Auto accidents are stressful and expensive. But, what happens if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured? Although Oklahoma law requires all drivers to have liability insurance, we also have one of the highest percentages of uninsured motorists in the nation. Additionally, many drivers carry the minimum coverage which is insufficient to cover serious accidents.

If you are in a car accident caused by a driver with no or minimal insurance coverage, it is critical to contact an experienced attorney for help. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help explore your different options for recovering full and just compensation.

Insurance Options for Recovering Full Compensation

You might be surprised to learn there are several options for recovering your expenses when you are in an auto accident. Below are a few insurance options that may be available:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). As the name indicates, this insurance applies when the at-fault driver does not have insurance or has insufficient coverage. However, it is not mandatory for drivers to purchase this coverage in Oklahoma.
• Medical Payment Insurance (MedPay). MedPay insurance covers medical expenses regardless of who was at fault in causing the accident. Again, this coverage is optional as an add-on to your auto policy in Oklahoma.
• Employer Liability. If the driver who caused the accident was working at the time, the employer’s liability coverage may provide compensation for your damages. It may be necessary to file a claim against the driver’s employer to recover compensation. If the at-fault driver’s employer is the government, a notice of claim must be submitted prior to filing a lawsuit.
• Health Insurance. Health insurance provided by a private carrier or your employer may cover some of your medical expenses, including ER costs.
• Disability Insurance. If your injuries result in a temporary or permanent inability to perform your job, disability insurance may provide income replacement. Disability insurance can be purchased privately or through employers. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits may also be available.
• Defective Product Liability. If the accident was caused by a defective product such as a faulty vehicle part, you can file a claim. You should confer with a personal injury attorney because you must be able to prove the faulty part caused the accident.

Conferring with an auto accident attorney to explore all your options for recovery is essential.

How an Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help

When you are involved in a wreck and trying to recover from your injuries, the last thing you want to deal with is insurance companies. Your accident attorney can take the burden off your shoulders and provide the support you need. A few ways a lawyer will help include:

• Reviewing all applicable insurance policies
• Investigating and determining all potentially liable parties
• Communicating with insurance companies and negotiating settlements
• Calculating all recoverable expenses, including medical bills, lost income, future expenses, and pain and suffering
• Filing a lawsuit against all responsible parties
• Managing all deadlines, filings, and ensuring your claims are protected throughout the process

Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer Today for Help

Whether you have questions about how to settle your case or you need assistance filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is wise to confer with a personal injury attorney.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident or other type of personal injury case that was caused by the negligence of another party, it is important to have effective attorney representation. At Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle, our injury lawyers have been representing injured victims of accidents and insurance disputes for over 60 years. Call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at (405) 692-7676 to schedule a FREE consultation.