Car insurance is a requirement in the state of Wisconsin, but not every motorist abides by the law. According to a 2015 survey, about 14.3% of Wisconsin drivers do not have proper car insurance. Therefore, the chances of getting involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver are considerably high.
Luckily, you still have options if you find yourself in such a predicament. The first step to protect yourself is to purchase insurance coverage for your vehicle. Read on to find out what to do after a car accident with an uninsured motorist.
Obtaining Compensation After a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver
After a car accident, victims usually have a lot of medical bills. Sometimes, injuries can prevent the victims from getting back to work. Once generating income becomes a problem, paying bills is made impossible.
Some accidents are rather traumatic and lead to emotional damages. Understand that an accident can cause both physical and mental harm. Many accident victims need years of therapy to help fix their mental state.
Can I get compensation after a car accident with an uninsured driver? Well, you need to pay bills regardless of whether the motorist is insured or not. Here are a few options that can help you get adequate compensation after the incident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Damages such as medical bills, wage loss and disability may be covered under your uninsured motorist insurance. It is a type of coverage that protects an individual from an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. The uninsured motorist coverage also applies in cases of hit-and-run.
According to Wisconsin state law, individuals must have uninsured motorist coverage with a $50,000 limit per occurrence. Note that you need a minimum limit of $25,000 per person. However, understand that this coverage can never exceed your liability coverage.
When you file a claim, your own insurance company will handle all compensation. Like all personal injury claims, there are time limits for how long you have to bring a claim or file a lawsuit. Do not forget that the burden of proof will remain the same during the proceedings.
What if the Driver is Underinsured?
Sometimes, you might get into a car accident with an underinsured driver. An underinsured driver is defined by your insurance policy, but is usually a driver that carries less insurance than you. In such cases, the entire process can be rather stressful and complex. For starters, you will have to exhaust the underinsured driver’s coverage.
Luckily, you can file a claim under your underinsured motorist coverage. Doing this will help you get compensation for wage loss, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Ensure you provide early notice to your insurance company to avoid issues in the future. An insurance policy is not required to contain underinsured motorist coverage and it is important that you ask for this protection when purchasing insurance.
Hire a Specialized Lawyer
Getting an experienced car accident attorney is a vital step when dealing with an underinsured or uninsured driver. At Brophy Law, we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Ensure you contact us today to get high-quality legal services in Wisconsin.
