsible for the whole amount of damages.
Legally speaking, Idaho’s unlicensed drivers may be fined and have to spend some time in prison. Much more than a misdemeanor, driving without a license can create problems in terms of legal liability following an accident and may also implicate the driver and the vehicle’s owner.
If the unlicensed driver also lacks insurance, recovering damages can be challenging. In such cases, your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage may help cover medical expenses and property damage. It’s essential to review your policy details to understand your coverage. Additionally, pursuing compensation through legal avenues may be necessary to recover financial losses.
Determining fault for the accident is as usual, even if the other driver is unlicensed. The unlicensed status doesn’t automatically assign fault but can influence legal proceedings.
Victims may face out-of-pocket expenses, especially if the unlicensed driver is uninsured. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other costs can accumulate quickly.
Dealing with insurance claims can become more complicated. Insurance companies may dispute claims involving unlicensed drivers, leading to delays or denials.
The unlicensed status of the driver can be a factor in legal cases, potentially affecting the outcome of lawsuits or settlements.
Being involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver can cause stress and anxiety, adding to the trauma of the incident. Additionally, according to Forbes, distracted driving—such as texting or failing to pay attention—can significantly increase the risk of accidents, compounding the dangers faced by licensed drivers.
Insurance coverage in these situations varies. Some policies may cover damages regardless of the other driver’s license status, while others may not. It’s crucial to consult with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any exclusions that may apply.
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident involving an unlicensed driver can be overwhelming. At Andrew Injury Law, our car accident lawyer team understands the challenges you’re facing. Call us today at 208-517-7670 for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your rights.
Matt Andrew has been an attorney and member of the Idaho Bar since 2007 and has a varied and fascinating legal career. Since 2013, Matt has focused on representing seriously injured people in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Matt has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict before the Idaho District Courts and the Idaho Industrial Commission.
Member of the Idaho Bar since 2007
Bar Number: #7698
Location: Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell, Idaho.
Client Reviews
Matt was very helpful in explaining the law and setting realistic expectations about my mothers case. He listened to the facts and gave solid advice about what to do next. I know his time is valuable and limited so I appreciated his complementary consultation and advice. I will definitely turn to him in the future.
View More Reviews on Google Maps and Yelp
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Attorney Matthew Andrew, who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
Motorcycle accidents can be catastrophic, especially when they involve collisions with cars. This frequentl...
As Nampa car accident attorneys, our team at Andrew Injury Law often gets inquiries for assistance with hel...
A head-on collision is one of the most devastating types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuri...
Accidental injuries cause over 24 million emergency room visits per year in the U.S., and many of these injuries are the fault of other parties.
Idaho reported more than 27,500 traffic crashes in a recent year, with over 12,600 people suffering injuries and 271 fatalities. We help car crash victims seek justice.
Commercial trucks are critical to Idaho’s economy, but they also put everyone at risk of serious collisions and injuries. We stand up to trucking companies.
Motorcyclists love the wide open spaces of Idaho, but other drivers are not always careful and can hit motorcycles, causing devastating injuries and losses.
After a fatal accident, families can face overwhelming emotional and financial losses. We can help your family seek financial support and justice for your loved one’s wrongful death.
Many accidents happen because property owners or businesses do not maintain their premises. If you slipped and fell or had another premises-related accident, we can help.
Whether you work in construction, logging, or in an office, injuries can happen. We assist injured workers in seeking maximum compensation for their injuries.
Getting the workers’ comp you deserve for a job-related illness or injury can be more challenging than you expect. Seek help with your claim from our legal team.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at 208-517-7670
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case