Why Do Truck Rollover Accidents Occur?

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.

Commercial trucks are large and weigh much more than passenger vehicles. This makes them less stable, increasing their risk of rollover accidents. Truck rollovers can be some of the worst truck accidents on Wisconsin roadways, and those involved can suffer serious to fatal injuries. Even though trucks aren't as easy to maneuver as passenger vehicles, it's important to note that rollover accidents are also caused by the negligence of passenger vehicles. Quick maneuvers and failing to stay out of a truck's blind spots are ways that everyday drivers lend a hand in a rollover accident.

What are the Causes of Truck Rollover Accidents?

There are many potential causes of truck rollovers, including:

Speeding or Reckless Driving: Speeding is one of the contributing factors to rollover accidents, involving more than 35 percent of the accidents. Speed causes a rollover when truck drivers drive too fast, joining or navigating around corners. Traveling too fast on sharp corners or refusing to slow down to adjust the additional height and weight can result in a rollover. Reckless driving can also be a contributing factor. Passenger vehicles' recklessness can cause trucks to try to stop quickly, which isn't always possible. Additionally, cars weaving in and out of traffic quickly can be a large contributor to rollover accidents.

Losing Control of a Truck: FMCSA research found that a lack of control can lead to a rollover truck accident. Common things that can make a truck lose control include poor steering, improper braking, inadequate reaction to road hazards, or tailgating.

Distracted Driving: Another reason for truck rollover crashes is the lack of driver attention. This occurs when a driver loses focus on the road because of distractions, exhaustion, or drowsiness. Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and sometimes that can cause even the most cautious driver to slip up. Any time a driver takes their mind off the road, they risk a rollover crash.

Improper Pre-Operative Conditions: Sometimes, failing to check the truck's condition before hitting the road can cause a truck rollover accident, according to the FMSCA study. These conditions include poor cargo securement procedures, failure to complete a pre-trip inspection, and drivers who are not in the right state to drive due to a disease or other reasons.

Failing to Scan Intersections: Failing to scan the road, especially at intersections, can lead to wrong maneuvers contributing to a truck rollover accident. Passenger vehicles are also to blame for these accidents. Passenger vehicles might think they can make a yellow light or run red lights resulting in collisions.

Truck Rollover Accidents Cause Severe Injuries

While truck drivers have sufficient protection in their trucks, truck crashes can cause serious injuries to bystanders, motorists, passenger vehicles, and other truckers. This is because of their large size and weight, which creates a massive impact during the rollover. The most common truck rollover injuries include:

Neck injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Amputations
Head and brain injuries
Burns

Get Help from a Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a Wisconsin truck rollover crash, you can file a claim against the truck driver or other responsible party to recover compensation for your damages and injuries.

If you need help getting started, reach out to a Wisconsin truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Attorney Natasha Misra is ready to take on your case and help you fight for justice and the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation online or call (414) 210-3834 to discuss your case with our legal team.

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.