If you drive a vehicle long enough, you will eventually get into a car accident. Although most accidents are fairly minor and result in few injuries, others leave victims seriously injured with life-long effects. Some car accidents are fatal to one or more people who are involved.
If you’ve been injured after a car accident in Nevada, it’s likely that you want to hold the liable party responsible for the negligence that resulted in your injuries. However, you may wonder if you are still eligible for compensation if your Nevada driver’s license was expired at the time of your accident.
Insurance companies will try to find any angle they can in order to avoid paying compensation for car accident claims. That’s why you need to work with experienced Las Vegas car accident attorneys who can work on your behalf to hold liable parties responsible for your damages.
Will Insurance Deny My Claim if My Driver’s License was Expired?
Nevada is an “at fault” state, which means that the liable party can be held responsible for paying damages when their negligence caused a car accident that resulted in injuries. In order to receive compensation from the negligent party’s insurance company, you’ll need to file a claim. Since insurance adjusters are interested in protecting their employer’s bottom line, they will likely work hard to avoid settling your claim for a reasonable amount and will do everything they can to avoid paying out on your claim.
Don’t be surprised if the insurance company denies your initial claim because your driver’s license was expired at the time of the accident. Although Nevada law prohibits driving with an expired license, that does not impact your right to compensation after a collision.
Legally, an insurance company can only deny your right to compensation if they can prove that your portion of the fault is greater than that of their policyholder. Working with car accident attorneys can maximize your chances of obtaining compensation for your suffering, even if the insurance company is trying to work against you.
What are the Consequences of Driving with an Expired Driver’s License in Nevada?
Driving with an expired driver’s license is a misdemeanor in Nevada. This means you could face penalties as a result of being in a car accident, including up to six months in jail and paying up to $1000 in fines. Additionally, a judge may also penalize you with community service, probation, or license suspension. Unfortunately, an insurance company may try to use your criminal charges as a basis for denying you compensation after your car accident.
Strengthening Your Car Accident Claim with an Expired License
Consulting with Las Vegas car accident attorneys is your best option for strengthening your legal case for compensation after a car accident with an expired driver’s license. Steps you can take include:
- Immediately renew your license. Get your license renewed to good standing with the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible after your accident.
- Do not drive with an expired driver’s license again. Not only could this result in more severe criminal charges and penalties, but you may suffer a devastating impact on the strength of your civil case for compensation.
- Be prepared to provide a variety of records for your attorney, including medical records, insurance policy information, witness statements from the scene of the accident, video footage and photographs of the accident, financial records, and other relevant information. Your lawyers will use this information to build your case and hold the liable party responsible.
What Should I Do if Insurance Denies My Claim?
Insurance claim denials after car accidents are common. Because insurance companies lose money when they pay claims, you can anticipate that they will look for any possible opportunity to place blame on your or another driver or be absolved of responsibility.
Your Las Vegas personal injury lawyers can handle insurance negotiations on your behalf by talking with insurance adjusters and providing supportive documentation to strengthen your claim. If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement for your claim, your attorneys are prepared to bring your case to court to obtain maximum compensation.
Although driving with an expired license is illegal, it does not impact your ability to drive safely and does not impact someone else’s negligence to cause injuries in a collision. An experienced attorney will fight for your rights so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Get Help with Your Car Accident Claim from Nevada’s Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
If your driver’s license was expired at the time of your accident, you might still be eligible for compensation for your damages. Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury law and assisting victims of car accidents fight for the compensation they deserve. Our firm will provide excellent customer service and dedication throughout your entire case. Call us today to schedule your free case review.