If you’ve been in a car accident in Milwaukee, Appleton, Waukesha, or Oshkosh, you might be wondering: Should I contact an attorney now or wait until the accident report is ready? It’s tempting to hold off, especially when reports often take 7-14 days—or even longer—to finalize. 

But here’s the truth: waiting can hurt your case. The car accident attorneys at Natasha Misra Law are here to let you know more about what you should do while the report is being created, and how legal support can make all the difference. 

How the Accident Report Fits Into Your Case

The accident report is a key document, and it’s important to know what it includes—and doesn’t include:

  • The Basics: Details about the location, time, and parties involved in the crash.
  • The Officer’s Observations: The responding officer may note the conditions at the scene, statements from drivers and witnesses, and potential causes of the accident.
  • Liability Notes: The report may include the officer’s opinion on who was at fault—but it’s not the final say.

However, accident reports aren’t always perfect. Errors or missing details can occur, and if you don’t have an experienced attorney reviewing the report, these inaccuracies can hurt your claim. At Natasha Misra Law, we review accident reports carefully, flag any errors, and work to correct them quickly. 

The Accident Report Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

While the accident report is an important investigative tool, it’s far from the only evidence your case relies on. Waiting for it means losing valuable time to collect:

  • Witness Statements: People’s memories fade fast, and key details could be lost.
  • Scene Evidence: Skid marks, debris, or vehicle damage may disappear within days.
  • Footage or Photos: Surveillance videos or dashcam recordings can be overwritten or erased.

We’ll handle the accident report for you, and we’ll get to work preserving evidence and building the strongest possible case.

What to Do If the Insurance Company Contacts You Before You Have the Report

Insurance companies don’t wait for accident reports—they move fast to protect their interests. If an adjuster calls you soon after the accident, they may:

  • Pressure you into giving a recorded statement that could be used against you.
  • Offer a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
  • Ask you to sign paperwork that could waive your right to future compensation.

Here’s what you should do:

  • Avoid Making Statements: Keep your conversation brief and do not provide a recorded statement until consulting an attorney.
  • Don’t Sign Anything: Wait until you’ve spoken with an attorney who understands your rights.
  • Call Us Right Away: Natasha Misra Law will handle all communications with the insurance company so you don’t have to.

Act Now With Natasha Misra Law to Protect Your Rights and Your Claim

Accident reports are important, but they take time—and time isn’t on your side when it comes to building a strong case. By reaching out to us right away, you’re giving yourself the best chance to secure the compensation you deserve.

We focus on getting you back on your feet—physically, emotionally, and financially. From the moment you call, we’ll take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest. Don’t let delays cost you your claim. Contact Natasha Misra Law today and let us fight for you—because you deserve more than just another suit.

Accidents can be overwhelming. Not only are you shaken, but you must worry about your health, your safety, and your damaged vehicle. Should you try and drive the vehicle home? Call a tow truck? Let the police have it hauled away? Here is some basic information about what you should do if your vehicle has been damaged in an accident.

Where are cars stored after an accident?

As evidence of the accident, cars must be carefully preserved until any accident reports and insurance investigations are complete. To determine fault and assess damages for insurance claims, the insurance companies of all involved drivers will complete an independent damage assessment of the affected vehicles.

Typically, cars that are not drivable from the scene of an accident are towed to an impound lot, tow lot, collision center, auto body shop or home. With the exception of your home, the vehicle is usually accumulating daily storage fees at these locations. Until all assessments and any investigations are complete by the insurance companies, it is important that the vehicles are not altered, repaired, or moved more than necessary.

If the vehicle is deemed a total loss as a result of the insurance investigation, then the insurance company may arrange to pick it up. If the insurance investigation concludes that the vehicle is repairable, then the vehicle repairs may begin at a collision center or auto body shop.

Am I responsible for towing my car after an accident?

The short answer is yes. If your vehicle is not operable, it should be towed to an impound lot, tow lot, collision center, auto body shop, or it can even be towed home to your driveway if you prefer. If you choose not to tow an inoperable vehicle and leave it near the accident scene, local laws will determine how quickly police have the vehicle towed when you do not return for it. It will then be your responsibility to pay the towing fees, storage fees, and other costs.

While you may have to bear the initial costs for towing and storage, ultimately the responsibility for the expense will fall on the insurance company for at fault driver.  Even if you believe another driver is at fault and will have to pay for your towing and storage fees, it is important to have the vehicle towed at a reasonable cost and remove the vehicle from storage as soon as appropriate to mitigate damages.

What happens if my car is drivable after an accident?

First, before you move the vehicle it is important to take photos of the accident scene including your car, the other vehicles, and your surroundings. This will be important evidence for insurance claims. The other driver's insurance company will likely want to see the vehicle to perform an independent damage assessment; however, these scene photos will save you from the risk of insurance adjusters questioning whether damage came from the accident or a subsequent event during transportation or storage.

Should I contact an attorney to help me with my car after an accident?

Accidents lead to a lot of back-and-forth insurance negotiations and confusing policy language. An experienced car accident attorney can help lessen the burden of figuring out what specific steps you need to take after an accident. From figuring out how to store your car after an accident to negotiating the insurance settlement you deserve, a personal injury attorney can help make the process a little less stressful. Natasha Misra Law helps with the repair or replacement of your car at no additional cost to you.

Contact Milwaukee personal injury attorney Natasha Misra Law today.

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.