What If the At-Fault Driver Insurance Company Denied My Car Insurance Claim
Reader’s Question:
We called the police after being in an accident which I didn’t cause and the officer declared that the damage to my car was only small. The other driver and I decided that we can settle it ourselves only to find out that it will cost me thousands to repair my car. What’s worse is that the other driver’s insurer here in Oklahoma denied my claim because they said that the accident wasn’t their client’s fault. How can I battle the other driver who lied about what happened during the accident?
Callum
Norman, OK
Too bad that you took the officer’s word that the damage to your car after of the accident was small so he just shoo away from the scene leaving you a feeling of relief that nothing more terrible has happened. And now, you just found out that you need a lot more than what the officer’s estimates of the damage to your car. You probably did not consider getting eyewitnesses and you are sure that the other driver committed a traffic violation that why the accident took place. At this time, it’s your word against the other driver and for sure his insurer will stand behind him. You may also have difficulty changing the insurance provider’s position if you don’t have any proof to defend your account of what happened.
You could demand the other driver’s insurer in Oklahoma to show you how the accident could have taken place as their client said so. Otherwise, in case it is a small enough claim and you have a spare time, you could take the other party to small claims court. Beyond that, the greatest chance you have is to get an attorney. Car insurance providers are aware that if you are determined and got a lawyer, they could still deny your claim, or they may tell you that they would get back at you. And as long as this goes on, the longer the insurance company hold onto their money and the higher chance you’re going to have a negotiation.
DUI Arrest In Oklahoma
Reader’s Question:
I was asked to stop by a police officer because of speeding and eventually, I was arrested for DUI. There was no speeding charge on my ticket. How can the officer arrest me with DUI if I was pulled over for just speeding and why was there no speeding charge on my ticket, only DUI?
Fabian
Broken Arrow, OK
It could be unfortunate that you were only asked to stop because of speeding and you were already charged with DUI in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Well, actually, a police officer has probable cause to pull you over if he/she observes you speeding, or committing any other type of traffic violation or crime. If you were already pulled over and the police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence which is aroused based upon the smell of alcohol, drugs or other intoxicant, or if you admitted to drinking, etc., you can be subjected to any variety of standardized field sobriety tests and then potentially get arrested for DUI.
The reason why you only have DUI not speeding on your ticket is because DUI is the more serious infraction, thus the crime you will be cited for. The police report in regard to your DUI arrest will reflect the fact that you were actually speeding and that will be taken into account by the prosecution when plea bargaining or trying your DUI case in Oklahoma.