Driving with a suspended license in Louisiana can carry serious legal consequences and complicate matters if you are involved in a car accident, even if the accident is not your fault. Understanding these implications is crucial, especially for anyone who may face personal injury claims related to an accident.
Legal Repercussions of Driving with a Suspended License
In Louisiana, driving with a suspended or revoked license is considered a serious offense. If caught, you could face penalties including fines, further suspension of your driving privileges, and even jail time depending on the circumstances of the suspension and your driving history. The consequences intensify if you are involved in an accident while driving with a suspended license.
Impact on Car Accident Claims
If you are involved in a car accident while your license is suspended, this can significantly affect your ability to claim damages for any injuries you might suffer. Louisiana operates under a comparative fault system, meaning that any compensation you might be entitled to can be reduced by your percentage of fault — and driving with a suspended license could potentially increase your share of fault in the accident.
However, it’s important to note that being ticketed for driving with a suspended license at the time of an accident does not prevent you from making an injury claim, especially if you were not fully at fault for the accident. Your ability to claim depends primarily on two factors:
- Your degree of fault in the accident: You can still recover damages if you are found to be less than 100% at fault.
- Insurance coverage: The vehicle you were driving must be insured according to Louisiana law.
Legal Advice for Handling Such Situations
- Consult an Attorney: It’s advisable not to handle such situations on your own. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help clarify your legal position and strategy for dealing with the aftermath of an accident. A skilled attorney can sometimes get charges reduced or dismissed, and can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Correct Your License Status: If possible, take steps to restore your driving privileges. Demonstrating that you’ve rectified your license status soon after an accident can positively influence how you are viewed by courts and insurers.
- Understand Your Rights: Regardless of your license status, you have rights under the law, particularly if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence. Knowing these rights can protect you against unfair practices and help ensure you receive any compensation you may deserve.
Why Choose Lawyer Don?
At Lawyer Don, we take your legal issues seriously. Our team is dedicated to providing robust legal support to ensure that even if your driving privileges were suspended at the time of an accident, you still receive fair treatment under the law. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in New Orleans and are dealing with complications arising from a suspended license, contact Lawyer Don, your dedicated car accident attorney in New Orleans. Let us help you navigate the complexities of your case with the expertise and empathy you deserve.
Contact Lawyer Don at 504-508-6414, or visit us at our Metairie office located at 1000 Veterans Memorial Blvd #203, Metairie, LA 70005.
