Oklahoma Uninsured and Underinsured Accident Attorneys

Car accident with an uninsured motorist.

Oklahoma law is designed to hold at-fault drivers responsible when they cause harm. However, when a person gets behind the wheel without any car insurance or doesn’t carry enough insurance, it leaves other motorists exposed to serious risk of injury.

At Cain Law, our Oklahoma City uninsured accident attorneys help injured people recover after serious crashes caused by negligence. If you’ve been hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver, that does not mean you are necessarily out of luck in recovering the compensation you need. Cain Law can help you explore coverage through your own uninsured (UI) and underinsured motorist (UIM) insurance. Call or contact us online now to schedule a free consultation and learn about your legal rights.

Overview of Oklahoma UM and UIM Claims

Being injured in a car crash is frightening. But when the at-fault driver lacks proper insurance or has too little coverage, it can be aggravating, too. You may be scrambling to pay for medical bills, property damage, and other losses that result from a crash you didn’t cause. Oklahoma uninsured and underinsured car accident claims can be a means to secure the compensation you deserve.

With UM/UIM claim assistance in Oklahoma City, you can pursue compensation through your auto policy when the at-fault driver’s insurance is nonexistent or insufficient. However, these claims can be complicated. That’s where an underinsured accident lawyer in OKC can make a difference.

How Our Lawyers Can Help with Uninsured Motorist Claims

Managing an injury claim alone can be daunting. Insurance companies aim to reduce payouts, often leaving you with less money than you deserve. Our attorneys can help you secure maximum compensation by:

  • Leveling the Playing Field: Insurance companies often exploit an injured person’s inexperience, but our lawyers know their tactics and will fight for the best results for you.
  • Avoiding Costly Mistakes: Filing a UM/UIM claim involves specific steps and deadlines that can affect your case. We handle all the paperwork and legal details so you can relax and avoid stress.
  • Leveraging Local Knowledge: Our attorneys are skilled at dealing with the insurance company’s attorneys in our area, and we know the local courts. We’re your trusted source for inside knowledge of insurance claims.
  • Maximizing Your Recovery: Our lawyers have been recognized by Oklahoma Super Lawyers, highlighting our dedication and skill. We’re committed to securing every dollar you deserve under your auto policy.

Requirements for Car Insurance in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, drivers of registered vehicles are legally required to have liability coverage to pay for damage or injuries they may cause. According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, the minimum amount of liability insurance include:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage coverage

With rising medical costs, the majority of claims exceed the $25,000 minimum amount required by law. When uninsured drivers cause collisions, the people they injure must rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or other resources to pay their medical bills.

Understanding UM/UIM Coverage in Oklahoma

UM/UIM coverage can be a safety net if you’re injured in a crash with a motorist with no or insufficient coverage.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is insurance that protects you if the at-fault driver lacks insurance. It can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses up to your policy limits, preventing you from paying them out of pocket.

Does Oklahoma Have Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Yes. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance. For example, if your medical expenses exceed what their liability coverage pays, UIM coverage bridges the gap, helping you avoid out-of-pocket losses.

Why Should I Purchase UM/UIM Insurance?

The Insurance Research Council notes that Oklahoma has had an uninsured driver rate of 25.9 percent some years, compared to a national uninsured rate of 14 percent cited by the Insurance Information Institute. The vast majority of Oklahoma drivers have minimum limits of liability coverage or are uninsured.

While liability insurance protects your assets if you are at fault, UM/UIM protects you and your family if the accident was caused by another driver.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance covers the same types of damages as liability claims, including:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Impairment of earning capacity
  • Physical and mental pain and suffering
  • Physical impairment
  • Disfigurement

You can recover these damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance with UM/UIM coverage.

Coverage Options for Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

In Oklahoma, UM/UIM coverage is optional but recommended. You can choose higher policy limits that fit your needs for financial security in severe crashes. However, you can only purchase UM/UIM coverage in the same amount as your liability coverage. For example, if you only buy $25,000 in liability coverage, the most UM coverage you can purchase is $25,000. However, the cost of purchasing higher limits is often much less than people think, so you might consider purchasing higher limits of liability and UM/UIM.

Purpose of UM/UIM

UM/UIM coverage protects you financially after a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, helping you secure compensation for:

With UM/UIM coverage, you don’t have to rely solely on the at-fault driver’s insurance. Instead, your auto policy steps in to provide the financial support you need, up to your policy limit.

FAQs

Following are answers to questions we often hear from our clients about UM/UIM claims.

What happens if the at-fault driver has no insurance?

If the other driver does not have auto insurance, you can file a claim through your UM coverage, provided your car insurance policy includes it. If you don’t have this coverage, you’ll have to pay out of pocket or have your medical expenses paid through your healthcare insurance.

How much compensation can I expect?

Compensation depends on your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and the coverage limits of your auto policy. A lawyer can help you pursue the maximum amount available.

What is the statute of limitations for uninsured motorist claims in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma statute of limitations allows an injured person two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. However, claims against your insurer have a five-year time limit.

What is the duty of fair dealing required of insurance companies?

Unlike the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier, your insurance carrier has a duty of fair dealing with you. Because of this duty, they are required to fairly evaluate your injuries and damages.

Attorneys at Cain Law will hold your insurance company to this standard. If your company does not deal with you fairly, attorneys at Cain Law will file suit against them for what is called bad faith. Through this type of legal claim, Cain Law can seek additional damages for your insurance carrier not dealing with you fairly.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt by an Uninsured Motorist

After a collision involving an uninsured driver, you should take steps immediately to protect your health, rights, and ability to pursue a claim. Here’s what you should do:

  • Check for Injuries: Look for injuries in yourself and others, as adrenaline might mask symptoms. Seek medical attention promptly.
  • Call 911: Notify emergency services and the police immediately. Even in minor accidents, professionals can promptly treat injuries and create an incident record. A police report is crucial for a UM/UIM claim. It offers an official account of the incident and can strengthen your claim in case of disputes.
  • Gather as Much Information as Possible: Get the other driver’s name and contact info. Record the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Gather contact info from any witnesses.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company: After leaving the scene, report the incident to your insurance provider.
  • Contact an Experienced Attorney: Handling a claim can be complex, but an experienced car accident lawyer can manage legal issues, negotiate for you, and help you seek maximum compensation.

Why Choose Cain Law?

At Cain Law, we’ve recovered over $100 million for Oklahoma clients. Here’s why you should trust us with your case:

  • 24/7 Availability: We’re here whenever you need us.
  • No Upfront Costs: You owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
  • Convenience: Can’t come to us? We’ll come to you.
  • Rapid Response: Our team will immediately investigate your case.
  • Proven Results: Our attorneys are recognized by Oklahoma’s Super Lawyers, a distinction earned through peer reviews and demonstrated excellence.

When you work with Cain Law, you gain a dedicated advocate ready to help you pursue fair compensation and protect your future. Cain Law is a local Oklahoma law firm. We have extensive experience with Oklahoma law. You should always verify you are working with a local law firm.

Call us today or visit our website to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your case.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Uninsured Accident Attorneys Now

At Cain Law, we have spent decades carefully refining our craft. We understand the nuances of Oklahoma insurance law, and we put our experience to work for you.

If you were hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver, give us a call to schedule a free consultation with one of our Oklahoma City UM/UIM car accident lawyers today. We only get paid if we can recover money for you, so you have nothing to lose. In Pain Call Cain.