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Motorcycle accidents caused by negligent drivers can be devastating, often resulting in severe injuries. To make matters worse, some drivers might have inadequate insurance coverage or no coverage at all. When this happens, innocent victims could be left struggling to pay their medical expenses and repairs to their property.
According to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers (12.9%) in the United States were uninsured. The number of uninsured drivers on the road is actually higher in Oklahoma at 13.4%, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
If you’ve been injured by an underinsured or uninsured motorist while riding a motorcycle, you likely have questions about how you’ll recoup the money you need to pay your bills and move on from the crash. Here, we’ll discuss some of the options available if this has happened to you.
What Are The Options for Motorcyclists After a Crash with Drivers Lacking Proper Insurance?
If an uninsured or underinsured driver hit you, there are a few options that might be available to you if you need financial support after the crash.
If you have auto insurance coverage that will cover the cost of the expenses you incurred because of the accident, then filing a claim with your own insurance policy could be a viable option, depending on the extent of your losses and the amount of collision coverage your policy offers.
It’s also a good idea to purchase uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Motorcyclists in Oklahoma are not required to purchase UM/UIM coverage, but insurance companies are legally obligated to offer it.
Even though it isn’t required, purchasing uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage could give you peace of mind you’ll be able to cover your expenses in the event of a crash.
What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance Cover?
There are two main types of UM/UIM coverage: Bodily Injury coverage and property damage coverage.
- Bodily Injury Coverage – This type of coverage is designed to pay for any injuries you and any passengers in the vehicle suffer in a crash with an at-fault driver who has no insurance or too little coverage. Bodily injury coverage pays for medical expenses, lost income from time missed from work, pain and suffering, or funeral expenses if someone is killed in the crash.
- Property Damage Coverage – This covers repairs to or replacement of your motorcycle and any other property that was damaged in the accident. That might include the cost of repairs that weren’t fully covered by an underinsured motorist’s coverage, for instance. It could also include the cost of getting a rental vehicle for the period you don’t have your motorcycle and other expenses.
What Happens If I Reject Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In Oklahoma, you’re not required to have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, so the only consequence for rejecting it would be expenses you have to pay out of pocket if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Rejecting uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage could lower your monthly premium slightly, but you might regret not having selected it if you are involved in a crash with someone who lacks adequate coverage to pay you for the harm you’ve suffered and damage to your property.
Does UM/UIM Insurance Cover Pain and Suffering?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can provide compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering are included in bodily injury coverage along with medical expenses and lost wages.
Pain and suffering include things like emotional trauma caused by the accident, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other types of non-financial damages. Keep in mind that the amount of coverage you can receive depends on the limits of your policy.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Help with My UM/UIM Claim?
If you’ve been injured in an accident, it is always a good idea to hire an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer to help you with your claim. To get the compensation you’re entitled to, you might need to deal with the other party’s insurance company, your own insurance company, or both.
Getting the insurance companies to pay you for your claim can be challenging. This includes seeking compensation from your own UI/UM coverage. While insurance company ads claim that the company is “on your side,” far too many people discover that the insurance adjusters will do everything they can to pay the minimum amount possible for a claim – even though you have dutifully paid your premiums to the insurer.
That’s why having a lawyer on your side can be vital. Your motorcycle accident attorney can investigate the accident, gather all the necessary evidence – such as medical records and police reports – to support your claim, calculate the full extent of your losses, and build a solid case for compensation. They can handle all of the communication with the insurance companies and will be motivated to help you get the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to under the other party’s insurance policy or your own.
Talk to an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Now
At Edwards & Patterson Law, our Oklahoma motorcycle accident attorneys have extensive experience handling uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance claims. If you are a motorcyclist who has been hit by an at-fault driver who had too little coverage or none at all, let our team evaluate your case during a 100% free consultation. We’re ready to discuss your accident and your rights and legal options when you call us or reach out to us online today.
