Uninsured Motorist – Using your own insurance

If you've been injured in a car accident with either an uninsured driver or “hit and run” driver you may think there is no way of collecting for damages or injuries. That is not always the case. If you have automobile liability insurance on your own vehicle, in the State of Wisconsin you automatically have uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage allows you to file a claim with your own auto insurance company for hospital and medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of earnings and loss of enjoyment of life.

It is common for people to think that because they are filing a claim against their own company and they are paying the insurance premiums, that they will be treated fairly by their insurance company and that they do not need an attorney. However, insurance companies will use the same tactics to prevent payment to you as they would against someone who was not their insured.

Some things to keep in mind when making a claim against your own insurance company:

• Most policies contain a clause which requires you to notify them of an accident within a reasonable period of time. Failure to notify your own insurance company could put you in jeopardy of having your claim denied.
• It is a popular belief that filing a claim with your own insurance company is not wise because it will raise your rates and maybe cause them to drop your insurance. Just because there was an accident doesn't automatically mean that your insurance company will raise your rates. There are many factors that are involved when an insurance company raises your rates including your past driving record and history of prior accidents.
• The reason for uninsured motorist coverage is to protect you in case you are involved in an accident where the other driver has failed to purchase insurance.

An attorney experienced in handling claims with insurance companies can represent your interests with the insurance company so you obtain the best possible settlement.

For your FREE consultation, contact us now at 414-271-7007 / 800-734-4349 or send us an e-mail.