Sorting through the aftermath of an auto accident can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered an injury. Suddenly, you’re facing unexpected costs, such as medical bills, lost wages, higher insurance premiums, or other expenses associated with the accident. In some cases, you may also face the suspension of your driver’s license, which will further complicate your ability to get your life back on track. Let’s take a look at what circumstances may result in the temporary suspension of your driver’s license following an auto accident in California, and what steps you can take to have it reinstated.
What a Suspended License Means in California
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), this agency has the authority to suspend or revoke your license in certain circumstances. For instance, if the court or the DMV determines that you have lost your driving privileges, you are barred from driving any vehicle until the period of suspension has ended. If you continue to drive your vehicle during the period of suspension, you could face a misdemeanor charge, which carries potential jail time or a costly fine.
Common Reasons for License Suspension Following an Auto Accident
While there are many reasons that a court or the DMV may suspend your driver’s license, such as driving under the influence (DUI) offense, underage drinking, or committing an act of vandalism, there are other circumstances in which your license may be suspended following an auto accident. If you are not insured and you are involved in a car accident, you face a four-year license suspension. However, if you are able to provide proof of insurance to the DMV, you may be able to have your driving privileges returned to you after one year. You could also face a license suspension If you fail to report an auto accident, especially one involving major injuries or extensive property damage.
Moving Forward
Depending on the circumstances of your license suspension, you may be able to take certain steps to get your license back sooner than expected. For those whose licenses were suspended because they were involved in an auto accident but carried no insurance, the license may be reinstated after a one-year suspension period, paying a fee of $125, and submitting proof of insurance to the DMV. No matter what your specific situation may be, it’s a good idea to contact an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you understand your options for moving forward into a brighter future.
If you were involved in an auto accident in the Temecula or Murrieta area and you need help understanding your legal options, contact the trusted legal team at Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today by calling (951) 489-3320.