Although Wisconsin state law requires that all registered vehicles have at least liability insurance, there are still drivers out there without coverage. What happens if you are in an accident with one of these uninsured drivers? The answer to this typically depends on the situation, but there are usually other options for pursuing compensation. Learn more about these alternative options, including where to find assistance when trying to navigate through them.
Immediately After the Accident
Many uninsured drivers will flee the scene of the accident because they know they are at risk for a ticket or possible criminal charges for driving without insurance. If this happens to you, try to gather as much information about the other driver and their vehicle as possible. Turn to witnesses of the accident since they may have seen more than you and request assistance from the police.
If the driver stayed at the scene, your job of collecting information becomes much easier. They can provide you with their name, address, vehicle identification number, driver’s license number, and other pertinent information. What they cannot give you, unfortunately, is valid insurance information. So why collect their information in the first place? Because, in some instances, it may be possible to seek compensation through a lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
Pursuing Compensation Through a Lawsuit
While some uninsured drivers lack the means to pay for the damage they caused, there are others that do have the means, just not the insurance. If this happens to be the case for your accident, you may wish to pursue compensation through a lawsuit. Keep in mind that you are encouraged to seek legal assistance with the process – especially if the other driver is insisting that they were not at fault for the accident. You, as the victim, have the burden of proof, even in a non-insurance injury case. Failure to provide it could leave you without the compensation you need.
Pursuing Compensation Through Your Insurance
If the negligent and uninsured driver does not have the means to pay for the damages, you may still attempt to seek compensation from your own insurance company. Keep in mind that uninsured motorist coverage may not compensate you for any damage to your vehicle, but medical expenses, time lost at work, and other losses may be covered up to the limits of your policy. It is also important to note that any funds received through a lawsuit may reduce your uninsured driver settlement amount.
Contact Our Appleton Car Crash Lawyers
At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we fight hard to get victims the compensation they deserve, regardless of the situation. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact our Appleton car crash lawyers for assistance. We will explain your options and protect your best interests, every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation by calling our offices at 920-739-7366.
Source:
http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/crsh-rpt/default.aspx
http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/license-drvs/rcd-crsh-rpt/judgment.aspx
http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lc/publications/im/IM_2009_01.pdf
http://ocidev.wi.gov/consumer/autohome-faqauto.htm#finresp