Being involved in an accident can be an awful feeling, especially when it’s not your fault. It can be even worse when you learn that the other driver didn’t have any auto insurance (or didn’t have enough coverage) to pay for the damage to your vehicle and your medical expenses.
Minimum levels of auto liability coverage are mandatory in Wisconsin. However, there are still some drivers on our roadways without coverage. And, because health care costs are rising, even those minimum liability coverage levels may not be enough to protect you if a serious injury accident occurs. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to recover compensation after an accident.
Understanding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Wisconsin insurance laws require motorists to purchase minimum amounts of uninsured motorist coverage. This is coverage you pay for as part of your own auto insurance policy. It is designed to pay for the cost of your medical treatment and other losses, as well as for the damage to your vehicle, up to the limits specified in your policy, if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
An Uninsured Motorist Lawyer May Help You Recover Damages
When you are in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may benefit from hiring an uninsured motorist attorney to represent you. Here’s why: Insurance companies typically want to pay out as little in claims as possible.
If you are too quick to accept a settlement from your insurance company, you may not receive enough money to fully cover your medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, rehabilitation, and the repair or replacement of your vehicle. Your attorney can work to help you obtain the full benefit of your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Sometimes, this means filing a lawsuit against the insurance company to prove it is in the wrong for denying a claim.
When accident victims can prove through evidence that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that the victim suffered losses because of it, they may be able to recover compensation from the responsible party. A Wisconsin attorney who handles personal injury matters can help you determine if it makes sense to pursue a lawsuit against your insurance company or against the responsible driver. If so, they can work to develop a legal strategy designed to help you get a fair settlement.
Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Although it can be tempting, don’t accept cash from the other driver at the scene of an accident. Instead, insist on exchanging contact information if the other driver indicates they don’t have auto insurance.
You should also file a police report. The police report serves to formally document the accident, helping bolster your claim that the responsible driver was uninsured.
Next, talk to an uninsured motorist attorney who can help you through the insurance claim process, and help you determine if additional legal action is warranted.
Contact Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs, LLP
When you’re in an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is insurance companies or dealing with the hassles of someone who isn’t covered by insurance. The personal injury and uninsured motorist attorneys at GCW are skilled at pursuing cases against auto insurance companies and uninsured drivers. To learn more, contact the firm in Madison, Milwaukee, or Eau Claire today to schedule a free case review.
