In California, keeping your vehicle registration up to date is not just a legal requirement—it’s essential for avoiding potential complications in case of an accident. But what happens if you’re involved in a car accident and your vehicle registration has expired? While having expired registration doesn’t automatically make you liable for an accident, it can create challenges that may impact your case. At Bojat Law Group, we’re here to guide you through the complexities of such situations and help protect your rights.
Understanding Expired Registration in California
California law mandates that all vehicles operating on public roads must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Failing to renew your registration on time can result in fines, penalties, and potential legal issues. If you’re pulled over or involved in an accident with expired registration, you may face additional scrutiny from law enforcement and insurance companies.
Common reasons for expired registration include:
- Forgetting to renew on time
- Financial hardships preventing payment of registration fees
- Administrative delays or errors at the DMV
While driving with expired registration is considered an infraction, it doesn’t mean you lose all rights in the event of an accident.
Does Expired Registration Affect Your Ability to File an Insurance Claim?
Having expired registration does not automatically bar you from filing an insurance claim after an accident. California operates under an at-fault system, meaning the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages, regardless of the other party’s registration status.
However, insurance companies may attempt to use your expired registration to question your credibility or argue that you were negligent, even if the registration status had no bearing on the accident. This is why it’s crucial to have an experienced attorney from Bojat Law Group on your side to counter such tactics and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Legal Ramifications of Driving With Expired Registration
While expired registration is a traffic infraction, it is not considered a criminal offense. However, if you’re in an accident, law enforcement may issue you a ticket for driving without valid registration. This ticket is separate from the determination of fault in the accident.
It’s important to note:
- Expired registration does not equate to negligence in determining fault for the accident.
- Insurance coverage remains valid even if your registration has expired, provided your policy is active.
- In rare cases, repeated offenses or other violations may escalate the severity of penalties.
Steps to Take After an Accident With Expired Registration
If you’ve been in an accident while your registration is expired, taking the following steps can protect your legal rights and strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention: Ensure you address any injuries immediately. Health and safety come first.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Exchange Information: Share insurance and contact information with the other party, but avoid admitting fault.
- File a Police Report: An official report can provide crucial evidence for your case.
- Renew Your Registration: Address the expired registration as soon as possible to demonstrate your willingness to comply with the law.
- Contact an Attorney: Speak with a qualified attorney at Bojat Law Group to discuss your case and develop a legal strategy.
How Bojat Law Group Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of an accident with expired registration can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies try to use it against you. At Bojat Law Group, we have extensive experience handling complex personal injury cases and are well-versed in California’s traffic and liability laws. Here’s how we can assist:
- Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence to prove that the expired registration had no impact on the cause of the accident.
- Insurance Negotiation: Our team counters insurance company tactics and ensures you’re not unfairly penalized for the registration lapse.
- Legal Advocacy: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Potential Compensation for Accident Victims
Even if your registration is expired, you may still be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Our goal is to ensure that your expired registration doesn’t overshadow your right to recover damages for injuries and losses caused by someone else’s negligence.
Final Thoughts
Having expired registration at the time of an accident can complicate matters, but it doesn’t determine liability or eliminate your right to pursue compensation. At Bojat Law Group, we understand the nuances of these cases and are committed to protecting your rights. If you’ve been in an accident with expired registration, don’t wait to seek legal help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let Bojat Law Group handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery and moving forward.
