Edmond Uninsured Motorist Lawyer

Uninsured Motorist Attorney in Edmond, OK

Accidents can be stressful and confusing. When the at-fault driver has no insurance, it can make an already bad situation worse. An Edmond uninsured motorist lawyer can explain uninsured motorist coverage, available options after an accident, and Oklahoma laws related to an uninsured motorist claim.

Accidents happen on I-35, U.S. Highway 77, and many roads in between, including busy intersections like Covell Road and Kelly Avenue. Knowing your rights can help you make informed decisions after a crash with an uninsured driver.

Dedicated to Empowering Injured People

At Fulmer Sill, we believe in empowering injured people by working together on personal injury cases. Each case is assigned a team of legal professionals who collaborate to investigate the facts, review evidence, and provide consistent communication. Our team approach allows complex insurance issues to get the attention they require while also helping clients understand their legal options.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Edmond, OK

Uninsured motorist (“UM”) coverage allows policyholders to seek compensation from their insurance company when injured by a driver who either lacks required liability insurance or cannot be identified, like in hit-and-run accidents.

Oklahoma requires drivers to maintain liability insurance, but uninsured drivers still cause accidents every year. When an uninsured driver causes an accident, injured victims may be forced to file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage instead of making a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance.

Oklahoma Uninsured Motorist Claim Laws

There are a few laws in Oklahoma that directly apply to an uninsured motorist claim. Generally speaking, automobile liability insurance policies issued or delivered in Oklahoma are required to provide UM coverage unless the policyholder specifically rejects UM coverage in writing.

Almost all drivers in Oklahoma are required to carry minimum liability insurance coverage before operating a motor vehicle. A driver who fails to comply with this law may be penalized and held civilly liable for the damages they cause. These uninsured motorist laws can help injured people understand what insurance applies after an accident.

When Uninsured Motorist Coverage May Apply in Edmond?

Uninsured motorist coverage does not automatically apply any time another driver is uninsured. While many people believe this is the case, UM coverage may apply in a variety of situations based on the language in the policy and the facts leading up to the collision. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply when:

• The negligent driver was uninsured
• The driver who hit you was a hit-and-run driver
• Your insurance company denied coverage to the negligent driver
• The negligent driver’s insurance policy had been canceled or had lapsed before the collision occurred

In Oklahoma, car accidents claimed the lives of 711 individuals in 2023. The state also saw 9,360 total crashes in 2021. You may likely need to read your insurance policy carefully to see if UM coverage applies in your situation.

Potential Challenges in an Uninsured Motorist Case in Edmond

Even if you submit an uninsured motorist claim to your own insurer, they won’t necessarily approve it right away. Uninsured motorist claims in Edmond are still legal claims that require evidence. An insurance company may investigate how the collision occurred, whether or not the other driver was uninsured, the nature and extent of the injuries claimed, and whether there is documentation to support your damages.

Types of evidence that may be used in an uninsured motorist claim include police reports, medical records, witness testimony, photographs, vehicle repair estimates, surveillance videos, and proof of the other driver’s uninsured status. Collecting some of this information immediately after an accident can assist an injured person with filing an uninsured motorist claim.

Hire an Uninsured Motorist Lawyer in Edmond

Deciding to hire an uninsured motorist lawyer means you have an advocate who can evaluate your insurance coverage, review the policy language, gather evidence, correspond with insurance adjusters, calculate economic and non-economic damages, and file a claim that complies with Oklahoma’s legal procedures and deadlines. Should the need arise, your attorney can also litigate your case if your coverage is disputed or benefits are denied.

A person may want to work with an Edmond uninsured motorist attorney if they have questions about their insurance coverage, liability issues, or how to properly value their claim. Knowing Oklahoma’s uninsured motorist laws and acting quickly after a collision can preserve evidence and help injured victims understand their options.

FAQs About Edmond, OK Uninsured Motorist Laws

Do Insurance Companies Usually File a Claim Against Uninsured Drivers in Edmond?

In Edmond, insurance companies don’t typically file a claim against uninsured drivers following every accident. Instead, an insurer may file a claim depending on how much they paid on a claim, whether the uninsured motorist has assets, and whether they can recover financial compensation. An insurer might also try to get its money back through subrogation once it has paid out benefits to its insured.

Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Worth It in Oklahoma?

Whether UM coverage is worth it depends on your financial resources and insurance needs. Drivers may choose to carry uninsured motorist coverage on their auto policy because it can provide financial compensation if they’re injured by a driver who doesn’t carry liability insurance or in certain hit-and-run collisions. Although Oklahoma law requires drivers to carry insurance, many people still drive illegally without insurance.

What Should I Not Tell My Insurance Company?

You should not tell your insurance company that you share fault in an accident. It’s generally advisable to just describe the incident without placing blame. Don’t hide your injuries or lie about the events that led to a crash. Also, don’t say you were unharmed before being examined by a doctor, and try not to speculate about how the crash happened. Tell the insurance company everything that occurred during the accident and only make statements that you know to be true.

What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Not Cover in Edmond?

In Edmond, coverage can vary by insurance company and policy, but UM coverage typically does not cover losses that weren’t caused by the accident, vehicle maintenance, or expenses that exceed your policy’s limit. Uninsured motorist coverage may also not cover certain drivers, intentional conduct, or accidents that are not covered by your policy.

Contact Fulmer Sill Today

At Fulmer Sill, we believe in serving our clients by thoroughly reviewing their cases, conducting meticulous investigations, and partnering with them every step of the claims process. If you have questions about uninsured motorist coverage or how to file a claim, we can help. Contact us today to learn about your options.