Illegal drivers may create danger
The arrest of 5 people in California in connection with the sale of illegal and fake driver’s licenses brings to light some big questions as regards the insurance covering these drivers should they have an accident.
The arrests were made in areas surrounding Los Angeles including Pacific Palisades, San Marino, Venice, West Hollywood and Monrovia. Two of those arrested were, in fact former employees of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
The simple fact of the matter is that people who pass their driving license have demonstrated that they are aware of the rules of the road, are safe when in command of a vehicle and thus are licensed to drive on public roads and thus may drive a car. All cars have to have insurance to be legally driven on the roads. Unless a person is named on the policy as being excluded the insurance policy covering the vehicle that causes the accident will be liable to pay any costs that are incurred in an accident.
Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys are ready and willing to assist anybody in involved in an auto accident. It doesn’t matter whether you did not suffer any apparent damage it is as well to consult an attorney to ensure that your rights and possible future claims are protected. The default position of all insurance companies is to deny any liability and then to seek any grounds by which they may reduce such liability. Without representation an individual claimant is unlikely to be able to match the arguments that these insurance companies can bring to bear.
One’s own attorney will safeguard your interests, ensure that you are not apportioned any of the blame for the accident, and if justified, rigorously pursue the reimbursement of your medical expenses plus some form of compensation for any discomfort or disfigurement you may have suffered as a result of the accident.
This is normal. But now we come to the situation where the driver of the car has not passed the test and thus been certified as a “safe” driver who knows the rules having passed a written exam nor has demonstrated the ability to safely operate a vehicle on California roads. This person is directly responsible for a multi vehicle pileup which has resulted in injuries and death.
What is the position as far as liability goes. California operates on the “Tort” system where a person is allocated fault for causing an accident and must shoulder the financial burden of such an accident. The vehicle may be insured, as it must be to be driving on California roads, but does the insurance actually cover the accident where the “at fault” driver is not legally licensed.
Now, more than ever, is an Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles needed. The lawyer, as the representative of clients injured or who have suffered damage in the accident will pursue every avenue open in pursuit of the reimbursement of the costs and the compensation for injury, pain and suffering and possible wrongful death (If applicable). They are there to protect their client’s interests and serve them as best they can.
SOURCE : Los Angeles Times; August 31 2011