What Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance and How Can It Help After a Car Accident?
You’re driving through Tulsa, just minding your own business, when out of nowhere, another car slams into you. It’s completely unexpected—and definitely not your fault. Like most people, you assume the other driver’s insurance will cover the damage. But then you find out they don’t have any coverage at all. Now, you’re left with a wrecked car, medical bills piling up, and no clear path to pay for it all.
Unfortunately, this scenario is all too common in Oklahoma. But that’s where Uninsured Motorist Insurance (UMI) can step in to protect you. This type of coverage exists to help in situations just like this, when the at-fault driver has no insurance—or not enough—to cover your losses.
So, what exactly is UMI, and how does it work if you’re in an accident here in Oklahoma? Let’s break it down. And if you’re dealing with the stress of an uninsured driver right now, our team at Aizenman Law Group is ready to help. Our Tulsa car accident lawyers have handled countless insurance claims just like yours.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
Uninsured Motorist Insurance (often referred to as UMI) is an optional addition to your auto policy that protects you when you’re involved in an accident caused by someone without insurance—or someone whose insurance won’t cover the full cost of your injuries. Think of UMI as a safety net. It’s there to catch you when someone else’s poor decisions leave you on the hook for bills you shouldn’t have to pay.
In Oklahoma, UMI typically covers things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
UMI also applies to hit-and-run accidents, where the driver who caused the crash can’t be identified.
How Common Are Uninsured Drivers in Oklahoma?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, roughly 11.8% of drivers in Oklahoma were uninsured in 2022. That puts us at 28th in the nation. While that might not sound terrible, it still means nearly 1 in 9 drivers on the road doesn’t have insurance.
With odds like that, adding Uninsured Motorist Insurance to your policy is more than just a good idea—it’s a practical way to protect yourself.
Oklahoma Car Insurance Laws You Should Know
Oklahoma has clear laws requiring drivers to carry insurance. Under the state’s Compulsory Insurance Law, every driver must maintain minimum liability coverage known as 25/50/25. Here’s what that means:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person: This covers injuries to one individual caused by the insured driver in an accident.
- $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident: This is the total coverage for all injuries in a single accident if multiple people are hurt.
- $25,000 for property damage per accident: This pays for damage to another person’s property, like their car, caused by the insured driver.
You’re also required to carry proof of insurance, an insurance card or digital and present it if law enforcement asks, according to Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 7-602.
If you’re caught driving without insurance? That’s serious. Under Okla. Stat. tit. 47, § 7-606, you could face:
- Fines up to $250
- Possible jail time
- License suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Expensive reinstatement fees
On top of that, Oklahoma law (Okla. Stat. tit. 36, § 3636) requires insurance companies to offer Uninsured Motorist Insurance at the same minimum limits—unless you decline the coverage in writing. But given the number of uninsured drivers in Oklahoma, declining UMI probably isn’t the smartest move.
What Doesn’t UMI Cover?
While Uninsured Motorist Insurance is a great way to protect yourself, it does have its limits. In Oklahoma, UMI is focused on bodily injury coverage, meaning it helps pay for things like medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What it usually doesn’t cover is property damage—so if your car is totaled by an uninsured driver, UMI won’t pay to fix or replace it. For that, you’d need:
- Collision coverage, or
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage coverage (which isn’t always standard in Oklahoma policies).
UMI also won’t apply if you’re at fault in the crash or if the other driver has enough insurance to fully cover your losses. Understanding these limitations can help you choose the right policy and avoid unexpected gaps in coverage.
Why You Should Hire a Tulsa Car Accident Lawyer for Your UMI Claim
If you’re dealing with insurance claims after an accident involving an uninsured driver, don’t try to handle it on your own. Uninsured Motorist Insurance claims can get complicated fast, and having an experienced Tulsa car accident lawyer on your side makes all the difference.
Here’s how an attorney can help:
- Reviewing your policy to make sure you’re getting every benefit you’re entitled to.
- Spotting bad faith insurance tactics—like delays, denials, or lowball settlement offers.
- Gathering evidence to strengthen your claim and prove your losses.
- Pursuing the at-fault driver directly, if there’s a chance to recover damages beyond your policy limits.
- Taking your case to court if your insurance company won’t cooperate.
At Aizenman Law Group, we know how insurance companies work because we’ve been on the inside. Before fighting for accident victims like you, our team used to represent insurance companies. Now, we use that knowledge to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
UMI claims are notorious for red tape, stalled payments, and endless back-and-forth. But with the right legal support, you won’t have to face those challenges alone.
Contact Aizenman Law Group
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, don’t wait to get help. The insurance claim attorneys at Aizenman Law Group are ready to fight for you. Call us at 918-215-8856 any time day or night for a free consultation. Let Aizenman Law Group attorneys handle the hassle of your UMI claim so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
