Civil lawsuits often arise after an automobile accident. When these lawsuits result in a judgment, Ohio motorists can sometimes have their driver’s license suspended if they are unable to pay the amount ordered. Since civil suits can sometimes equate to tens of thousands of dollars, those who are faced with paying such a judgment may see their license suspended for several years. One way of getting a driver’s license reinstated is by visiting a Dayton bankruptcy lawyer in order to file a petition.
Bankruptcy can often result in a debt associated with a civil lawsuit being discharged. According to federal law, if a debt arising from a civil action is discharged, one’s driver’s license can then be reinstated. There is only one stipulation, and that is that the liability cannot be connected to a criminal activity. As a result, judgments from accidents involving a hit and run, DUI, or reckless driving generally cannot be discharged in bankruptcy court.
After having accident fines discharged, a motorist can then take a copy of the order stating this to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in order to have a license reinstated. This will allow BMV officials to remove the fines that prevented a license from being reinstated in the first place. Once this happens, that person can then apply for a license again, but may have to pay a reinstatement fee in addition to carrying SR-22 insurance.
Having a suspended driver’s license can pose a financial hardship in many cases, because it can prevent individuals from obtaining suitable employment. Removing the fines that prevent reinstatement is only one way bankruptcy can help people obtain a fresh start. At the Chris Wesner Law Office, we invite you to contact us to find out more about reinstating your driver’s license after bankruptcy.