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.

Halloween is a holiday that both children and adults look forward to each year.  Unfortunately, Halloween can also be dangerous for pedestrian trick-or-treaters.  Below are some Halloween safety tips for a safe and sweet trick-or-treat experience for both pedestrians and drivers.

Safety Tips for Pedestrian Trick-or-Treaters

Stay On Sidewalks and Pedestrian Paths - Pedestrian trick-or-treaters should try to stay on sidewalks and pedestrian paths.  If there are no sidewalks, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic.  Pedestrians should also try to walk as far to the side of the road as possible.  Pedestrians should walk under the assumption that the drivers coming toward them are not able to see them.

Follow the Rules of the Road – Pedestrians should try to cross the road at crosswalks.  They should not run or dart across the road.  Trick-or-treaters may need to remove their masks so visibility is not obstructed.

Wear Reflective Tape – Children and adults should use or wear reflective tape for costumes and trick-or-treat bags.  Parents may even consider wearing a reflective jacket.

Carry Cell Phone – Pedestrians should carry a cell phone for quick communication in the event of an emergency.

Avoid Loose Dogs – Be cautious of dogs on the loose as they may become frightened or scared causing an unexpected dog bite or injury to a trick-or-treater.

Stay on Well Lit Streets – Pedestrians should assume that drivers are unable to see them.

Use Flashlights – Obtain flashlights for both kids and their escorts to improve the visibility of trick-or-treaters.  

Safety Tips for Drivers

Slow Down - Drivers should slow down on Halloween and during designated trick-or-treat hours.  Because of the excitement of trick-or-treating, kids run from house to house and often dart out into the road.  By reducing speed, a driver will be able to stop before hitting a child that runs out in front of the vehicle.  
Watch Driveways – Drivers should carefully enter and exit driveways to avoid kids who may be running or darting out into the driveway.

Do Not Use Cell Phone -  Because a child may run out into the road, even a quick glance at the cell phone could cause a devastating accident.  Avoid all distractions so you are able to focus on the road and surroundings.

Turn On Headlights – Turn on headlights earlier in the day so you are able to spot the pedestrian trick-or-treaters from farther distances.  
Report Drunk Driving – During Halloween, drunk drivers are common and dangerous on the road.  If you suspect a driver of drunk driving, you should contact local law enforcement.

Designate a Sober Driver  – Halloween is also a night of adult parties involving drinking.  Designate a sober driver or use other means of transportation such as Uber and Lyft.  

With the above safety tips, Natasha Misra Law would like to wish you a sweet, spooky and safe Halloween!  If you have any questions about an accident involving a pedestrian trick-or-treater, please contact our office at 414-210-3834 for a free consultation with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney.

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.