Being in a car accident is often a terrifying, overwhelming experience. Your focus after an accident is usually on your injuries, damage to your vehicle and the overall disruption to your life.
The last thing on your mind in those frightening, panic-stricken moments after a car accident is insurance. However, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver is extremely important.
Oklahoma law regarding insurance coverage
If you find out the other driver has no insurance, the situation now feels even worse. Most people cannot afford to pay for all the damage from a car accident out of pocket.
The situation is only slightly better if the other driver has insurance but it only covers the bare minimum. Between your physical injuries and the damage to your vehicle, your total costs may be far more than what the other driver’s insurance will pay out.
Your option in this case is to sue the other driver for additional damages. But if the other driver does not have much in the way of assets, you could be left with no way to collect, even if you receive a judgment against them.
In Oklahoma, insurance companies are required to offer uninsured or underinsured (UI/UIM) coverage to drivers as part of their insurance policies. This type of policy can protect you if you are hit by an uninsured driver.
What does UI/UIM cover?
UI/UIM coverage only covers costs related to your injuries from the accident. It does not cover vehicle damage. You typically need collision insurance to receive compensation for your vehicle damage.
When you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you must notify your insurance company immediately. Waiting too long could potentially be seen as a waiver of coverage.
Even if you have UI/UIM coverage, your insurance company may deny your claim for various reasons or offer you less than your total costs. You can negotiate with your insurance company for a different amount, but you must know the details of your policy.
Additionally, negotiating with an insurance company is likely the last thing you want to do while you are healing from your injuries.
Know what to do after an accident
Regardless of insurance policies, taking the right steps after a car accident can make a difference in the outcome of any claims or lawsuits.
Call the police and file a police report. The uninsured driver may ask you to not get the police involved, but this could harm your chance at receiving compensation.
Take photos and videos of the accident scene at several different angles so the extent of the damage is clear. Document and photograph any of your injuries.
Have a thorough medical examination performed. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all copies of your medical records.
If you have a claim denied after being hit by an uninsured driver, you can contact our firm for a free insurance claim review. The aftermath of a car accident can be traumatic and difficult. It is important to have someone on your side to protect your rights and fight for fair compensation.