Being in a car accident is stressful. On top of dealing with injuries and damage to your vehicle, you might be wondering about Oklahoma auto insurance claim laws, whether you’ll have to pay out of pocket, and how this will affect your life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. We’re here to answer all your questions and help you figure out what to do after a car accident.
What Auto Insurance Is Required in Oklahoma?
Under Oklahoma auto insurance law, drivers are required by law to carry minimum liability insurance coverage of 25/50/25. This means your insurance must cover the following:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person: If you cause an accident and injure someone, your insurance will pay up to $25,000 for their medical bills. For example, this might cover a hospital visit, X-rays, or minor surgery.
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident: If multiple people are injured in the accident, your insurance will cover their combined medical costs up to $50,000.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident: This covers damage to the other party’s property or vehicle, including its diminished value. For instance, if you hit someone’s car and it meets the total loss threshold, the insurance will pay the fair market value up to $25,000.
While these are the minimum requirements, many drivers choose higher coverage limits to protect themselves financially in case of a serious accident. You may also want to consider uninsured motorist coverage, which covers costs that the at-fault driver can’t pay. According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department, around 13% of drivers are uninsured, so this coverage can be worth it.
What If You Drive Without Insurance?
Driving without insurance in Oklahoma is risky and comes with serious consequences. If you’re caught, you could face:
- Fines up to $250
- Suspension of your driver’s license
- Suspension of your vehicle registration
- Vehicle impoundment
- License plate seizure
Oklahoma uses an electronic insurance verification system to track uninsured drivers. If the system flags you as noncompliant, you may be stopped by law enforcement or required to provide proof of insurance.
Once you’ve been in trouble, reinstating your license and registration comes with additional fees. On top of that, your insurance premiums might skyrocket once you do finally purchase coverage. Overall, driving without insurance could be more expensive than keeping a valid policy.
What If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Although Oklahoma auto insurance claim laws require every driver to have insurance, it’s not guaranteed. And if an uninsured driver causes an accident, recovering compensation can be challenging. You have two main options:
- File a claim with your own insurance company: If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your policy can cover your medical bills, car repairs, and other losses.
- Sue the uninsured driver directly: You can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages. However, even if you win, collecting the judgment may be difficult because uninsured drivers usually can’t pay out of pocket.
This is why uninsured motorist coverage is so important. It acts as a safety net to protect you when others fail to carry insurance.
Is Oklahoma a No-Fault State?
No, Oklahoma auto insurance claim laws follow a fault-based system for car accident liability, also known as a tort system. This means the driver who is at fault for the accident is responsible for paying the other party’s damages.
If the other driver is at fault for the accident, their insurance will cover your medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. If you’re at fault, your insurance will cover both your expenses and the other driver’s.
How Long Does an Insurance Company Have to Settle a Claim in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, insurance companies have 45 days to investigate and settle a claim after receiving proof of loss. If they need more time, they must notify you in writing, explain why, and provide regular updates.
Insurance companies sometimes delay claims to avoid paying or to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement. This is called bad faith, and it’s illegal under Oklahoma auto insurance claim law. If your insurer is dragging its feet, denying your claim without explanation, refusing to pay, or offering an unfair payout, you have the right to take legal action. An attorney can help you hold the insurance company accountable.
What If Insurance Doesn’t Cover Everything?
Oklahoma auto insurance claim laws only require insurance up to a certain limit. There are times when your damages will be greater than what the at-fault driver’s policy will pay. In these cases, you might need to file an auto accident lawsuit to get the compensation you deserve. Through a lawsuit, you may be able to recover additional compensation for:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost while recovering, as well as future earnings if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Medical expenses: Costs for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, or surgeries not covered by insurance.
The amount you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the other driver’s level of negligence, and whether you contributed to the accident. An attorney can evaluate your case, determine the value of your claim, and fight for maximum compensation.
Get the Compensation You Need After a Car Accident
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether you need help filing an insurance claim, negotiating with an insurance company, or pursuing a lawsuit, an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Contact the Oklahoma Injury Guy today for a free case evaluation. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on recovering and moving forward.