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Collisions with Uninsured Motorists
Although no one likes paying their car insurance bills every month, that insurance coverage can end up being vital if a driver is involved in an accident. However, carrying car insurance is more than just a good idea. It is also required by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles. People who are at fault in a car accident and uninsured can see their licenses suspended if they do not find a way to pay the damages. However, despite this incentive, there are still plenty of people on the road who do not carry car insurance, and drivers should be aware of their options in case they end up involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, such as uninsured motorist (UM) insurance, looking for other potential defendants, and pushing forward with a lawsuit anyway.
UM/UIM Coverage
One of the most common solutions that people have access to when involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist is to take advantage of their own UM insurance coverage. UM insurance coverage allows drivers to file claims against their own insurance company in the event that they are involved in an accident with someone who does not have the insurance to cover their damages. Despite the name, UM coverage applies to both uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists, so people may have a claim in the event that the other driver's insurance does not fully cover their injuries.
Wisconsin law requires car insurance policies to include a provision for uninsured and underinsured motorists. However, the level of coverage and the exact circumstances in which it applies may vary from policy to policy, so it is important for drivers to understand their insurance's specific terms.
Options in an Accident
If drivers are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist they have a variety of options available to them to try to pursue recovery. In addition to filing a UM insurance claim described above, injured victims should also ensure that they have fully analyzed the accident and found the responsible party. For instance, accidents can also be caused by defective or poorly designed cars or roadways. This means that injured plaintiffs may have claims against the car's manufacturer or against the municipality that designed the roadway. Plaintiffs may also choose to pursue claims against the motorist regardless of the fact that they lack insurance coverage. Of course, this is not likely to be effective in many circumstances since the defendant will probably be unable to cover most or all of a damages award absent insurance coverage.
All traffic accidents can be difficult to deal with, but accidents with an uninsured motorist pose unique problems. If you or one of your loved ones has recently been injured in an accident with an uninsured motorist, contact an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney today to learn more about your rights.
