Car accidents in Tulsa are difficult enough to handle without having to deal with an at-fault driver who has no car insurance in Oklahoma.
In Tulsa, you will have two options to recover damages for your injuries in this situation.
First, you can utilize your uninsured motorist coverage to recover your personal injury damages if you have it.
Second, you can sue the driver personally for any property and personal injury damages you have incurred.
In either situation, a Tulsa car accident attorney can help you navigate your options.
About Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Usually, car insurance covers injuries to other drivers. However, many drivers opt to include uninsured motorist coverage with their car insurance plans, and with good reason.
Often referred to as “UM” coverage, type of insurance coverage will pay you money for any physical injuries you have sustained in an accident if the other driver has no car insurance in Oklahoma.
UM insurance may also come in handy if the other driver’s insurance will not cover the total amount of your medical bills.
Consider the following two scenarios:
- Amy is texting and driving when she suddenly slams into the back of Bob’s car. Although Amy is clearly at fault, she does not have car insurance. Bob ends up suffering $100,000 in injuries and needs money to pay his expensive medical bills. He looks into his insurance policy and determines that he has $150,000 in UM coverage, which will pay for his medical bills.
- Sarah is driving home intoxicated when she swerves and hits John’s motorcycle. John suffers injuries in the amount of $250,000. Amy has car insurance but it will only cover injuries of up to $150,000. Luckily, John has UM coverage, which will pay the remaining $100,000 he needs for his medical bills.
UM coverage is not required in Oklahoma, but it is a good idea to purchase for a little extra money per year. Also, you will not have to worry about your insurance premium going up if you have to use your UM to cover an accident caused by someone else.
Other Alternatives to No Car Insurance in Oklahoma
If you do not have UM insurance, you can also consider suing the other driver personally for his offense of having no car insurance in Oklahoma.
However, this may become challenging since many people do not have enough money and assets to cover the amount of very expensive medical bills.
This can result in you not getting any money at all or small amounts over long periods of time.
Free Consultation: Car Accident Attorney
Getting into an accident with an uninsured driver can become a sticky situation, especially if your insurance company is reluctant to pay your uninsured motorist claim.
It can get even more challenging if you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage at all.
If you or anyone you know has been involved with an uninsured motorist, please contact a Tulsa personal injury attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced attorney at The Personal Injury Law Office of Tulsa, call today at (918) 924-5528, or call toll-free at 1-(888) 447-7262 (Wirth Law).
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