Auto insurance exists to help people recover compensation more quickly after Wisconsin car accidents. But what happens when a driver who causes a crash doesn’t have insurance or their coverage only meets the state’s minimum requirements? Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM coverage) can help in these situations, and Wisconsin drivers must understand why it matters.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
These are two distinct types of insurance that you purchase to protect yourself when another driver causes a crash and you are injured. If an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage, then your underinsured motorist coverage kicks in after the other driver’s insurance has paid. If an at-fault driver does not have any insurance, then your uninsured motorist coverage kicks in. These coverages can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Crucially, this coverage follows you, not your car. That means you have protection whether you’re driving, riding as a passenger, walking, or biking when the accident happens.
Does Wisconsin Require Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Yes, Wisconsin requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. The minimum coverage limits set by law are $25,000 for injury to one person and $50,000 for injuries to two or more people in a single accident.
derinsured motorist coverage, on the other hand, is not mandatory. However, insurance companies must offer it. If you choose to add it, the minimum available limits are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
How much Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage should I have?
This is insurance you purchase that protects you if another driver does not have enough insurance. It is advisable to have enough coverage for any catastrophic injury or loss that may occur to you and your loved ones.
Other Compensation Options After an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident
You might have trouble covering your losses after a severe accident, even if you have enough UM/UIM coverage. A Milwaukee car accident attorney can assess your case and identify other options for recovering compensation. Those options could include:
- Use Your Health Insurance – Your personal health insurance can cover your medical treatment after the crash, though you may still have to pay deductibles or copays.
- Tap Into Medical Payments Coverage – If your policy includes this optional coverage, it can help pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was responsible for the crash.
- Sue the At-Fault Driver Directly – You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured or underinsured driver to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Drivers with no or minimal insurance might not have many assets, though. An attorney can investigate whether a personal injury lawsuit is worth pursuing.
- Check for Other Liable Parties – If a third party contributed to the crash (like a vehicle manufacturer or a business that served alcohol to an impaired driver), you may have a claim against them, too.
How Warshafsky Law Firm Can Help
Warshafsky Law Firm can help you recover the money you need after a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver. (As we say, it IS about the money.) Our team can investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify all potential sources of compensation – including your own insurance policies. We can handle negotiations with the insurance companies, document your injuries, and, if needed, take your case to court.
With Warshafsky Law Firm, you won’t face the legal system alone. We’ll manage the legal work so you can focus on healing. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
