Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims for Motorcyclists

What UM/UIM Coverage Is — and Why It Matters More Than Most Riders Expect

After a motorcycle crash, injured riders often learn something unsettling: the driver who caused the crash does not have enough insurance — or any at all. When that happens, frustration and uncertainty set in quickly.

McCarthy Motorcycle Law is a Wisconsin motorcycle accident and wrongful death law firm focused exclusively on serious motorcycle cases. This page explains how uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage works, why it is especially important for motorcyclists, and where these claims commonly become complicated.

This page is informational. It is not legal advice.

WHY UM/UIM COVERAGE IS SO IMPORTANT FOR RIDERS

Motorcyclists face a higher risk of serious injury than occupants of passenger vehicles. At the same time, Wisconsin’s minimum insurance requirements are relatively low.

Under Wisconsin law, many drivers carry only:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury

  • $50,000 per accident

Those amounts can be exhausted very quickly after a serious motorcycle crash.

UM/UIM coverage exists to protect riders when:

  • The at‑fault driver has no insurance, or

  • The at‑fault driver has insurance that is insufficient to cover the full harm caused

This coverage is part of the rider’s own insurance policy.

WHAT UM AND UIM COVERAGE MEAN

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage applies when the at‑fault driver has no insurance, or in some hit‑and‑run situations.

  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage applies when the at‑fault driver has insurance, but the available limits are not enough to cover the injuries and losses.

UM/UIM coverage does not create extra money beyond policy limits, but it can make the difference between partial recovery and none at all.

HOW UM/UIM CLAIMS ARE EVALUATED

UM/UIM claims are evaluated similarly to other injury claims, but with additional complexity.

Common considerations include:

  • The severity and permanency of injuries

  • Medical documentation and treatment history

  • Lost income and future earning impact

  • Fault and comparative negligence

  • Available policy limits and coverage terms

Because UM/UIM coverage comes from the rider’s own policy, many riders are surprised to learn that claims are still evaluated carefully and sometimes disputed.

WHERE UM/UIM CLAIMS OFTEN BECOME COMPLICATED

UM/UIM claims can become difficult when:

  • Injuries continue to evolve over time

  • Multiple insurance policies may apply

  • Fault is disputed or shared

  • Policy language is unclear or misunderstood

  • Settlement decisions are made too early

These issues do not mean a claim is invalid. They do mean careful evaluation matters.

COMMON SITUATIONS WHERE UM/UIM COVERAGE IS INVOLVED

UM or UIM claims commonly arise in:

  • Crashes caused by uninsured drivers

  • Accidents involving drivers with minimal coverage

  • Hit‑and‑run motorcycle crashes

  • Situations where medical costs exceed the at‑fault driver’s limits

  • Passenger injuries where more than one policy may be relevant

Each scenario depends on the specific policies involved and the facts of the crash.

A PRACTICAL CAUTION ABOUT TIMING

Many UM/UIM issues arise because settlement discussions begin before the long‑term consequences of injuries are fully understood.

Motorcycle injuries often involve:

  • Delayed symptoms

  • Secondary procedures

  • Extended rehabilitation

  • Psychological impact that emerges later

Once a settlement is accepted — whether under UM, UIM, or liability coverage — those developments cannot be revisited.

WHAT UM/UIM COVERAGE IS NOT

UM/UIM coverage is not:

  • Automatic full compensation

  • A replacement for adequate liability coverage

  • A guarantee that every claim will be paid at policy limits

  • A substitute for documenting injuries and losses

Like all insurance claims, outcomes depend on evidence, policy terms, and timing.

A NOTE FOR RIDERS HANDLING CLAIMS ON THEIR OWN

Some riders choose to handle UM/UIM claims independently, particularly when injuries appear manageable. That approach can work in limited circumstances.

However, riders most often encounter problems when:

  • Injuries are more serious than initially believed

  • Multiple coverages interact

  • Policy language is misunderstood

  • Settlement decisions are made without full information

Important: Handling significant UM/UIM claims without legal guidance can permanently affect available compensation.

WHEN A SECOND OPINION about UM/UIM IS OFTEN HELPFUL

Even riders intending to handle their own claims frequently benefit from outside review when:

  • UM or UIM coverage is involved

  • An offer is made

  • Fault is disputed

  • Coverage questions arise

  • Future medical needs are uncertain

A second opinion does not require filing a lawsuit or hiring a lawyer. It can provide clarity before decisions become final.

TALK WITH A WISCONSIN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER about Um/UIM

If you have questions about uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage — or are unsure how a claim is being evaluated — McCarthy Motorcycle Law offers free, confidential case evaluations for injured riders and families throughout Wisconsin.

Sometimes we confirm that a claim is being handled appropriately. Other times, we identify risks that are not obvious on paper.

Our focus is helping riders understand their options before permanent decisions are made.