Getting behind the wheel without a valid driver’s license is illegal in Kansas City, but what happens when an unlicensed driver is involved in an accident? Whether your license was suspended, expired, or you never obtained one in the first place, your licensing status can significantly complicate insurance claims and legal proceedings. Experienced car accident lawyers in Kansas City share what you need to know about unlicensed driving and recovering compensation after a car accident.
Kansas City Laws on Unlicensed Driving
In Kansas, driving without a valid license is a serious offense that carries substantial penalties. A first-time conviction is classified as a class B misdemeanor, which can result in up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000. Additionally, you will face a 90-day license suspension, even if you never had a license to begin with.
Missouri takes a similarly strict approach. Unlicensed driving starts as a class D misdemeanor with fines up to $500 for first offenses, but penalties escalate quickly. A second offense becomes a class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Third and subsequent offenses are classified as class E felonies, carrying up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Your Options After an Accident with an Unlicensed Driver
If you are involved in an accident with an unlicensed driver, it can be difficult to secure the compensation that you deserve. Unlicensed drivers are frequently uninsured as well, since maintaining insurance typically requires a valid license. However, you do have some options for compensation available to you.
First, you can file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim with your own insurance company. This coverage is designed for situations where the responsible party cannot pay for damages. You must carry this policy before the accident occurs. Second, you can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the unlicensed driver, who will then be personally responsible for your damage.
If you are a Kansas resident, you also benefit from the state’s no-fault insurance system, which includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. This means your own insurance will cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident.
Can Driving without a License Affect Your Compensation?
If you were driving without a license when a car accident occurred, your claim can become more complicated. You won’t be automatically disqualified from receiving compensation, but you will likely face several obstacles.
First, driving without a license often correlates with a lack of insurance coverage, limiting your ability to file a PIP or UM/UIM claim. Second, the other party may use your unlicensed status to argue comparative negligence, claiming that you are an irresponsible driver and therefore contributed to the accident.
These arguments can be weaker than they initially appear, which is why you need an attorney who can help you fight back. An award-winning injury lawyer in Kansas City can argue that your licensing status doesn’t establish fault for the circumstances that caused the crash, separating administrative violations from actual negligent driving behavior.
Discuss Your Next Steps with a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer
License-related issues in car accident claims require careful legal analysis and strategic advocacy to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. A Kansas City car accident lawyer knows how to navigate these complex situations and will fight to prevent your licensing status from affecting your ability to recover compensation. Contact an attorney today to discuss your case and protect your best interests.