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.

If you are involved in an automobile accident in Wisconsin, the at-fault or negligent driver is responsible for any damages or injuries. A personal injury claim will help you recover the related medical expenses, but these lawsuits can take time. Sometimes, accident victims will delay treatment for accident-related injuries until the case settles to avoid any out-of-pocket costs, but this can lead to aggravated injuries and unnecessary discomfort. 

So, how can you pay for accident-related medical costs before you recover damages from a lawsuit? Here is what you need to know:

What is Medical Payments Coverage?

Your automobile insurance policy may come with medical payments coverage, also known as med pay. This insurance covers medical costs for you or a family member injured in an automobile accident or as a pedestrian injured by an automobile.  Regardless of who is at fault, medical payments coverage pays for accident-related medical costs for any passengers in the policyholder’s vehicle, even if there is no familial relation.

Can You Bill Your Own Health Insurance Company?

Yes. In fact, submitting medical bills to your own health insurance company can save you from annoying bill collection calls, past due notices, and other headaches. Health insurance companies often pay medical providers at a discounted rate. This means your insurer will likely pay less than the amount you are billed. Ultimately, the at fault party will still be held accountable for your medical expenses, and your health insurance will be subrogated or paid back from the settlement with the at fault party.

How Can A Letter of Protection Sent to My Insurance Provider Help with Medical Payments?

A Letter of Protection notifies your medical provider that your medical bills are the subject of ongoing litigation and assures that upon resolution of the case, any outstanding medical debt will be satisfied. Typically, a Letter of Protection from your lawyer will result in an agreement from medical providers to cease collection efforts until the case is resolved.

How Can My Attorney Help Me Manage My Medical Bills Until My Case Settles?

If you have health insurance or auto insurance with medical payments coverage, an attorney can assist you in submitting your medical bills using your own insurance to manage your accident-related medical expenses. Once your accident case settles, both you and your insurance company will be repaid with settlement funds. However, if you do not have insurance, a Letter of Protection from your attorney may be enough to keep your provider from sending outstanding balances to collections until your case settles. Talk with your personal injury attorney to find out the best way to manage your accident-related medical expenses.

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.