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.

Ah summer in Wisconsin. Those precious 2 or 3 months all Wisconsinites cherish. Many of you will spend summer on the waterways, so how about a quick refresher on boating safety.

What are Wisconsin Boat Requirements?

Wisconsin law requires boats have:

  • Certificate of Number (registration card)
  • Registration Certificate
  • Registration Expiration Decals
  • If the boat or sailboat is 16 feet or greater, Wisconsin issued certificate of title or a Federal Guard Certificate of Documentation

Exceptions to these rules apply to:

  • Sailboats 12 feet in length or less without motor
  • Manually propelled boats

What are Boat Operation Requirements in Wisconsin?

Boating safety class is a requirement for a person born January 1, 1989 and after that date.  Everyone born before that date is exempt from taking a boating safety course.

Even though children want to have fun and steer the ship, note that a person younger than 10 may not operate a motorboat. A parent or other adult who can legally operate the boat is required for persons ages 10-15 who wish to operate the motorboat. A person 16 or older may operate a motorboat if the person completed the safety course or accompanied by someone who has completed the course or born before January 1, 1989.

What about personal watercraft, like jet skis, you ask.  Well, anyone younger than 12 may not operate a personal watercraft. A person 12 years old and up can operate a personal watercraft only if the person completed a boating safety course or was born before January 1, 1989.

Finally, remember that on a boat or personal watercraft, there must be enough life jackets for everyone on board, and remember to check fire extinguishers and nighttime lights on the boat before heading out.

What Happens if There is a Boat Collision or Accident?

If you are injured while on the water, you may have a legal claim against the person who caused the injury. Many homeowner insurance policies do not cover boats or personal watercraft, which means that boat owners are often required to purchase an additional insurance policy for the boat. 

A boat is like a car in that other users are allowed to drive the boat if permission is given by the owner. Thus, it will be important to find out who owned the boat that caused the injury as it may not be the same person who is driving or even on the boat. 

Boat accidents can cause serious injuries, and multiple parties may be responsible. Natasha Misra Law represents boat accident victims to pursue compensation for their injuries.

Contact a Wisconsin Boating Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one were injured in a boat accident, Milwaukee boating accident attorney Natasha Misra is here to help you. Our team will review the details of the accident and your injuries to create a strategy to obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your boat accident.

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.