Can I File a Claim If I Was Riding a Motorcycle Without a License?
Yes. You can still file a claim if you were riding a motorcycle without a license. It’s normal to assume that you’ll automatically be ineligible to file an injury claim. Unfortunately, that’s completely false. What you need to keep in mind is that your ability to recover compensation will depend on who caused the crash and not whether you had a license to ride your motorcycle.
To better understand the situation, we’ll unpack what that means, when you may run into complications, and how Suwanee, GA, motorcycle accident attorneys can be your strongest advocate in this situation.
Riding a Motorcycle Without a License vs. Personal Injury Claims
Riding your motorcycle without a valid license in Georgia is illegal. That means you may face misdemeanor charges if you’re stopped and you’re unlicensed. With personal injury law, however, the primary concern is who is at fault for the motorcycle crash. Having a license is mainly about the privilege of riding your motorcycle on public roads legally. On the other hand, a personal injury claim is all about holding someone legally responsible for the careless actions that hurt you. Courts will treat these two legal issues separately.
Put simply, the fact that you don’t have a license should not negate the other driver’s responsibility if their negligence resulted in your injuries and related damages.
How Being an Unlicensed Motorcyclist Can Complicate Your Claim
Just because you can pursue compensation from the at-fault party doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the compensation you’re seeking. Insurance providers will try to use your unlicensed status to target your credibility or blame you for the accident. Here’s how not having a license can.
- If not having a license contributed to the crash in any way, your compensation can be reduced based on the state’s comparative fault rules.
- Your insurance provider may deny coverage if you don’t have a license. Let’s say the accident was a hit-and-run or involved an uninsured motorist. If you’re filing a claim against your uninsured motorist coverage (if applicable), your insurer may raise the issue of your being unlicensed to deny your claim.
- Insurers and juries (if your claim heads to court) may see you as irresponsible and less credible if you’re unlicensed, making it tougher to secure fair compensation.
Generally speaking, you’re in for an uphill battle if you want to file an injury claim but don’t have a license to ride your motorcycle during the crash. This is where legal assistance from reputable Suwanee, GA, motorcycle accident lawyers comes in. Your Suwanee, GA, motorcycle accident attorneys can safeguard your constitutional rights, prove fault and liability for the crash, negotiate with insurers strategically to maximize your compensation, and go to court for you if needed.
Seek Legal Guidance From Our Seasoned Suwanee, GA, Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Now
Don’t let your unlicensed status get in the way of securing the compensation you need to pay for your motorcycle accident-related expenses and damages. Contact Banks, Stubbs & McFarland at 770-887-1209 or contact us online to arrange a case evaluation with one of our Suwanee, GA, motorcycle accident attorneys at no charge.