Few car accidents in Wisconsin are more frustrating than those involving uninsured drivers. You should be able to count on auto insurance to protect you in these situations. But when the at-fault driver has no coverage or your insurer refuses to cooperate, getting the compensation you need for medical bills and other expenses can quickly become a legal headache.
The personal injury attorneys at LawtonCates understand the stress you’re under. Let us help. An uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Wisconsin can help you take legal action against the driver who hit you while handling any claims with your insurer. You can focus on healing while a skilled and experienced advocate fights for your future. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
Why You Need a Wisconsin Uninsured Motorist Attorney
Discovering that the driver who hit you has no insurance can come as a shock, especially when you’re dealing with serious injuries and unable to work to cover your medical expenses. You may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company. However, adjusters will likely try to minimize your settlement — or deny your claim altogether. It’s a lot to deal with when you’re already struggling with severe injuries.
At LawtonCates, our goal is to simplify your life and seek maximum compensation so you can put this episode behind you. Our law firm has represented accident victims in South Central Wisconsin since 1958, giving our car accident attorneys decades of experience to call on as we defend your rights. We aim to obtain results that position you for a better life, not just get a quick and easy insurance settlement and move on.
Our top-rated attorneys have successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases across various courts and legal settings. Reach out today to learn how an experienced uninsured motorist lawyer in Wisconsin can help your case.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Accidents
Wisconsin law requires all drivers registered to buy liability insurance to cover any injuries and property damage they cause in a crash. This system enables accident victims to access compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other related damages.
Uninsured motorists don’t hold up their end of the bargain. Around 15 percent of Wisconsin drivers are uninsured, potentially leaving injured victims without the financial support they need to recover from a crash.
Common reasons that drivers fail to purchase insurance include:
- Cost – Some drivers can’t afford insurance premiums, especially if they’re already struggling with rent, bills, or other debts.
- Lapsed policies – A driver may have had insurance at one point but let it lapse due to missed payments or forgetting to renew their policy.
- Accepting the risk – Although liability insurance is legally required, some individuals delay purchasing it, assuming they won’t get caught.
- Limited understanding of the law – Some drivers, especially young or inexperienced ones, may not fully understand Wisconsin’s auto insurance requirements.
- Driving someone else’s vehicle – Someone who borrows or drives a friend or family member’s car may not know the vehicle is uninsured.
- Driving illegally – People who drive without a valid license or registration often skip insurance as well.
Are Drivers Required to Carry Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Wisconsin?
Yes. All Wisconsin drivers must have uninsured motorist (UM) insurance. Specifically, they must have at least $25,000 in insurance coverage for injuries to one person, $50,000 in total injury coverage, and $10,000 in coverage for property damage.
While these are the minimum amounts drivers must have, our car accident attorneys recommend buying additional uninsured motorist coverage if you can afford it. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance and your policy doesn’t cover all your losses, you could have to pay your remaining expenses out of pocket.
What Does UM Insurance Cover?
UM insurance covers your medical bills, lost income, vehicle repair costs, and other losses after a collision with an uninsured driver. Basically, your insurer pays for your losses because the other driver can’t. UM coverage also applies in hit-and-run accident cases.
Important note: Your insurer will only pay for your injuries up to your policy limits. You may need to take additional steps to recover compensation if your losses exceed the amount of UM coverage you bought. That could include filing a car accident lawsuit against the responsible driver. However, in many UM cases, the driver will not have the assets to pay for any amount awarded at trial.
Steps to Take After Getting Hit by an Uninsured Driver
After an accident with an uninsured driver, follow these steps to protect your legal rights:
- Don’t confront the other driver – Stay polite and avoid getting into a fight, especially if the at-fault driver is upset or uncooperative.
- Gather contact information – Get the uninsured driver’s name, phone number, and license plate number. Even without insurance, this information may help your claim. You can file a lawsuit directly against the driver even if they don’t have insurance.
- Take photos and videos – Document the damage to your vehicle, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries you have.
- Talk to witnesses – If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information. Their statements could support your account of what happened.
- Write down what happened – Record details about the crash while they’re still fresh in your mind. You may need to refer to these notes later.
- Inform your insurance company – Tell your insurer about the collision, but avoid making recorded statements until you speak to an attorney.
- Call a Wisconsin uninsured motorist accident attorney – UM cases can be complex. Your lawyer can help prepare your insurance claim and assist during settlement negotiations with the insurance company.
Contact an Experienced Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer Today
The legal team at LawtonCates is ready to help you pursue the financial recovery you need after an uninsured motorist crash in Wisconsin. With nearly seven decades of experience serving the wrongfully injured, our car accident attorneys are committed to pursuing justice and maximum compensation. Call LawtonCates today or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation.