UM/UIM (UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST) DEMAND LETTER
State of Oklahoma
[LAW FIRM LETTERHEAD]
PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
SETTLEMENT COMMUNICATION - FOR RESOLUTION PURPOSES ONLY
PROTECTED UNDER OK RULES OF EVIDENCE AND F.R.E. 408
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND VIA EMAIL TO: [ADJUSTER_EMAIL]
Date: [DATE]
[INSURANCE_COMPANY_NAME]
[UM_UIM_CLAIMS_DEPARTMENT_ADDRESS]
[CITY], [STATE] [ZIP]
Attention: [ADJUSTER_NAME], [ADJUSTER_TITLE]
Re: UM/UIM POLICY LIMITS DEMAND - OKLAHOMA LAW
Insured/Claimant: [INSURED_CLAIMANT_NAME]
Policy Number: [POLICY_NUMBER]
Claim Number: [CLAIM_NUMBER]
Date of Loss: [DATE_OF_LOSS]
UM/UIM Policy Limits: [UM_UIM_LIMITS]
Tortfeasor: [TORTFEASOR_NAME]
Tortfeasor's Carrier: [TORTFEASOR_CARRIER]
Tortfeasor's Limits: [TORTFEASOR_LIMITS]
Response Deadline: [RESPONSE_DEADLINE]
Dear [ADJUSTER_NAME]:
I. INTRODUCTION AND NATURE OF DEMAND
This firm represents [CLIENT_NAME] ("our client") in connection with a claim for [UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED] motorist benefits under Oklahoma law arising from a motor vehicle collision on [DATE_OF_LOSS]. This letter constitutes a formal demand for payment of the full UM/UIM policy limits of [UM_UIM_LIMITS].
Our client's damages far exceed the available coverage. Under Oklahoma law, UM/UIM coverage exists precisely for situations like this - to protect your insured when the negligent party lacks sufficient coverage.
II. OKLAHOMA UM/UIM LAW
A. Stacking Rules in Oklahoma
Stacking permitted. 36 O.S. 3636
B. Coverage Analysis Under Oklahoma Law
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Named Insured | [NAMED_INSURED] |
| Policy Number | [POLICY_NUMBER] |
| Policy Period | [POLICY_PERIOD_START] to [POLICY_PERIOD_END] |
| UM Coverage Limit | [UM_LIMIT] per person / [UM_LIMIT_PER_ACCIDENT] per accident |
| UIM Coverage Limit | [UIM_LIMIT] per person / [UIM_LIMIT_PER_ACCIDENT] per accident |
| Stacking Status | [STACKED/NON-STACKED] |
| Vehicles on Policy | [NUMBER_OF_VEHICLES] |
C. Coverage Trigger
For Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claims:
The tortfeasor qualifies as an "uninsured motorist" under Oklahoma law because:
- The tortfeasor had no liability insurance at the time of the collision
- The tortfeasor's insurer has denied coverage
- The tortfeasor's insurer is insolvent
- The tortfeasor was a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified
- The tortfeasor's insurance limits are less than state minimum requirements
For Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Claims:
The tortfeasor qualifies as an "underinsured motorist" under Oklahoma law because:
- The tortfeasor's liability limits of [TORTFEASOR_LIMITS] are insufficient to compensate our client
- Our client has exhausted/will exhaust the tortfeasor's policy limits
- Our client's damages exceed the available coverage
III. THE COLLISION AND LIABILITY
A. Facts of the Collision
On [DATE_OF_LOSS], at approximately [TIME], our client was [DESCRIBE_CLIENT_ACTIVITY] at or near [LOCATION_OF_COLLISION] in Oklahoma.
[DETAILED_DESCRIPTION_OF_COLLISION]
B. Tortfeasor's Negligence
The tortfeasor, [TORTFEASOR_NAME], was negligent under Oklahoma law in the following respects:
- Failure to maintain proper lookout
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Following too closely
- Excessive speed for conditions
- Distracted driving
- Running red light/stop sign
- Improper lane change
- Driving under the influence
- [OTHER_NEGLIGENCE]
C. Evidence of Liability
The following evidence establishes liability:
1. Police Report
[POLICE_DEPARTMENT] Traffic Crash Report (Report No. [REPORT_NUMBER])
2. Witness Statements
[NUMBER] independent witnesses observed the collision
3. Physical Evidence
Point of impact, vehicle damage patterns, and debris field analysis
4. Expert Analysis (if applicable)
[ACCIDENT_RECONSTRUCTIONIST_NAME] has concluded [SUMMARY_OF_OPINION]
D. Our Client's Freedom from Comparative Fault
Under Oklahoma law, our client bears no comparative fault for this collision.
IV. OUR CLIENT'S INJURIES AND TREATMENT
A. Injury Summary
As a direct and proximate result of this collision, our client sustained:
Primary Injuries:
- [PRIMARY_INJURY_1]
- [PRIMARY_INJURY_2]
- [PRIMARY_INJURY_3]
B. Treatment Timeline
| Provider | Specialty | Treatment Dates | Treatment Provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| [PROVIDER_1] | [SPECIALTY_1] | [DATES_1] | [TREATMENT_1] |
| [PROVIDER_2] | [SPECIALTY_2] | [DATES_2] | [TREATMENT_2] |
| [PROVIDER_3] | [SPECIALTY_3] | [DATES_3] | [TREATMENT_3] |
C. Current Condition and Prognosis
[DESCRIBE_CURRENT_CONDITION_AND_PROGNOSIS]
D. Permanent Impairment
| Body Part/System | Impairment Rating |
|---|---|
| [BODY_PART_1] | [RATING_1]% |
| [BODY_PART_2] | [RATING_2]% |
| Combined Whole Person | [COMBINED]% |
V. DAMAGES
A. Medical Expenses
Past Medical Expenses:
| Provider | Dates of Service | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| [PROVIDER_1] | [DATES_1] | $[AMOUNT_1] |
| [PROVIDER_2] | [DATES_2] | $[AMOUNT_2] |
| [PROVIDER_3] | [DATES_3] | $[AMOUNT_3] |
| TOTAL PAST MEDICAL | $[TOTAL_PAST_MEDICAL] |
Future Medical Expenses (Present Value):
| Treatment/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| [TREATMENT_1] | $[COST_1] |
| [TREATMENT_2] | $[COST_2] |
| TOTAL FUTURE MEDICAL | $[TOTAL_FUTURE_MEDICAL] |
B. Lost Income
Past Lost Income:
$[TOTAL_PAST_LOST_INCOME]
Future Lost Earning Capacity:
$[FUTURE_LOST_EARNING_CAPACITY] (Present Value)
C. Pain and Suffering / Non-Economic Damages
[DESCRIBE_PAIN_AND_SUFFERING]
D. Damages Summary
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Past Medical Expenses | $[PAST_MEDICAL] |
| Future Medical Expenses | $[FUTURE_MEDICAL] |
| Past Lost Income | $[PAST_LOST_INCOME] |
| Future Lost Earning Capacity | $[FUTURE_EARNING_CAPACITY] |
| Pain and Suffering | $[PAIN_SUFFERING] |
| TOTAL DAMAGES | $[TOTAL_DAMAGES] |
VI. SETTLEMENT WITH TORTFEASOR'S INSURER
A. Settlement Status
We [HAVE REACHED/ARE PURSUING] a settlement with the tortfeasor's liability carrier, [TORTFEASOR_CARRIER], for the tortfeasor's policy limits of $[TORTFEASOR_LIMITS].
B. Consent to Settle / Preservation of Subrogation Rights
IMPORTANT: Pursuant to Oklahoma law and policy terms, we hereby request consent to settle with the tortfeasor's carrier.
Please provide written consent within [NUMBER] days.
VII. DEMAND FOR UM/UIM BENEFITS
A. Calculation of UIM Benefits Due
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Damages | $[TOTAL_DAMAGES] |
| Less: Tortfeasor's Limits | ($[TORTFEASOR_LIMITS]) |
| Underinsured Damages | $[UNDERINSURED_DAMAGES] |
| Available UIM Limits | $[UIM_LIMITS] |
| UIM BENEFITS DEMANDED | $[UIM_DEMAND] |
B. Policy Limits Demand
We hereby demand payment of the full UM/UIM policy limits of $[UM_UIM_LIMITS].
Our client's damages of $[TOTAL_DAMAGES] vastly exceed the combined coverage available. This is a clear policy limits case under Oklahoma law.
VIII. BAD FAITH WARNING
[CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] owes our client, its own insured, the duties of good faith and fair dealing recognized under Oklahoma law.
Oklahoma Bad Faith Standard:
Oklahoma recognizes strong bad faith tort. Implied duty of good faith requires insurer to deal fairly with insured. Bad faith is unreasonable, bad faith conduct, including failure to timely pay. Christian v. Am. Home Assur. Co., 577 P.2d 899 (Okla. 1978). Clear and convincing standard for punitive.
Available Remedies for Bad Faith:
Compensatory damages, consequential damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages
Any attempt to deny, delay, or lowball this claim will be met with a bad faith action.
IX. ARBITRATION CONSIDERATIONS
A. Policy Arbitration Clause
The policy [CONTAINS/DOES_NOT_CONTAIN] an arbitration clause for UM/UIM disputes under Oklahoma law.
[IF APPLICABLE: Quote arbitration clause and state procedural requirements]
B. Arbitration Demand (If Applicable)
If [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] fails to accept this demand, consider this letter as notice of our intent to invoke arbitration under Oklahoma law.
X. RESPONSE DEADLINE
This demand expires at 5:00 p.m. [TIME_ZONE] on [RESPONSE_DEADLINE].
Consequences of Non-Response
If [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] fails to accept this demand:
- We will invoke arbitration (if required) or file suit in Oklahoma
- We will pursue bad faith damages under Oklahoma law
- We will file a complaint with Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105
XI. CONCLUSION
This claim presents clear liability, severe injuries, and damages far exceeding coverage. [CARRIER_SHORT_NAME] has an opportunity to resolve this matter fairly by paying the policy limits to its own insured under Oklahoma law.
Respectfully submitted,
[LAW_FIRM_NAME]
By: _______________________________
[ATTORNEY_NAME]
[BAR_NUMBER]
[ADDRESS]
[CITY], OK [ZIP]
[PHONE]
[EMAIL]
Counsel for [CLIENT_NAME]
ENCLOSURES:
- Policy declarations page
- UM/UIM coverage provisions
- Police report
- Medical records and bills
- Photographs
- Expert reports (if applicable)
CC:
- [CLIENT_NAME]
- [TORTFEASOR_CARRIER] (re: consent to settle)
OKLAHOMA UM/UIM LAW QUICK REFERENCE
| Element | Oklahoma Law |
|---|---|
| Stacking Rules | Stacking permitted. 36 O.S. 3636 |
| Bad Faith Type | Common Law |
| Bad Faith Damages | Compensatory damages, consequential damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages |
| Attorney Fees | Recoverable as element of consequential damages in bad faith |
| DOI Address | Oklahoma Insurance Department, 400 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73105 |