Car Insurance Minimums in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma follows a modified comparative negligence system, requiring car accident injury victims to file a claim for compensation for their losses against the driver or other entity that caused the accident. When a driver’s careless or reckless actions cause a car accident, they are liable for the damages caused to others. For this reason, all licensed drivers in Oklahoma must carry at least the minimum liability coverage required by state law.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, contact an experienced Oklahoma City car accident attorney from Dan Davis Law to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Required In Oklahoma?
Oklahoma drivers are required to carry the minimum liability auto insurance to protect themselves from direct financial losses in the event of an accident. All drivers must carry the following policies:
- $25,000 property damage coverage
- $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person
- $50,000 total bodily injury coverage per accident
Additionally, all insurance providers must include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage equal to the amount of liability coverage unless the policyholder declines the coverage with a written waiver.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage In Oklahoma City?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required by law in Oklahoma, but drivers must sign a waiver stating that they decline this coverage, which insurance companies are required to include. Under Oklahoma § 3636, if the insurer fails to obtain a signed waiver, the policyholder has this coverage in place. Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage protects the policyholder in the event of an accident caused by another driver when the other driver does not have auto insurance, or if the at-fault driver’s auto insurance is insufficient to cover the injury victim’s damages. In this case, the injury victim could file a claim against their own insurance policy to recover compensation for common car accident damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
What Additional Auto Insurance Coverage Is Available In Oklahoma City?
In addition to the basic liability insurance required by law and the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that Oklahoma insurers must include unless waived in writing by the policyholder, many Oklahoma City drivers add additional optional coverages such as the following:
- Collision coverage to repair damage to a vehicle after a collision or replace a totaled vehicle
- Comprehensive coverage to repair damage to a vehicle caused by incidents other than an accident, such as damage from a fallen tree limb, fire, vandalism, or theft
Policyholders must pay an additional monthly premium for these optional policies.
These coverages are especially important for motorcyclists and commercial vehicle operators. If you’ve been injured while riding, an Oklahoma City motorcycle attorney can help you understand your insurance options and legal rights. Similarly, truck crash victims may require specialized legal support from an experienced truck accident attorney in OKC who understands the complexities of commercial insurance and liability laws.
What If a Driver Shares Fault for an Oklahoma City Car Accident?
If both drivers contribute to the cause of an accident, it can quickly become confusing when they seek compensation through their auto insurance. Under Oklahoma’s modified comparative negligence laws, a driver who shares fault for an accident can still recover compensation from the other party’s insurance as long as they are less than 51% at fault. The insurance companies involved investigate the accident and assign percentages of fault to both parties. Then the insurance company deducts the injury victim’s percentage of fault from the amount of their claim. For example, if a car accident victim has $100,000 in total damages but the insurance company finds them 25% at fault, they would receive $75,000.
Get Legal Help From an Experienced Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyer at Dan Davis Law
Understanding Oklahoma’s car insurance requirements is essential after a collision, but it’s not always easy to navigate complex coverage issues or disputes over fault. If you’ve been injured in an accident and are unsure about your rights or the insurance policies involved, don’t face the process alone. An experienced car accident attorney in Oklahoma City can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Call Dan Davis Law today at (405) 930-4210 for a free consultation and let us protect your rights.