What are the Main Causes of Head-On Collisions?

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.

Understanding the primary causes of head-on collisions is important in ensuring your safety on the road. By understanding the root causes of these accidents, you can do your best to stay safe on the road and recognize potentially hazardous driving situations.

While most of us take as many precautions as we can when we get behind the wheel, accidents can still happen. Being involved in an accident, especially a head-on collision can be scary, but with the right legal help, you can get the compensation you need to recover.

Why Do Head-On Car Collisions Happen?

Head-on collisions most commonly occur due to the following reasons:

Distracted Driving: When drivers divert their attention from the road when texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any other distraction, it increases the risk of drifting into oncoming traffic.
Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to head-on collisions.
Fatigue: Fatigued drivers can experience reduced concentration and drowsiness, causing them to veer into opposing traffic lanes.
Improper or Reckless Passing: Drivers attempting to pass other vehicles without proper visibility or in prohibited areas may collide head-on with oncoming traffic.
Incorrect Lane Changes: Misjudging the distance and speed of approaching vehicles can lead to head-on collisions.

What are Common Injuries from Head-On Collisions?

Head-on collisions often result in severe injuries due to the high impact involved. Common injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): The force of a head-on collision can cause head trauma, leading to concussions, contusions, or more severe TBIs.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The sudden impact can cause damage to the spinal cord, resulting in paralysis or long-term disability.
Bone Fractures: Collisions can cause fractures in various bones, including the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
Internal Injuries: The forceful impact can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure.

What to Do After a Head-On Collision?

If you find yourself involved in a head-on collision, you should:

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured, medical evaluation is crucial as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, who will document the incident and create an official report.
Gather Information: Collect the contact and insurance details of the other driver(s) involved and any witnesses at the scene.
Preserve Evidence: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.

Contact Natasha Misra Law Today for Help:

Distracted driving, fatigue, and improper lane changes can lead to head-on collisions. Ensuring you’ve gotten enough sleep and are not distracted at the wheel can lessen your chances of being involved in a crash.

Consult a Milwaukee car accident lawyer if you have been injured in a head-on collision. At Natasha Misra Law, we are dedicated to advocating for your rights and helping you seek rightful compensation after an accident. Contact us today to determine if you have a valid personal injury case.

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.