Statute of Limitations
Each state has a different statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Oklahoma, you must file suit within two years. We can help you prepare your case and file your claim within the appropriate time limits. If you are involved in a lawsuit out of state, we can investigate the requirements for that state to ensure that you file on time. If your claim is against a “governmental entity,” you must file a “tort claim” within one year.
Liability Insurance--Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Benefits-- Medical Payment Coverage
Liability Insurance
Oklahoma financial responsibility and compulsory insurance laws require liability limits of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000. This means that the maximum limits for personal injury claims are $25,000 per person, $50,000 aggregate for all personal injury claims per accident, and $25,000 maximum for property damage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
UM/UIM coverage is applicable when the insured is “legally entitled to recover” from an “owner or operator of an uninsured/underinsured motor vehicle.” UM/UIM coverage in Oklahoma applies to situations where the negligent driver is totally uninsured, as well as situations when they merely carry insufficient liability limits, thus making them underinsured. Typically, UM/UIM coverage comes into play when there is no liability insurance for the negligent driver, such as “hit and run” situations, insolvent liability carriers, or insufficient liability limits.
Medical Payment Coverage
Oklahoma insurance companies also typically offer medical payment coverage, commonly referred to as “med pay,” rather than personal injury protection coverage, which is sometimes sold in other states. Medical payment coverage covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses up to the limits of the coverage, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Workers' Compensation
Most employers in Oklahoma are required to carry workers' compensation coverage, but some of them are excluded based on the type or size of business. If you are injured at work and your employer states they do not carry insurance, you may not know if they are telling the truth or not. If they do not have coverage but are required to, they could be penalized. If you are injured at work, do not let your employer give you the run around, consult with a qualified attorney at Law Offices of Stipe & Belote to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
SSD Benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSD, is a federal insurance program that covers you if you are disabled. In the state of Oklahoma, approximately 40 percent of applicants are approved the first time they apply. At the reconsideration stage, only 15.5 percent are approved. To ensure that your SSD application is adequately prepared, it is in your best interest to consult with knowledgeable personal injury attorneys.
If you are considering filing a personal injury, wrongful death, or other type of claim, you need an experienced Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer. Please contact the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote today for an initial consultation. We work on a contingency basis and do not charge you unless you win your case or settle out of court.
