Car accidents can result in painful and disruptive injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income. In Wisconsin, motorists must purchase auto insurance to cover these types of losses. But how do you know whose insurance company will pay if a crash occurs? The answer varies based on the circumstances of the collision. If you’ve been hurt, an experienced car accident lawyer can explain how insurance applies to your case.
Who Pays After a Car Accident in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires drivers to have liability insurance coverage to pay for injuries and other losses they cause in an auto collision. After a crash, the insurance companies for each involved party will investigate to determine who was at fault. If there are no disputes over fault, the at-fault driver’s insurer pays for the injured party’s losses up to the limits of the policy.
There are also optional insurance policy add-ons that can provide further coverage to the policyholder.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
A Wisconsin auto insurance policy may include many types of coverage, such as:
Liability Insurance
State-mandated liability insurance covers damage a driver causes to others in an accident. The minimum liability insurance requirements for Wisconsin are:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person
- $10,000 for property damage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you get hurt in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage. UM/UIM insurance can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses if the at-fault driver cannot pay. It also covers you if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Medical payments coverage (MedPay) helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused the crash. These payments can include hospital bills, surgery, X-rays, funeral costs, and other expenses.
How Is Liability Determined?
Wisconsin is a fault state for car accidents, meaning the at-fault party and their insurance company pay for the accident victim’s medical bills, lost wages, and other losses after a collision.
Because Wisconsin uses a fault-based system for auto accidents, you need compelling evidence to show the other driver caused the accident. Wisconsin car accident attorneys play a vital role in collecting this evidence and organizing it into a compelling personal injury claim demanding maximum compensation.
Insurance Company Negotiations
Most car accident cases in Wisconsin settle rather than go to trial. A fair settlement comes through negotiations with the insurance company for a sum that reflects the full extent of your losses. It’s crucial to work with a capable car accident attorney who can place an accurate value on your case and push aggressively for a result that account for your past expenses and ongoing needs.
Talk to a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer Now
LawtonCates is a premier personal injury firm serving clients in South-Central Wisconsin. For more than 60 years, our firm has successfully helped accident victims recover meaningful compensation that makes a difference in their lives. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with one of our proven Wisconsin car accident attorneys.
