Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims for Motorcyclists
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims for Motorcyclists in Wisconsin
If you’re a motorcyclist who’s been injured in a crash and found out the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance—or any insurance at all—you’re probably feeling frustrated, angry, and maybe a little hopeless. You did everything right. You were riding safely. You got hurt. And now the person who caused all this damage can’t (or won’t) pay.
You’re not alone. And you’re not out of options.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we’ve helped motorcyclists across Wisconsin get the compensation they need after devastating crashes—even when the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. You’d be surprised how many people are driving around with the bare minimum coverage (or none at all). It’s not right—but there’s a way forward.
This page will walk you through how uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claims work in Wisconsin, what you can do to protect yourself, and how we can help you fight for every dollar you deserve.
Why UM/UIM Coverage Is So Important for Motorcyclists
Let’s be real: when it comes to crashes, motorcyclists are at a much higher risk of serious injury than people in cars or trucks. We don’t have airbags. We don’t have metal frames around us. When someone makes a careless mistake behind the wheel, it’s our bodies that take the hit.
And here’s the scary part: even if the other driver is at fault, there’s no guarantee they’ll have enough insurance to cover your injuries.
In Wisconsin, the minimum liability insurance required by law is:
$25,000 for bodily injury per person
$50,000 per accident
$10,000 for property damage
Those numbers might seem okay—until you’re in a helicopter to the trauma center or facing months of physical therapy. One ER visit alone can wipe out that $25,000.
That’s where UM/UIM coverage comes in. It’s a way to protect yourself when someone else’s insurance falls short (or doesn’t exist).
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage kicks in when the driver who hit you has no insurance at all.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage applies when the at-fault driver has some insurance, but not enough to cover your full damages.
Think of it as a safety net. You’re basically buying protection from all the irresponsible drivers out there.
How UM/UIM Claims Work in a Motorcycle Crash
Let’s say you’re riding through Madison, Green Bay, or Milwaukee, and a distracted driver runs a red light and T-bones you. You’re badly hurt. You go to the hospital, miss weeks (or months) of work, and rack up tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills.
Then you find out the driver who hit you only had the legal minimum coverage—and that $25,000 doesn’t even scratch the surface.
If you have UIM coverage, your own insurance company steps in to cover the difference between the other driver’s policy and the total value of your claim—up to your own UIM policy limits.
Now, if the other driver had no insurance? That’s when your UM coverage kicks in. Your own policy covers your damages as if they were the other driver’s insurance.
Sounds fair, right? It should be—but insurance companies don’t always make it easy.
The Catch: Your Own Insurance Company Becomes the Opposition
Here’s something that catches a lot of motorcyclists off guard: when you file a UM or UIM claim, your own insurance company basically turns into the opposing side.
They’ll investigate your claim just like any other insurer. They might:
Question how badly you were really hurt
Blame you for part (or all) of the crash
Lowball you on the value of your claim
Delay and drag out the process
We’ve seen it happen more times than we can count. That’s why having an experienced motorcycle attorney by your side, from the beginning, is crucial—someone who knows how to handle these claims and hold insurance companies accountable, even when it’s your own.
Common Scenarios That Trigger UM/UIM Claims
We’ve handled all kinds of cases involving UM and UIM coverage for Wisconsin riders. Some of the most common include:
If you were struck by a vehicle that fled the scene and was never identified, your UM coverage can act as a stand-in for the other driver’s insurance.
2. Driver With No Insurance
Despite the law, some people still drive around uninsured. If one of them hits you, your UM policy steps in.
3. Driver With Low Policy Limits
If the other driver has the bare minimum ($25k/$50k) and your medical bills exceed that, your UIM coverage helps make up the gap.
4. Passenger Injuries
If you were riding as a passenger on someone else’s motorcycle, you may be able to file a UM/UIM claim under their policy, your own policy, or both—depending on the circumstances.
What You Need to Do After a Crash (Especially If UM/UIM Might Be Involved)
If you’ve been in a crash and think you might need to make a UM or UIM claim, here’s what to do:
Get Medical Help Right Away
Your health comes first. Always get checked out, even if you think your injuries are “minor.” Some of the most serious injuries (like traumatic brain injuries) don’t show symptoms immediately.Report the Crash to Police and Your Insurance
Make sure there’s a police report. It’s a key piece of evidence for your claim. Be careful what you say to your insurance carrier. They’ll ask you if you’re okay. If you tell them yes, and you’re not actually okay, they will use that statement against you.Don’t Accept a Quick Payout
Insurance companies often try to offer fast, lowball settlements—especially in UM/UIM cases. Don’t sign anything without talking to a lawyer.Talk to an Attorney
The sooner we get involved, the better. We’ll help preserve evidence, guide you through the claims process, and deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
We Fight for Motorcyclists. Period.
At McCarthy Motorcycle Law, we’re not just personal injury lawyers—we’re riders and rider advocates. We’ve helped motorcyclists throughout Wisconsin navigate UM/UIM claims and get the compensation they need to move forward after life-changing crashes.
Here’s what sets us apart:
We understand the unique challenges riders face.
We all ride, or used to ride. We know how bias against motorcyclists can affect claims—and we push back hard when insurance companies try to blame you unfairly.We know how to deal with insurance companies.
Whether it’s the other driver’s insurer or your own, we know their tactics and how to beat them.We care about our clients—like, actually care.
You’re not just a case number to us. You’re a person who’s been hurt, and we take that personally.We work on contingency.
That means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You don’t owe us a dime unless we recover money for you.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Get Through UM/UIM?
When we handle a UM or UIM claim, we fight to get you full compensation for:
Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Property damage (including your bike and gear)
Your coverage limits will set a ceiling on how much your policy will pay—but we work to make sure you get every penny of it.
Not Sure What Coverage You Have? We’ll Check For You.
Many riders aren’t sure what their policy includes—or they thought they had more coverage than they actually do.
We offer free policy reviews even if you haven’t been in a crash. We’ll take a look at your motorcycle insurance and tell you exactly what you’re covered for—and where you might need to add protection.
Even if you haven’t been in a crash yet, this is something every rider should do.
Let’s Talk. We’re Here to Help.
Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver is incredibly frustrating. It feels like insult on top of injury. But with the right help, you can still get justice—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’ve been in a crash, or just have questions about your UM/UIM coverage, reach out today. Consultations are always free and confidential. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and help you take the next step with confidence.
You don’t have to face this alone. We’ve got your back—on the road, in the courtroom, and every step in between.
Get your free case evaluation today.