You might be confused after learning the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. Does that mean you’re stuck paying for your expenses out of pocket? What are your legal options for seeking compensation for the damages someone else caused? An experienced Oklahoma City uninsured and underinsured accident attorney can discuss your legal rights during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Oklahoma’s Mandatory Insurance Laws
Oklahoma law requires all motorists to maintain liability insurance that pays for damages they cause to someone else due to their negligence. The minimum liability insurance amounts in Oklahoma include the following:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in an accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to more than one person in an accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Liability coverage pays for your medical bills, property damage, and other damages someone causes you because of their negligence. These are the minimum amounts, but drivers can purchase more insurance to protect their personal assets.
Driving without at least the minimum amount of insurance is a crime in Oklahoma. A person found driving without insurance can result in a fine of $250 and 30 days in jail. Their driver’s license can also be suspended.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Even though it is the law to have liability insurance, 11.8% of Oklahoma drivers do not have insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. To protect yourself from these drivers, you can purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage pays for your losses when the at-fault driver has no insurance, while underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage pays when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance. Oklahoma law does not require you to carry this type of insurance, but it can come in handy if you are ever in a situation where the other driver has no or insufficient insurance.
Legal Options Following a Vehicle Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If the at-fault driver had no insurance, you could consider pursuing a personal injury claim against them. However, they might not have sufficient resources to cover your damages.
Another option that may be available to you is to file a claim with your own insurer under your UM/UIM insurance policy. Keep in mind that just because you are working with your own insurance company, that does not mean the process will be easy. After all, insurance companies are for-profit companies, so they want to minimize payouts to claimants – whether they’re their customers or not.
An experienced OKC car accident lawyer can handle your legal claims for you and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. They can explain what makes the most sense in your particular situation and advocate for you every step of the way.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Uninsured and Underinsured Accident Lawyers Today
At Oklahoma Injury Law Firm, we don’t believe you should have to pay the consequences for someone else’s irresponsible decision to drive without insurance. Contact us today online or call us at (405) 310-8800 to discuss your situation during a free case consultation.