If your license is suspended and you’re involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maine, you’re looking at serious legal trouble. Between jeopardizing your insurance coverage, paying thousands of dollars in fines and legal costs, and potentially facing a jail sentence, driving on a suspended license carries serious consequences.
If you didn’t cause the accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault driver, but your case will have complications that others won’t. Our car accident attorneys in Maine can help protect your rights if you’ve been involved in a collision.
Criminal penalties if you caused a crash while your license was suspended
Maine courts take a harsh view of license-suspended drivers who cause car accidents. Here’s a breakdown of the criminal penalties you can expect to face:
Accidents resulting in bodily injury or death
If you knowingly drove on a suspended license and caused an accident in which someone else suffered serious bodily injury, you could be charged with a Class C crime. This carries a 5-year prison sentence and fines of up to $5,000, in addition to any compensation you may have to pay the victims.
If the accident you caused led to the death of another person involved, it’s considered a Class B felony in Maine. Class B felonies are punishable by a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, along with fines up to $20,000. Maine judges consider aggravating circumstances when sentencing, so if you were driving under the influence or knowingly driving on a revoked license, there’s a good chance you’ll face the maximum penalty.
Even if the accident didn’t result in the injury or death of other involved parties, drivers with a suspended license, or those who have a restricted license but were driving outside of the restrictions, still face consequences. A restricted license could be suspended, a suspended license could be revoked, and a revoked license could be revoked permanently.
Consequences in a civil suit
Maine follows an at-fault rule for car accidents. This means that the driver who caused the accident is liable for the losses of the other party. Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays the claim, although the victim retains the right to file a suit against the at-fault driver for damages their insurance company doesn’t cover.
Depending on your policy, if you cause a collision while your license is suspended, your insurance carrier could deny coverage for the claim. This could leave you on the hook for any damages claimed by the injured party.
Your insurance company could also choose not to renew your policy or significantly increase your insurance premiums.
If you are not the at-fault driver, you can seek compensation from the other driver, but be prepared to have their insurance company challenge your claim. If your case goes to trial, the defendant’s lawyer may bring up your driving on a suspended license, which could affect how the jury perceives you.
Get legal advice if you caused an accident while on a restricted license
Restricted licenses come with their own complications. They do allow you to drive a motor vehicle, but only under certain circumstances. If your license is restricted and you are driving a vehicle outside of the specific restrictions, you are operating without a license and could have your restricted license suspended. A lawyer can help you navigate any adverse action stemming from operating outside of any restrictions your license may have.
If you have been charged with a Class C or Class B crime, you could be in serious trouble, and need legal advice right away. You may be facing up to a decade in prison, and when you get out, you might not ever be able to legally drive again.
Even if you didn’t cause the collision, having a car accident lawyer guide you through the claims process can help preserve your claim’s validity. Many attorneys also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, which could help shut down a denial based on your suspended license.
Next steps after an accident on a restricted or suspended license
If you’re involved in a car accident while driving on a restricted or suspended license due to an OUI, unpaid fines, or another violation, it can lead to serious legal and financial trouble. You may face criminal charges, loss of driving privileges, and insurance complications, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. That’s why it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney right away. At Shaheen & Gordon, we help protect your rights, defend you in court, and guide you through the claims process so you can move forward with confidence.Have you been involved in a car collision while your license was suspended? Call Shaheen & Gordon today at (800) 451-1002 for a personalized consultation.
