The positive change that we see in the new law involves uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Prior law allowed companies to include language in its policy that would reduce the limit of that coverage by other sources of insurance. A person who thought they had $100,000 in underinsured coverage could never receive that amount, as it would be reduced by any amounts the driver(s) who caused the accident had, or other sources such as workers compensation payments or disability coverage.   In some cases that underinsured coverage was reduced to zero, much to the surprise of our clients who thought they had good coverage.

When the law changed to prohibit this type of clause in the policy, the insurers complained that rates would jump dramatically.

When I received a renewal packet from my auto insurer, I first checked to see if the new language on uninsured and underinsured coverage was in the policy. It was. I looked at the declarations page, and the premium seemed to be in the range I remember it before the accident. I did check renewal with the same company for the same coverage, for 2009. The premiums for uninsured motorist coverage went down by $6 for myself, and $4 for my wife and son.

The claims of a dramatic prince increase were completely unfounded in my case.  I am relieved that insurers can no longer bury these exclusions in their policies.  Now, when your insurance policy says you have $100,000 in coverage, you truly have $100,000 in coverage.

Lectures
Mr. Prachthauser has been a Civil Trial Practice Instructor at the University of Wisconsin Madison-Law School, and is a frequent presenter and speaker for the State Bar of Wisconsin, American Board of Trial Advocates, and Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers. 

Background
Mr. Prachthauser was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 7, 1951. Prior to joining the firm, he was House Counsel for Employers Insurance of Wausau. He is married to Joan Marie, and they reside with their two daughters, Tracy Beth and Emily Jean, in Hartland, Wisconsin. 

Personal Comments
Our team approach to the practice of law not only makes us highly effective, but also makes the practice very enjoyable. I am very proud to be associated with each and every member of our law firm. 

Email address: dprachthauser@murphyprachthauser.com

Professional Activities & Honors  Mr. Prachthauser has been honored to serve as the President of American Board of Trial Advocates-Wisconsin Chapter.       He is also a past president of Wisconsin Academy of Trial Lawyers and continues to serve on the board of that organization.    Mr. Prachthauser has been certified as a diplomat of the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.     Mr. Prachthauser has been honored to be listed in The Best Lawyers in America for over ten years.    He has also been included in the Super Lawyer group of the Top 10 Attorneys in Wisconsin.    Mr. Prachthauser also has been honored by his election to the American College of Trial Lawyers (limited to 1% from each state).    He has also been honored by the International Society of Barristers.    In 2007, Mr. Prachthauser was given the Trial Lawyer of the Year award by the Wisconsin Association for Justice.  In addition, Mr. Prachthauser has served on the Milwaukee Bar Association Judicial Selection Committee. He has been an instructor in the trial practice program at the University of Wisconsin Law School.