Mistakes to Avoid After an Auto Accident

If you’ve been in a car accident in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay, or anywhere in Wisconsin, the moments afterward can shape your recovery — physically, emotionally, and financially. When no officer arrives to take an official accident report, you might feel like you’ve lost a key piece of your case. But you still have every right to protect yourself and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Natasha Misra Law, we’ve built our practice on helping accident victims across Wisconsin through challenges just like this. We take the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and handle the details so you can focus on getting back on your feet. Here’s what to do next.

Step 1: Become Your Own Investigator

If law enforcement isn’t coming, you need to build the record yourself:

Take photos – Capture vehicle damage, license plates, injuries, debris, and the full accident scene from different angles.

Exchange information – Get names, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, license plates, and insurance details from everyone involved.

Talk to witnesses – Politely ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw.

Think of this as creating your own “mini report”; it can become vital evidence later.

Step 2: File a Crash Report with the State

Wisconsin law says you must file a Driver Report of Crash within 10 days if:

Anyone was injured or killed
There was $1,000 or more in damage to any one person’s property
There was $200 or more in damage to government property

You file this report with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) — not the DMV. You can do it online or request a paper form. It’s the state’s official record of your crash, and it can make or break an insurance claim.

Step 3: Let Your Insurance Company Know

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can. Stick to the facts you documented. Don’t admit fault or guess at details — just provide the evidence you’ve gathered.

Step 4: Get Checked Out

Not all injuries show up right away. A stiff neck today could be a serious soft tissue injury tomorrow. Seeing a doctor immediately protects your health and ties your injuries directly to the crash in the medical record.

Step 5: Call a Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer

When there’s no police report, insurance companies often push back harder. Having the right lawyer means you’re not fighting alone. At Natasha Misra Law, we:

Have handled thousands of auto, truck, and motorcycle accident cases across Wisconsin
Include property damage help at no extra cost — we’ll deal with repairs, rentals, and towing so you don’t have to
Offer language access in Spanish in-house and nearly any language through on-demand interpretation, including Burmese and Rohingya
Keep you in the loop, so you always know what’s happening with your case

Don’t Let a Missing Accident Report Derail Your Claim

You only get one chance to get this right. Call (414) 210-3834 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the reporting process, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Reach out now to get a lawyer who’s not just another suit.

The moments after a car accident can feel like a blur—sirens, questions, and a rush of emotions. And if you’ve been hurt, the pain can make it hard to think clearly. But the choices you make are key to your recovery and protecting your rights. At Natasha Misra Law, we understand how overwhelming this time can be. That’s why we’re here to help you avoid common mistakes and protect your future. Let’s look at what you shouldn’t do, and why.

Your Health And Safety Are The Top Priority

A car accident is chaotic, but staying calm and focusing on your health can help you make smart decisions:

Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your passengers for any injuries.
Move to Safety: If possible, move out of traffic to avoid further danger.
Call 911: Emergency responders can provide medical help and create an accident report.

Don’t Admit Fault or Speculate

It’s natural to want to explain what happened, but saying the wrong thing can hurt your case. Avoid admitting fault or making guesses about what caused the crash.

Stick to the Facts: Share basic information with the police and other drivers, like your name and insurance details.
Let the Investigation Play Out: Determining fault is a complex process often best handled by experts.Remember, even casual statements like “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later.

Gather Evidence While You Can

If you’re able, document as much as possible before leaving, it can make all the difference when it’s time to build your case.

Take Photos: Capture damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries.
Get Contact Information: Exchange details with the other drivers and collect witness names and phone numbers.
Write It Down: Note the time, location, and any conditions that may have contributed to the crash, like weather or road hazards.

See a Doctor

Not all injuries are obvious right away. Internal injuries such as soft tissue injuries or whiplash may take hours or days to show symptoms.

Get Checked Out: A doctor can diagnose injuries you might not notice yourself.
Document Your Care: Keep records of your treatment, as they’re essential for proving your case.

Notify Your Insurance Company Carefully

It’s important to report the accident to your insurance company promptly, but be cautious about what you say.

Share the Basics: Provide the date, time, and location of the accident.
Avoid Giving Details: Don’t discuss fault or offer opinions until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
Remember They’re a Business: Insurance companies have their bottom line in mind and may try to minimize payouts—having an experienced attorney on your side can help protect you.

Get Legal Help from a Trusted Milwaukee Auto Accident Lawyer Today

The choices you make after a car accident can shape your future. Avoid costly mistakes and get the help you need to protect your rights. Contact Natasha Misra Law today for a free consultation. Whether you’ve been injured in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Appleton, Madison, Oshkosh, Fond du Lac, or any other community in Wisconsin, our team is here to fight for you.

You’re not just another case to us— and we’re not just another suit. You’re someone who deserves justice, and we’re here to help you get it.

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.