While modern cars come with a variety of safety features, there is no substitute for safe driving. Even if you drive as safely as possible, though, you cannot control the actions of other drivers. Simply put, you need a bit of luck to avoid collisions on northeast Wisconsin roadways.
If you are lucky, the driver who rear-ends your vehicle has enough insurance to cover the cost of both your medical bills and the damage to your vehicle. Unfortunately, if your luck is running a bit thin, you may have to deal with an uninsured driver. In that case, your own Wisconsin uninsured motorist coverage may come to the rescue.
Wisconsin’s safety responsibility provision
Unlike many states, Wisconsin does not expressly require motorists to carry liability coverage. Instead, state law attempts to encourage drivers to purchase these policies by suspending the driver’s license and motor vehicle registration of drivers who cause accidents until they do one of the following:
- Prove they had liability coverage when the accident occurred
- Prove all parties to the collision independently and fully settled the matter
- Place sufficient funds in a trust account to cover all potential damages from the accident
While the safety responsibility law has reduced the number of uninsured drivers in Wisconsin, it can lead to long delays in obtaining payment for the injuries or damages you suffer in an automobile accident. As you may suspect, sometimes payments never arrive at all. When dealing with uninsured drivers, you do have recourse through the legal system in seeking sufficient payment for your injuries.
Your own uninsured motorist insurance
Even though you may feel incredibly unlucky after a car wreck, you can probably improve your luck without relying on the insurance status of other motorists. While Wisconsin does not compel motorists to carry liability coverage, it does require those who purchase insurance to choose a package that protects against uninsured motorists. These policies often pay for damages to vehicles and injuries to drivers and passengers.
It is normal to feel anxiety when another vehicle swaps paint with yours. If the other driver does not have sufficient insurance to pay for your injuries and damages, you may feel unlucky. While Wisconsin law attempts to encourage drivers to purchase adequate coverage, uninsured motorists continue to drive in the northeastern part of the state. By purchasing your own uninsured motorist coverage, you both comply with state law and improve your luck behind the wheel.