If I was at-fault for an accident and had no insurance, can my license be suspended?
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If I was at-fault for an accident and had no insurance, can my license be suspended?
I just received a letter in the mail from a lawyer saying I owe $1900 for a tap to the bumper and damage to a back up camera. There is no way I can afford that. They have offered a settlement of 50% but are threatening to have my license suspended if I don’t pay it all at once. I can’t afford the 50% either all at once. Im a mechanic and I have to drive to make a living.
Asked on July 13, 2015 under Accident Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
Gregory Abbott / Consumer Law Northwest
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
It depends upon your State law. In many States, yes, if you are in an accident without insurance, your license will be suspended. Here in Oregon, it is for 1 year mandatorily. Further, many parties related to an accident have the legal duty here to report an uninsured driver to DMV so the license does get suspended, including the other driver's insurance company. So you may want to review everything in detail with a local attorney. At least in Oregon, after a 30 day suspension, previously uninsured drivers may qualify for a hardship license which allows them to drive for work, on predetermined routes. Get caught driving outside of the approved times and/or routes and they will really through the book at you. And your insurance - which you have to provide proof of this time before they even grant you a hardship license - generally is super expensive comparatively. All in all, $950 is a bargain if it really gets you out of this mess. Be sure to get a release of all claims against you or your payment may just be the start...
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