Unlicensed Drivers in Syracuse: The Risks and Steps To Take After a Crash

Getting into a crash is stressful, but discovering the other driver was never licensed to drive, or even lost their license due to past reckless driving, makes it even worse. Suddenly, you’re dealing with painful injuries, a damaged vehicle, and a driver who had no business being on the road in the first place.

In New York, unlicensed driving is more common and more dangerous than many realize. In 2021 alone, police made nearly 30,000 arrests for unlicensed drivers.

Being involved in a crash with a driver who has an expired, suspended, or nonexistent license can complicate the insurance process and make it much harder to recover the compensation you deserve.

Read on to learn what steps to take after the crash to protect your rights and how experienced Syracuse auto accident lawyers can help you seek the financial support you deserve.

Why Unlicensed Drivers Pose Greater Risk to Legal Motorists

Unlicensed drivers are statistically more dangerous behind the wheel. They’re more likely to lack proper training, disregard traffic laws, or flee the scene to avoid consequences, putting everyone around them at greater risk of serious injury.

Nationwide, nearly 1 in 5 motor vehicle deaths involve a driver with an invalid license. These drivers account for 13% of all fatal crashes, with many incidents happening at night or involving young men; factors that often point to reckless or impaired driving.

When an unlicensed driver causes a crash, the consequences can be severe, leaving you with painful injuries and mounting medical bills. Because these drivers often don’t have insurance, knowing your legal options and how to protect your rights is essential.

Steps to Take After a Crash with an Unlicensed Driver

Taking the right steps after a collision with an unlicensed driver can strengthen your case and improve your chances of receiving full compensation.

Here’s what to do:

• Call the Police Immediately: Always report the crash to law enforcement. An official police report creates a crucial record of the incident, especially if the other driver tries to flee or lies about having a valid license.

• Get What Information You Can: Unlicensed drivers may try to leave the scene before police arrive. If that happens, avoid confrontation but note their license plate, vehicle description, and anything they say before they go.

• Gather Details at the Scene: Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, license plates, and any identifying information (like insurance documents). If they show you a license, get a picture of that too; it could be fake or expired.

• Get Witness Contact Information: Unlicensed drivers may later deny fault or claim they weren’t behind the wheel. Get the name and phone number of anyone who saw the crash. Witness statements can help prove liability.

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked out after a crash. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or internal bleeding, don’t show up right away. Documenting your medical treatment also strengthens your personal injury claim.

Speak with a Syracuse car accident attorney as soon as possible. They can guide you through the claims process and help you explore options for financial recovery.

Can You Still Get Compensation?

Even if the at-fault driver doesn’t have a valid license, you still have options for recovering compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.

Financial support can come from:

• Your Own Insurance (No-Fault Coverage): New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means your policy should cover your basic medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the crash.

• Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Driver: If your injuries are serious enough to meet New York’s legal threshold, you can sue the unlicensed driver directly. Even without insurance, they may still be personally liable, but if they don’t have significant assets or income, it can be difficult to collect payment even if you win a lawsuit.

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: All drivers in New York are required to carry UM insurance. This policy can help pay for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages, up to your policy limits.

• Additional Third Parties: In some cases, others may share responsibility. For example, if the unlicensed driver was operating a company vehicle, their employer may also be liable. Likewise, if they borrowed the car from a friend or family member, the insurance of the vehicle’s owner may cover the damages.

A qualified attorney can help you pursue all available sources of payment so you don’t end up covering accident-related costs on your own.

Why Legal Help Matters

You’ve already suffered because someone broke the rules; don’t let the insurance company worsen things. Crashes involving unlicensed or improperly licensed drivers call for quick action and a clear understanding of how New York’s insurance and liability laws apply.

At Catalano Law, our team can:

• Investigate the crash and document what happened
• Track down the other driver’s identity and driving history
• Review your insurance coverage and help file necessary claims
• Handle communication with insurers and opposing attorneys
• Identify all possible sources of payment, including third parties
• Prepare your case for settlement or trial if needed

We work to protect your rights and resolve your case fairly, so you can focus on recovery.

Injured by an Unlicensed Driver? Get the Legal Help You Need

A crash with an unlicensed driver can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive repairs, and a lot of uncertainty about what to do next. These cases are often complicated, but you don’t have to handle it alone.

At Catalano Law, we know how to investigate these crashes, deal with uncooperative insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

The people of Syracuse aren’t just clients; they’re our neighbors, friends, and community. That’s why we treat every case with the attention it deserves. If you’re looking for honest answers and compassionate support, reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation.