What Happens if You’re in a Car Accident with a Suspended License?

Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience on its own, but the situation takes a more complex turn when the driver holds a suspended license. From the immediate repercussions to the legal processes that follow, we aim to shed light on what individuals in this challenging situation should anticipate in this article.

Laws on Driving on a Suspended License in Indiana

The regulations outlined in the Indiana Code include multiple statutes concerning operating a vehicle on a suspended license within the state of Indiana.

Infractions and Felonies

Under Indiana law, the severity of the offense of driving with a suspended license is not taken lightly and is categorized on a spectrum ranging from Class A infractions to Level 5 felonies. Class A infractions, while being the least severe, still carry significant consequences. On the other end of the spectrum, Level 5 felonies represent the most serious offenses and are typically reserved for cases where the act of driving with a suspended license leads to more severe outcomes, such as accidents causing catastrophic injury or death.

The law is structured to escalate the severity of the punishment in alignment with the gravity of the offense, ensuring that the consequences are proportionate to the nature of the violation.

Offense Degrees

The Indiana Code establishes a comprehensive framework that categorizes the act of operating a vehicle with a suspended license into varying degrees of offenses. This framework takes into account not just the act itself, but also the circumstances surrounding it.

For instance, a first-time offense without any aggravating factors might be treated more leniently compared to a repeat offense or one that involves additional factors such as driving under the influence or causing an accident.

In addition to these categories, specific statutes within the Indiana Code provide further clarity on the legal implications of driving with a suspended license. For example:

• IC 9-24-19-2: This statute specifies that a person who operates a motor vehicle while knowing that their driving privileges are suspended commits a Class A misdemeanor. However, if the offense results in bodily injury or death, it is elevated to a Level 6 felony.
• IC 9-24-19-3: Addresses the penalties for repeat offenders, stating that a person who has a prior conviction for operating while suspended within the past 10 years faces increased penalties, potentially escalating to a Level 5 felony for serious repeat offenses.

Reasons for Suspension or Revocation

A driver’s license in Indiana may be revoked for various reasons, reflecting a commitment to public safety and adherence to the law. Some common causes include:

• Driving without insurance: Indiana law states a person may not operate a motor vehicle in Indiana if financial responsibility is not in effect with respect to the motor vehicle, or the person is not otherwise insured to operate the motor vehicle.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in excess of the legal limit is a criminal offense and has an immediate effect on your privilege to operate a vehicle.
• Committing reckless homicide in a vehicle: An HTV is a person who, within a 10-year period, accumulates two judgments resulting in injury or death.
• Intentional failure to pay child support: A court that has determined a parent is delinquent in paying child support may order the BMV to immediately suspend the delinquent parent’s driving.

Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License

The individual facing this accusation must possess actual knowledge or have reasonable grounds to know that their license is currently suspended.

• Infraction: Operating a motor vehicle on a highway while driving privileges, driver’s license, or permit are suspended or revoked is considered a Class A infraction, which can result in fines of $1,000 up to $10,000 and a further license suspension.
• Class a misdemeanor: Driving with a suspended license in Indiana is considered a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, individuals could face penalties such as fines and imprisonment for up to one year.
• Felony charges: In more serious cases, such as causing injury or wrongful death while driving with a suspended license, individuals may face felony charges, including Level 6 and Level 5 felonies, which can result in imprisonment ranging from six months to six years.

The Process of Handling a Car Accident with a Suspended License

Becoming familiar with the legal process and fulfilling responsibilities after a vehicle accident with a suspended license is crucial for individuals to effectively address the legal implications and make informed decisions. If this is your case, these are the steps you can expect to follow:

Step 1: Report the Accident and Gather Information

Promptly report the accident to the appropriate authorities in strict accordance with Indiana regulations. Timely reporting is not only a legal obligation but also aids in the accurate documentation of the incident.

Step 2: Information Gathering

Collect vital information, including names, contact details of involved parties, eyewitness accounts, and any relevant documentation such as the police report. A thorough compilation of details can prove invaluable in subsequent legal proceedings.

Step 2: Notify Your Insurance Company

Despite the licensing complexities, it is imperative to promptly notify your insurance company. Provide a factual and transparent account of the accident, including your current license status.

Step 3: Initiating Legal Proceedings and Addressing License Suspension

Given the difficulties of handling a motor accident with a suspended license, seeking legal advice is key in order to explore potential courses of action.

Initiating a Lawsuit

With a thorough understanding of your legal standing, an attorney can guide you in initiating legal proceedings. This may involve filing a lawsuit to contest charges related to driving with a suspended license and addressing any additional legal ramifications stemming from the car accident.

Our team at Christie Farrell Lee & Bell is committed to accompanying you at every step, providing guidance, and ensuring you understand all the relevant regulations of the road in Indiana. Start your free consultation today.