The Danger Posed by Unlicensed Drivers in the State of Georgia

Car Accident Lawyers Warn Motorists of the Danger Posed by Unlicensed Drivers in the State of Georgia

Motorists without a valid driver's license pose a more substantial risk to vehicle occupants, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report indicates that one in five fatal motor vehicle collisions involve a driver without a valid license or a license that raises questions about its validity with law enforcement officers. According to the report, 8,500 people per year die in collisions caused by motorists without a valid license. In this blog, our Atlanta car accident lawyers review the special threat posed by unlicensed drivers in Georgia.

While the danger posed by motorists who have never obtained a driver's license might be obvious, motorists who have had their license revoked or suspended might present an even greater risk. The loss of driving privileges usually results from DUI license suspensions and points acquired for traffic violations and accidents. A driver who has never demonstrated knowledge of driving laws, signs, and practices through a written exam nor demonstrated actual driving aptitude during a road test is likely to cause a crash. Similarly, motorists with a history of drunk driving, moving violations, and collisions who have lost their license also can be expected to pose a greater risk to others when sharing Georgia roadways.

The AAA study also revealed that motorists who have received driver's license suspensions often continue driving and receive repeated suspensions. Data analyzed by AAA found that 28 percent of the 8,500 unlicensed motorists that caused fatal collisions had been subject to three or more license suspensions or revocations during the three years before their deadly collisions. A prior study reported by the Transportation Research Board indicated that 50-75 percent of motorists who receive a license suspension or revocation continue to operate a motor vehicle.

The report also found that unlicensed drivers also are more likely to engage in other unsafe driving practices:

• Drivers with a suspended license were three times more likely to be intoxicated in the opinion of the investigating officer while motorists with a revoked license were four times more likely to drive while intoxicated.
• Motorists without a valid license were five times more likely to commit a hit-and-run.

Unlicensed drivers pose a special problem because they tend to be involved in more crashes, but they will not have insurance. When motorists with no insurance or driver's license cause a collision, the ability of an injury victim to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver depends on whether he or she has personal assets against which a judgment can be enforced. Our Atlanta auto accident lawyers also explore other options for paying for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, vehicle repair, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other damages. These other options might include third-parties that contributed to the accident or the injury victim's uninsured motorist (UM) insurance.

If you or someone close to you is injured in an auto accident, our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers at Montlick & Associates can advise you of your rights and options under the law. Our firm has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
Toll Free:   1 (800) LAW-NEED
Hours: Open Today · Open 24 hours

Related Pages: Columbus car collision lawyers, Augusta GA car collision lawyers, Car collision lawyers in Georgia, Car collision lawyers in Atlanta, Car collision lawyers in Athens, Albany car collision lawyers. 

Sources:

http://www.madd.org/statistics/?referrer=https://www.google.com/

http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=118913&page=1