Car Accident Without Insurance Not at Fault in Oklahoma (2024)

Although they’re required to carry car insurance by law, nearly 12% of Oklahoma drivers do not carry any form of it. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, paying for your car damage and physical injuries can be complicated. If you find yourself involved in a car accident without insurance and not at fault in Oklahoma, a personal injury attorney can help. The at-fault driver may still be held accountable for their negligence.

What to Do if You Are Hit by a Driver Who Doesn’t Have Car Insurance

In Oklahoma, car insurance is a state requirement. Anyone who does not have car insurance when operating a motor vehicle faces a fine of up to $250 and potential jail time. Even with these steep penalties, some people choose not to carry the state minimum requirement for auto insurance.

The minimum liability coverage is 25/50/25. This means $25,000 for bodily injury, $50,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage protection. Finding out that someone who caused a car accident did not do the responsible thing and purchase car insurance can cause a sinking feeling for the injured driver. You may be wondering what to do in the short term and what steps you can take to hold the at-fault driver accountable for the damage they caused.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Many car insurance policies provide uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. While this insurance isn’t required under Oklahoma law, there are many benefits to having this type of policy that kicks in when drivers are hit by uninsured or underinsured drivers. If you are unsure whether you have this type of policy, contact your insurance provider. You have to have this insurance in place before an accident for it to be effective.

In order to receive benefits from your car insurance provider, you will have to file a claim. Many people find that in these moments, their insurance company is not as helpful as it should be. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Whether you are seeking settlement offers from other insurance companies or your own, your ideal option may be to hire an attorney who can oversee the settlement process for you.

Pursuing Compensation Through Legal Action

There are still legal remedies for holding uninsured drivers accountable for their negligent actions. One option is to file a claim with the help of a personal injury attorney.

Oklahoma is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the damage. Usually, the damages are paid by an insurance company, but there is still a remedy even when that isn’t an option.

Without auto insurance, the uninsured driver can be held responsible for paying for those damages out of pocket.

Civil remedies exist, in part, as a means of reminding negligent parties that they cannot get away with their actions. A judgment in your favor could have many benefits, and it could open up new avenues for receiving compensation. For example, the courts could locate assets that could help satisfy the judgment. Wages could even be garnished to satisfy the judgment.

FAQs

Q: What Happens if the Person at Fault in an Accident Has No Insurance?

A: If the person at fault for the accident has no insurance, paying for car damages and injuries can become much more difficult, but there are still options. Your insurance policy may have uninsured or underinsured driver coverage that can help with personal injury costs. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make filing for insurance benefits easier. You may also have the option of taking the at-fault driver to court by filing a claim with the help of an attorney.

Q: What Is the Penalty for Having No Insurance in Oklahoma?

A: The penalties for not having insurance in Oklahoma could include a fine of up to $250 and potential jail time of up to 30 days. A first-time offender with no prior convictions would likely not go to jail. Although the penalties do not help you with your injuries, injured victims can also pursue civil remedies through the courts by hiring a personal injury attorney.

Q: What Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover in Oklahoma?

A: Uninsured motorist insurance covers personal injuries for anyone who was in your car at the time of the accident. If you were hit by an uninsured driver and have uninsured motorist insurance, you will have to file a claim with your insurance company. Some policy providers resist paying what they are obligated to. In those situations, you can hire a personal injury attorney to negotiate a fair settlement for you.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire an Attorney Following an Uninsured Driver Accident?

A: The cost of hiring an attorney following an uninsured driver accident varies. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they don’t get paid until you are paid. If you still have questions about legal fees and costs, schedule a meeting with a trusted, reputable law firm that has experience winning clients fair compensation following a car accident. They may offer contingency representation.

Q: Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Worth It?

A: Yes, uninsured motorist coverage is worth it, considering that upward of 12% of drivers on the road in Oklahoma do not have insurance, so adding uninsured motorist coverage could be a worthwhile investment. Without that added insurance protection, you would have no short-term remedy for paying for personal injury costs following an automobile accident. If you are unsure if you purchased this type of insurance, call your insurance provider to find out.

Schedule Your Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Consultation Today

Being hit due to the negligence of someone who did not maintain the state-required minimum car insurance coverage can be frustrating, to say the least. Working with a personal injury attorney can make that process less upsetting as they work to formulate a legal strategy that holds the negligent driver accountable for their actions.

If you were hit by an uninsured driver, don’t lose hope. The car accident attorneys at 222 Injury Lawyers have helped many clients receive fair compensation after they were hit by an uninsured driver. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.