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Oklahoma drivers are legally required to have automobile liability insurance to protect injured people in the event of a car accident. Despite these laws, more than 25 percent of the state’s drivers are uninsured. That’s one of the highest rates in the nation – and it’s worrisome for people who have been seriously injured on Oklahoma roadways. Contact our McAlester uninsured motorist lawyers today.
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) can be an essential remedy during such a stressful time. But Oklahoma law does not require drivers to have it, and insurance companies are notoriously hesitant to make payouts. That’s why you should call the experienced attorneys at Edwards & Patterson Law in Tulsa and McAlester.
Knowledgeable UM Insurance Lawyers in McAlester Who Care
When an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver causes an accident that injures you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses under your UM coverage. Unfortunately, insurers don’t always make it simple to get a fair recovery.
The uninsured motorist lawyers at Edwards & Patterson Law are skilled at handling UM claims to help victims regain the quality of life they deserve and plan for the future. We also work with injured clients who have been struck by underinsured drivers, making sure that they are properly reimbursed from both motorists’ insurance companies.
When you work with Edwards & Patterson Law, you can rest assured that our auto accident lawyers are dedicated professionals with a commitment to excellence. We have the credentials to prove it. Attorney Matthew Patterson has been recognized among the Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers Association. In 2013, the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys also recognized him with the Top 10 Award. We have a history of significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, and we pride ourselves in our community involvement.
We care. We fight. We win.
To learn how we can help you, call us now or fill out our online form.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in McAlester
UM coverage means that your own insurance company will pay for injuries to you or your vehicle’s occupants if an uninsured driver is at fault for the crash. UM coverage can also be triggered in hit-and-run wrecks. It’s incredibly valuable protection. Unfortunately, UM coverage is not required by law in Oklahoma. Many people waive the insurance only to discover too late how important it can really be.
However, auto liability coverage is mandatory. The minimum required limits are 25/50/25, which means:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per person
- $25,000 for property damage
While liability insurance provides some relief, the enormous cost of medical care today means that minimum insurance amounts are often not sufficient to cover those expenses. That’s when another form of coverage can come into play: underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).
Even when you do have UM or UIM coverage, you may find that your insurer tries to deny your claim, delay it, or make a low offer that comes nowhere close to compensating you for your losses. An attorney who is familiar with those tactics can come to your defense and fight for you to get what you paid for.
What If the Driver’s Insurance Policy Limits Are Too Low?
Sometimes drivers simply do not have enough liability insurance to cover the cost of your injuries. These are called underinsured motorists.
Insurance companies in Oklahoma are required to offer UIM coverage (Underinsured Motorist) to people when they purchase their auto policies. With UIM, injured drivers may collect from their own policy the remainder of what was not covered from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. But again, getting a fair payout from a profit-driven insurance company is rarely simple. UIM cases can be particularly tricky because companies will always be digging to find out ways to shift responsibility off of them.
Why Do I Need an Attorney for a Fair UM/UIM Settlement in Oklahoma?
You paid the money for UM and UIM coverage, so you should be squared away, right? That’s great in theory, but it doesn’t always happen when it comes to accidents involving uninsured and underinsured drivers. Even when people take all of the precautions they can, their claims still get hung up by insurance companies trying to protect their bottom lines.
An attorney with experience in UM and UIM car accident claims can help you in several ways by:
- Working directly with insurance companies to make sure they abide by the laws and don’t lowball you with an unfair settlement offer.
- Researching to find out whether the at-fault driver is truly uninsured and what other sources of compensation may be available to you.
- Providing evidence to contradict any of the insurance company’s explanations for denials or lowball offers.
- Pursuing a bad faith claim against your UM/UIM carrier if the facts of the case warrant it.
- Filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if insurance policy limits still do not cover the costs of your losses.
Keep in mind that a person who is uninsured or underinsured probably doesn’t have extra money or assets lying around. That means that even if you prevail in a lawsuit, you still may be unable to collect any compensation. It’s important to consult with an attorney to make sure that you are being treated fairly by your insurance company as well as the at-fault driver’s.
Let Our McAlester Uninsured Motorist Insurance Lawyers Help You
If you, a friend, or family member were injured in an accident involving an uninsured driver, you need accomplished attorneys by your side to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries from all available sources. UM and UIM coverage can provide money to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation, future medical expenses and more.
It can be stressful to think of working with an attorney while you are trying to recover from your injuries. At Edwards & Patterson Law, we pride ourselves on making the process as simple as possible for our clients. When you hire us to represent you, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that we will be the ones dealing with the insurance companies regarding your claim. Your only job is to focus on your recovery.
Find out what options you may have for recovering compensation under your UM or UIM coverage. Reach out to us today by calling us or contacting us online. We can arrange a free consultation in our offices in Tulsa, McAlester or anywhere that is comfortable for you.
