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.
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.
Wisconsin law says you must file a Driver Report of Crash within 10 days if:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
If you are injured in a rear-end accident, you may wonder who is responsible for paying the medical bills, vehicle repair costs, and other expenses associated with the accident. In Wisconsin, the negligent driver is liable for damages. However, sometimes it is unclear who is at fault for an accident. How is fault determined in a rear-end accident, and what happens if you are the one at fault?
The rear driver is generally always at fault. However, issues often arise as to which rear vehicle is responsible in a multi-vehicle accident. If there were two separate impacts, for example, then there may a dispute as to which rear driver caused the accident. When the rear-most vehicle hits the vehicle in front of it and pushes the middle vehicle into the foremost vehicle, then only the rear-most vehicle is responsible for the accident. In other situations in which three or more cars are involved in a rear end accident, the front vehicle may need to file a claim against all rear vehicles.
Rear-end collisions occur when drivers are distracted, speeding, or following too closely. Weather or other hazardous road conditions or obstructions such as construction or wildlife can also contribute to accidents, including rear-end collisions. Faulty brake lights or not using a vehicle’s hazard lights when there is a problem can also cause accidents. Other common causes of rear-end collisions include erratic driving or sudden maneuvers like slamming on the breaks, switching the car from drive into reverse, or making an incomplete turn.
Often, multi-car accidents mean multiple drivers are at fault. Any drivers who contributed to the collision by following too closely, speeding, driving distracted or any other negligent behaviors may share responsibility when involved in a multi-car accident. Multi-vehicle accidents can become complicated as to determining which rear vehicle caused damages. For example, in a three vehicle rear-end accident, the front-most vehicle may need to file a claim against one or both rear vehicles.
After an accident, you should seek immediate medical attention even if you do not have any obvious injuries. Some serious injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not have any immediate symptoms but carry long-term consequences. Seek a medical evaluation, contact the police for an accident report, and contact your insurance company.
After you tend to your injuries - which is always most important - there are a few other steps you should take. Make sure to document everything you can about the accident, from the weather and road conditions to witness contact information. While it may seem excessive, taking these steps will ensure you have the evidence you need in the event of a lawsuit. Fault is typically determined through witness and officer statements, so be sure to speak with everyone who was at or near the scene and may have witnessed how the accident unfolded.
Second, make sure you capture photographic evidence of the accident scene, focusing on items like the position of the vehicles, tire skid marks, your injuries, and any property damage. While you may think that you’ll remember, memories fade. Be sure to capture the evidence while it exists.
Rear-end collisions can result in serious injuries including whiplash, neck injuries, back injuries, and even traumatic head injuries. These injuries often require costly, long-term medical treatment which can also lead to lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress on top of property damage to the involved vehicle. Fortunately, if you are injured in a rear-end collision, you can recover damages for all these things from the negligent driver.
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.
.avif){kind=small}
.avif){kind=small}
.avif){kind=small}
