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.
An accident report serves as an official, third-party record of your accident. It often includes:
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.
Yes. You can still file a car accident claim without an accident report — but your claim will likely need stronger supporting evidence.
That includes:
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.
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:
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.
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.
A collision resulting from a motorist turning right on a red traffic light can have fatal consequences. In most cases, the layout of the intersection, surrounding traffic patterns, and vehicle speed are found to be critical variables in determining the outcome of a case. It’s important to know the law and understand who holds the right of way to keep your loved ones safe.
In Wisconsin, a motorist approaching a solid or flashing red light or stop sign must come to a complete stop prior to the nearest marked limit line, such as a crosswalk, or the entrance to the intersection itself. The State law allows motorists to make a right turn after stopping at a red light, as long as:
There are a number of ways that a right turn on red accident can occur. Below we discuss a few common causes.
If you are driving straight toward an intersection and have a green light, and another vehicle hits you after making a right turn without stopping or yielding the right of way, that driver could be found negligent and liable for the accident. Vehicles that are already on the roadway have the right of way, unless they have a stop sign, traffic light, or traffic signal that tells them to stop.
Even in the case of a speeding oncoming car, motorists should yield before making a right on red turn. A motorist may be found liable if they attempt to merge without accounting for the necessary time and space to do so.
When motorists begin to execute a right-hand turn, they are generally more focused on oncoming traffic and their ability to merge successfully. If you’re a pedestrian or a cyclist within a marked crosswalk, you may find yourself outside of their field of view and in a situation that leaves you hurt or hospitalized.
If a vehicle strikes you in a crosswalk, the driver will often claim to have had the right of way and that you crossed during a “no walk sign,” or out of turn. Any evidence that proves your right to cross will be important to your case. There may be witnesses nearby or traffic cameras that can be checked. The police may also do breathalyzer tests to see if the driver was under-the-influence or determine if they had been using their cellphones while driving.
Hit and run accidents are also common with right turn on red accidents. In a hit-and-run, any information regarding the description (Ex. model, color, or license plate) will help ensure that the driver is found. A general rule of thumb is to always take care of yourself or any bodily injuries first, before attempting to gather any evidence or testimony.
If you have been injured by a negligent motorist making a right-hand turn on a red light, contact our office to begin working towards a resolution. You may be entitled to compensation to cover any injuries, damages, lost wages, and/or medical costs you have incurred. Contact the Milwaukee personal injury law firm Natasha Misra Law today to schedule a free consultation.
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.
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