Getting into a crash is traumatic enough—being hit by someone driving without a valid license adds complex legal and safety challenges. In LA County, unlicensed drivers significantly elevate the danger. Understanding your rights and next steps is vital to protecting your recovery.
How Dangerous Are Unlicensed Drivers?
- A California DMV study found that unlicensed drivers were about 2.34 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than licensed drivers, with an at-fault over‑involvement rate nearly 2.73 times higher.
- Another analysis showed that 17.53% of fatal crashes in California involved unlicensed drivers, placing the state seventh highest nationwide.
- The AAA Foundation reports nearly 20% of fatal car crashes involve drivers with invalid licenses—including expired, suspended, or no license at all—making unlicensed driving a major safety issue.
Takeaway: Drivers without valid licenses pose significantly greater risks, and collisions with them are more likely to result in serious injury or death.
What You Should Do After an Accident with an Unlicensed Driver
| Step | Action |
| 1. Call 911 | Always report the crash; a police report is essential for later claims. |
| 2. Document everything | Take photos of damage, the driver’s ID info, license plate, and scene conditions. |
| 3. Seek medical care | Get treatment even for minor signs—it builds your medical record. |
| 4. Notify your insurer | Report the incident promptly to your own insurance company. |
| 5. File a claim | If the unlicensed driver has insurance, their insurer may cover your losses. If not, use your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM/UIM) coverage. |
| 6. Consult an experienced attorney | Legal help is critical to prove negligence and negotiate fair recovery. |
Even if the at-fault driver lacks a license—or even insurance—you still have legal paths to recover your losses.
Your Legal Options When the Other Driver Is Unlicensed
| Scenario | What You Can Do |
| Unlicensed driver with insurance | In California, an auto liability policy generally must cover anyone driving the insured vehicle with the owner's permission, so the vehicle owner's insurance is often the first source of coverage (Cal. Insurance Code §11580.1). |
| Unlicensed and uninsured driver | If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may help pay for your injuries (Cal. Insurance Code §11580.2). |
| Vehicle owned by another party | A vehicle owner who allowed someone to drive can be held liable for that driver's negligence, but California caps this owner liability at $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for injury or death, plus $5,000 for property damage, unless the owner was personally negligent (for example, negligent entrustment) (Cal. Vehicle Code §17150). |
| Legal negligence required | Not having a license does not by itself make a driver at fault. You still have to show the driver was careless and that the carelessness caused the crash. |
| Partial fault? | California follows "pure" comparative negligence: even if you were partly at fault, you can still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault (Li v. Yellow Cab Co. (1975)). |
Why Choose DJLAWCORP.COM for Your Case?
At Djougourian Law Corporation, we specialize in handling complex collisions—especially those involving unlicensed or uninsured drivers. We serve all of Los Angeles County, including:
- Los Angeles (City)
- Long Beach
- Glendale
- Pasadena
- Burbank
- Santa Clarita
- Torrance
- Ontario
- El Monte
- Downey
Here’s how we support you:
- Thorough investigation: gather police reports, witness statements, medical records.
- Insurance navigation: help determine whether the at-fault driver’s policy applies or if your personal UIM must be used.
- Aggressive negotiation: fight to secure full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehab, and emotional distress.
- Litigation support: if insurers deny claims or undervalue damages, we litigate on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is an unlicensed driver automatically at fault?
No—fault depends on negligence, not license status. You must establish that their actions caused your injury.
Can I still claim compensation if the driver is uninsured?
Yes—if you have UIM coverage, it may cover your recovery. You can also explore third-party liability.
Does insurance follow the driver or the vehicle?
It follows the vehicle—so someone else’s insurance may apply, even if they weren’t driving.
Can the vehicle owner be liable?
Yes—they could be responsible under protective doctrine like negligent entrustment.
What if both parties are partially at fault?
California’s pure comparative negligence allows both parties to recover, reduced by their share of fault.
Summary Snapshot
| Insight | Key Fact |
| Unlicensed drivers cause fatal crashes | 2.34 times more likely than licensed drivers |
| Share in fatal accidents | 17.5% involve unlicensed drivers in CA |
| Key safety risk | Higher tendency for reckless behavior |
| Insurance use | Typically follows vehicle—not driver |
| Legal recovery route | Unlicensed status doesn’t bar compensation |
| Representation needed | Critical for navigating denial, claim limits, complexity |
Take Action Now—Protect Your Rights
If you’ve been injured by an unlicensed driver in Los Angeles County, you have rights and paths to compensation. Djougourian Law Corporation is ready to help—whether through insurance recovery, UIM claims, or legal proceedings.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation:
Djougourian Law Corporation
Serving Burbank & all of Los Angeles County (including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Torrance, Ontario, El Monte, Downey)
📍 300 E Magnolia Blvd, Unit 506, Burbank, CA 91502
📧 arthur@djlawcorp.com
🌐 djlawcorp.com
📞 818-530-0000
Don’t wait—acting quickly preserves key evidence and maximizes your recovery.
