All motorists have a duty to obtain minimum mandatory insurance coverage. However, not all drivers comply with this basic regulation. According to data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 15.1 percent of the drivers in Wisconsin are uninsured (2022). In other words, more than 1 in every 7 drivers in our state is not properly insured.
You need to protect yourself from the risk caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists. There is specific insurance coverage—uninsured/uninsured (UM/UIM) coverage—that you can obtain for additional protection. Here, our Wisconsin auto accident lawyers provide a more comprehensive overview of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
The Challenge: A Path to Compensation After Being Hit By an Uninsured Driver
Wisconsin is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. A driver (or other party) who causes a collision is responsible for the resulting damages. The unfortunate reality is that being hit by an uninsured driver can leave you in a difficult position. Without the at-fault driver’s insurance to cover damages, recovering compensation becomes more complex. You can hold a negligent driver personally liable for your damages. However, very few motorists who lack the legally required minimum mandatory insurance coverage have sufficient assets to cover damages after a serious crash. Drivers can protect themselves through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Provides Financial Protection
Uninsured/uninsured (UM/UIM) insurance is a type of coverage that is designed to protect you against the risk posed by uninsured and underinsured drivers. Whether you were involved in a truck accident, motorcycle accident, or any other type of motor vehicle crash, you may be able to rely on uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance if the other driver did not have proper liability coverage. Uninsured (UM) coverage typically steps in if the at-fault driver has no active insurance policy. Underinsured (UIM) coverage helps in situations where the at-fault driver’s policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of your damages. Here are key points to understand:
- Protection from Uninsured Driver Cause Crashes: If you sustain injuries or property damage, UM/UIM can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs that would otherwise fall on you. It is an important form of financial protection.
- Legally Required in Wisconsin: Certain states require UM/UIM coverage, while others make it optional. Our state requires it. In Wisconsin, drivers must obtain uninsured motorist coverage of at least $25,000 for one person and $50,000 for two or more people.
- Coverage Limit Matter: Along the exact same lines as your liability insurance, your UM/UIM coverage will be subject to maximum limits. If your damages exceed those limits, you may need additional coverage options or personal injury protection.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents are Usually Covered: In many cases, a hit-and-run driver is considered “uninsured.” That matters. Unfortunately, hit and run crashes are too common in our region. UM/UIM coverage can step in and help to fill the gap.
The Bottom Line: Uninsured and underinsured drivers pose a significant risk on our roads. It is a financial risk that all motorists should be prepared for. UM/UIM coverage helps to cover the gap. Indeed, UM/UIM can spare you from overwhelming expenses in the wake of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. It ensures that you receive compensation for injuries, property damage, and other losses, even when the at-fault driver cannot pay. By adding this coverage to your policy you can achieve greater peace of mind and more comprehensive financial protection.
Dealing With Your Own Insurance Company Can Still Be Difficult (An Attorney Can Help)
Your UM/UIM claim is a type of claim that is brought against your own insurance company. You pay your premiums and, as such, you have the fair and reasonable expectation that any claim will be paid by your insurer in a timely manner. Unfortunately, some significant challenges can arise. Even when dealing with your own insurance company for uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you cannot rely on insurance adjusters to look out for your best interests. Indeed, insurers prioritize protecting their own bottom line. They want to settle claims for less. You may encounter disputes over fault, policy limits, or the extent of your injuries. Navigating these complexities while recovering from an accident is stressful. A Wisconsin auto accident lawyer with experience handling UM/UIM claims can help you take action and seek the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve.
Insurance Claims Tip: Following a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is imperative that you notify your own insurance company right away. Even if you know that the other driver was responsible for causing the accident, you should always notify your own insurance provider as soon as possible. You will be required to notify your insurer right away as part of your UM/UIM coverage.
How Our Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With UM/UIM Claims
Uninsured motorist claims are notoriously complex. If you have a lot of questions about your rights or your options after a serious collision, you are certainly not alone. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin personal injury attorney always puts victims and families first. We have the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle all aspects of your uninsured/underinsured motorist claims. Our team will invest the time and resources to help you get justice and the maximum financial compensation. Your initial consultation with our Wisconsin lawyer is free and confidential.
Contact Our Wisconsin Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers Today
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin car crash lawyers have extensive experience with UM/UIM claims. If you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, we are here to help. Reach out to us by phone at 608-784-4370 or send us a message online for your free, no obligation case assessment. With law offices in Eau Claire, Onalaska, and La Crosse, our firm handles uninsured motorist accident claims throughout the entire region.