You just got rear-ended at a stoplight in Madison. The other driver seems cooperative, and the damage doesn’t look too bad, so you both decide not to call the police. A few days later, your neck starts to hurt, your car needs more repairs than you thought — and now you’re wondering how to file a claim.

But then reality hits: there’s no accident report. Can you still file a car accident claim in Wisconsin?

The short answer is yes — but it can be more complicated. At Natasha Misra Law, we’ve helped drivers across Milwaukee, Appleton, Green Bay, Madison, and Hales Corners handle accident claims with and without accident reports. Here's what you need to know.

Why an Accident Report Matters

An accident report serves as an official, third-party record of your accident. It often includes:

  • The date, time, and location of the crash
  • Statements from the drivers and any witnesses
  • The officer’s observations and sometimes even a fault determination

Insurance companies often rely on accident reports when deciding how to handle a claim. Without one, the process can feel like your word against the other driver’s.

Can You Still File a Claim Without It?

Yes. You can still file a car accident claim without an accident report — but your claim will likely need stronger supporting evidence.

That includes:

  • Photos of the damage, scene, and injuries
  • Medical records showing your treatment
  • Witness statements
  • Repair estimates
  • Proof of missed work due to the accident

Without an accident report, it’s even more important to act quickly and stay organized. The insurance company may be more likely to challenge your version of events, delay your claim, or offer less than you deserve.

What If the Other Driver Changes Their Story?

This is a common issue when there’s no report to back up what really happened. At the scene, the other driver may admit fault or apologize — but a week later, their insurance company says you were to blame.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to involve the police, even in minor crashes. In Wisconsin, you’re legally required to report the accident to police if:

  • Someone is injured
  • There’s $1,000 or more in property damage
  • A government-owned vehicle is involved
  • When in doubt, call.

When to Call an Accident Injury Lawyer in Wisconsin

If you’ve been injured in a crash and there’s no accident report, it’s a smart idea to speak with a personal injury attorney early on. At Natasha Misra Law, we help people who’ve been hurt in car accidents navigate claims, even when the case starts out messy or unclear.

We’ll help gather the evidence, build your case, and handle communication with the insurance companies — so you can focus on recovering. Our personal injury team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

We also offer multilingual support through a professional translation service, so if you or a loved one speaks Spanish, Burmese, Rohingya, or another language, we’re ready to help.

Contact Natasha Misra Law Today, and Get a Lawyer Who’s Not Just Another Suit

No accident report? Don’t panic — and don’t give up on your claim. Whether your accident happened in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Hales Corners, Madison, or Appleton, we’re here to help you figure out the next step and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Get a free consultation today. You deserve answers. You deserve to recover.

One of the most common injuries suffered after a car accident is a disc herniation, which can cause significant injury. If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to seek a medical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. It is similarly important to contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney who can help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Causes of Disc Herniations in Car Accidents

The bones in your spine, called vertebrae, protect your spinal cord from injury and provide support for your back. In between each vertebra is a disc, which is a rubbery cushion that acts as a shock absorber. When the disc ruptures, some of its jelly-like center can bulge out or leak out of the disc, creating the condition known as “herniation.” This is an extremely painful and harmful condition.

What causes a disc herniation?

Any traumatic accident can cause a disc herniation, including a car accident. Anything that exerts excessive pressure on the spine can cause a disc herniation. The force of a collision, even a seemingly minor one, can put enough pressure on the spine and the discs to cause the jelly-like center to push through and create a herniated disc.

Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

In many cases, the herniated disc pushes on the spinal cavity’s highly sensitive nerves, causing anywhere from mild pain to debilitating symptoms. Common symptoms of a herniated disc include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the back that radiates to the leg or foot
  • Pain shooting through the legs, shoulders, or arms
  • Muscle weakness
  • Burning sensations
  • Limited range of motion

Treatment Options for Herniated Discs

Most herniated discs are first treated non-surgically with conservative treatments. Some even resolve themselves on their own or with anti-inflammatory medication that works to reduce the inflammation in the spinal canal. Physical therapy is another common recommendation. Other injuries, however, are severe enough to require surgery.

Beyond rest and physical therapy, common treatment options include:

  • Spinal injections and muscle relaxants
  • Artificial disc replacement 
  • Removal of part or all of the disc to take the pressure off the nerve
  • Stabilizing the spine by inserting rods into the vertebrae
  • Removing part of the vertebrae, creating more space and giving the herniation room to take pressure off the nerve

How Can a Milwaukee Personal Injury Attorney Assist With Your Herniated Disc Claim?

No matter the treatment plan for your herniated disc, the costs can add up. If you have suffered a herniated disc injury in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Depending on your physical, emotional, and financial damages, a Milwaukee personal injury attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for, among others:

  • Medical bills and future medical care costs
  • Physical therapy costs
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost wages
  • Pain and suffering

If you are considering filing a claim, contact us to discuss your case. We have vast experience in representing clients with herniated disc injuries and we will fight for your right to compensation so that you can move forward and heal.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.