What Are My Options If the At-Fault Driver Has No or Minimal Auto Insurance?
Car accidents often result in overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs. Although Oklahoma law requires drivers to carry liability insurance, 11.8% remain uninsured, and many with minimum coverage lack sufficient protection for serious accidents.
When the at-fault driver carries minimal insurance, recovering enough compensation to cover your expenses can feel challenging. If you’re in this situation, understanding your options for recovery and support is crucial.
Read on to learn how to protect your rights after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver and how an experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer can help you take the necessary steps toward achieving a full financial recovery.
These Options Can Help Cover Your Damages After the Crash
Knowing your options after an accident can make it easier to manage expenses and focus on healing. Here are some potential ways to get compensation:
| Coverage Type | Description | Specifics for Oklahoma |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) | Applies if the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. | Oklahoma insurers should offer UM/UIM coverage, but it is optional for drivers to purchase. |
| Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) | Applies to medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. | Optional in Oklahoma; available as an add-on to your auto insurance policy. |
| Health Insurance | Typically provided by your employer or a private insurer, this may pay for some medical expenses. | May apply to hospital ER and other medical expenses. |
| Disability Insurance | May provide income replacement for accident injuries that result in temporary or permanent inability to work. | Can be purchased privately or through employers. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits require medical evidence and approval through the Oklahoma Disability Determination Services. |
| Employer Liability | May provide compensation if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident. | May involve filing a claim against the driver’s employer if they were acting within the scope of their job. |
| Defective Product Claim | Covers injuries caused by a vehicle defect or faulty auto part contributing to the accident. | Requires proving the defect existed and directly caused the accident or injuries. |
| Government Liability Claim | Applies when a government employee is potentially at fault in your accident. | A notice of claim must be provided before a lawsuit can be filed. |
If you are unsure what types of coverage may apply in your accident, contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers for a free case consultation.
Why Contacting a Lawyer Is Key After a Crash Caused by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
Recovering from a car crash while dealing with insurance and compensation can be overwhelming. Working with an experienced car accident lawyer provides guidance and support throughout the process.
Our team at Parrish DeVaughn can help you with the following:
- Review Your Insurance Policies: We thoroughly review your UM/UIM, MedPay, and other insurance policies to identify coverage that can help alleviate your financial stress.
- Investigating Liable Parties: Your lawyer can determine whether a third party, like a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity, shares responsibility for the crash, giving you more options for compensation.
- Negotiating Settlements: Our team communicates directly with insurance companies, advocating for a fair offer that fully accounts for your expenses and long-term needs.
- Filing a Lawsuit: We can pursue legal action against the at-fault driver or other responsible parties to help you recover the compensation you need.
- Assessing Future Expenses: Your lawyer calculates ongoing costs, such as medical care and lost income, to help you pursue a settlement that addresses your long-term needs.
- Managing Deadlines: We keep track of all legal deadlines, protecting your right to compensation by filing claims and lawsuits within the applicable statute of limitations.
Arrange Your Free Consultation Today
When the at-fault driver is uninsured, or their insurance coverage isn’t enough, it doesn’t mean you have to bear the financial burden alone. At Parrish DeVaughn, our knowledgeable team can help you explore alternative coverage options to recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
We’ve helped clients across Oklahoma secure settlements, often more than doubling an insurer’s initial offer. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the recovery award you need to regain financial stability after a crash.
