Car accidents can be minor fender benders or major collisions with drastic consequences, such as permanent injury or death. One of the most common consequences of a car accident is having a suspended driver’s license, particularly if you are found liable for the car accident. No matter what, it’s always a good idea to seek the opinion of car accident lawyers in Casper, Wyoming when you’ve been involved in an accident.
Can Accident Lawyers Help You Keep Your Driver’s License?
In short, yes, a car accident lawyer can help you keep your driver’s license after a car accident. In general, having a suspended driver’s license after a car accident is part of the punishment if you are found liable for an accident or if there are extenuating circumstances related to your driving ability that were involved in the accident. A car accident lawyer can help you take swift action so you can keep your license and minimize other consequences of your accident.
Why Would a Driver’s License Be Suspended?
There are a few reasons why your driver’s license might be suspended after an accident. One of the most common reasons drivers lose their license is because they fail to compensate for damages, either to the other driver’s personal property or public property that was damaged by the accident. The court may order the suspension of your license until these fees are paid in full.
Another reason drivers may have a suspended license is if their accident was caused by driving under the influence. Intoxicated operation of a motor vehicle puts the public at significant risk, so even if your accident was minor or only involved public property or did not cause any injuries, a DUI-related accident will usually result in a suspended license.
Why DUI Accidents Are Harder to Correct
Along with a suspended license, there are other consequences for DUI-related accidents that may be more difficult to cope with. For example, mandatory drug and alcohol classes, the installation of certain equipment on the vehicle to operate the car, and hefty fines are often associated with DUI charges. Not to mention, a DUI accident will go on your record, and the consequences for these accidents will become more severe with repeated incidents.
After repeated DUI-related accidents, your license may even be permanently suspended and you may not be able to drive at all in the future. This is why it’s very important to seek the advice of experienced accident lawyers so you can minimize the consequences after an accident, including keeping your driver’s license.
Uninsured Drivers
In Casper, Wyoming, in order to legally operate a vehicle, you must have a certain minimum of car insurance that will cover bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damages per accident. However, many drivers choose to drive illegally by being uninsured, which can create major problems in the long run.
For example, uninsured drivers are far more likely to have their license revoked after an accident, regardless of whether they were responsible for the accident or not. In some cases, your license as an uninsured driver may be restored if you pay all fines, compensation for personal or property damage, and show valid proof of active car insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements. As an uninsured driver, it’s very difficult to keep your driver’s license without meeting these criteria.
When Should You Hire Car Accident Lawyers?
Whether or not you’ve been in a serious accident, it’s important to contact a lawyer after an accident as soon as possible, especially if you plan to seek compensation after an accident or you will need help defending charges. Although having a lawyer isn’t mandated by any law, it’s still the smart move to make. Car accident cases can move very quickly when charges are involved, so it’s best to have the guidance of a legal representative for the process.
Some common reasons to hire an attorney after a car accident can include filing for compensation with the insurance company, filing for compensation for a personal injury lawsuit if you are uninsured, and needing help recovering your license after an accident. Hiring an attorney immediately is generally the best idea so you can recover from an accident more quickly and with fewer consequences.
How Can Accident Lawyers Help You in Casper, Wyoming?
An accident lawyer can be immensely helpful after a car accident. For example, if you plan to file an injury claim, an attorney can negotiate with the insurance on your behalf or help you seek legal compensation for the cost of medical treatments, lost income, and ongoing economic consequences after an accident.
If you are seeking compensation for injuries and damages, you may also be able to seek compensation for pain, suffering, and other non-economic impacts. For drivers who have lost their licenses for any reason, a lawyer may also be able to help you avoid jail time, fines, penalties, and other consequences.
How Do Settlements Work?
In general, car accident settlements follow a formula that may not necessarily need the oversight of a legal expert unless the process runs into a dispute. After an accident, you should notify all relevant insurance companies, confirm your insurance coverage, and have your claim assigned to an adjuster who will assess the damages of the accident and calculate a settlement offer. At this point, many drivers accept the settlement offer as-is.
However, there may be times when the insurance company is reluctant to offer a settlement or may even refuse your claim because of coverage loopholes. In this case, you will need the assistance of a car accident lawyer to advocate for a better settlement on your behalf, as well as help you gather evidence relevant to your case that can help you defend your rights.
What If Your License Is Suspended?
In the case that your license is suspended after an accident, then you do have certain rights that a lawyer can leverage to help you restore the status of your driver’s license. After the official suspension of a driver’s license, you have the right to request a hearing so you can dispute the decision of the Wyoming Department of Transportation. You can also request to review your records so you can have limited driving privileges while your case is being looked at.
If your license is fully revoked, you will still have some legal strategies you can use to restore your license. For example, you will be able to request a dispute to contest the renovation of your driver’s license. You can also again petition for limited driving privileges. Whether your license has been suspended or permanently revoked, the assistance of a legal expert can help you build your case so you can restore your driving privileges more quickly.
In Wyoming, your may lose your driver’s license for a variety of reasons, such as being involved in a DUI-related car accident or driving a car uninsured. If you want to keep your license, then it’s a good idea to contact a legal representative to help you navigate the dispute process with your local DOT office. For more information about keeping your driver’s license or recovering compensation after a car accident, contact Ochs Law Firm in Casper, Wyoming today.
