[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-youre-hit-by-an-uninsured-or-underinsured-driver\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-youre-hit-by-an-uninsured-or-underinsured-driver\/","headline":"What Happens If You\u2019re Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?","name":"What Happens If You\u2019re Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?","description":"When a car crash turns your life upside down, you depend on insurance companies to provide the compensation you need to set things right. But what happens if the damage exceeds the at-fault party\u2019s insurance policy limits? What if the at-fault party doesn\u2019t carry insurance at all? Fortunately, you have legal options in both of […]","datePublished":"2026-04-30","dateModified":"2026-04-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/author\/terrence\/#Person","name":"Terrence Polich","url":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/author\/terrence\/","identifier":28,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/414f519ca3b74b6555036dbb3d867233117d521da59e84b755195e06a1ebc3de?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/414f519ca3b74b6555036dbb3d867233117d521da59e84b755195e06a1ebc3de?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"LawtonCates, S.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/lawtoncates-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/lawtoncates-logo.png","width":438,"height":73}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-Happens-If-Youre-Hit-by-an-Uninsured-or-Underinsured-Driver.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/What-Happens-If-Youre-Hit-by-an-Uninsured-or-Underinsured-Driver.jpg","height":600,"width":800},"url":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-youre-hit-by-an-uninsured-or-underinsured-driver\/","about":["Personal Injury"],"wordCount":555,"articleBody":"When a car crash turns your life upside down, you depend on insurance companies to provide the compensation you need to set things right. But what happens if the damage exceeds the at-fault party\u2019s insurance policy limits? What if the at-fault party doesn\u2019t carry insurance at all?Fortunately, you have legal options in both of these scenarios. Take a moment to learn what you should do after the accident, what kind of insurance policies might cover you, and when you should reach out to a dedicated uninsured motorist accident lawyer.What Does Uninsured and Underinsured Mean?Wisconsin law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law, and some people get behind the wheel without any insurance coverage at all. These drivers are considered uninsured motorists.Some drivers do carry liability insurance, but the damage they cause in a collision exceeds the limits of their insurance policy. These drivers are considered underinsured motorists.What to Do Immediately After the AccidentYou can help ensure your safety and strengthen an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim in Wisconsin by doing the following after an accident:Call 911 to request police and medical assistanceSeek prompt medical attention, even if you don’t feel hurtExchange information with involved partiesCollect contact information of any witnessesTake photos and videos of the accident sceneAvoid discussing fault or speculating when speaking with insurersContact a car accident attorney as soon as possibleHow Uninsured\/Underinsured Motorist Coverage WorksUM\/UIM insurance coverage protects you if you\u2019ve been hit by an uninsured driver. You file a claim with your own insurance company under your own policy, and they may provide compensation for:Current and future medical expensesLost wages and diminished earning capacityProperty damagePain and sufferingPermanent disability or impairmentWisconsin law requires all auto insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, but does not require underinsured motorist coverage. Review your policy or speak with an attorney to determine whether you’re protected from drivers with inadequate insurance.Filing a UM\/UIM Insurance ClaimTo file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim in Wisconsin, you must:Notify your insurer as soon as possibleProvide medical records and proof of damagesAllow the insurer to investigate the claimComply with policy conditionsIn UIM cases, you must also resolve the claim against the at-fault driver before pursuing additional compensation.Challenges with Insurance CompaniesEven though these claims go through your own insurer, they will likely attempt to reduce your payout in any way they can. They may:Dispute faultDownplay your injuriesArgue that treatment was unnecessaryDelay payment to pressure you into settlingOffer far less than your claim deservesYou pay your insurance premiums for protection in these exact situations. When insurers refuse to make good on their end of the bargain, you need skilled legal representation to push back and fight for what you deserve.When to Contact an Uninsured Motorist Accident LawyerWorking with an experienced underinsured or uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and recover maximum compensation after a serious collision. The team at LawtonCates can help you determine every possible source of recovery and then fight for the financial stability you deserve. Get in touch with us today for your free consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Happens If You\u2019re Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?","item":"https:\/\/www.lawtoncates.com\/blog\/what-happens-if-youre-hit-by-an-uninsured-or-underinsured-driver\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]