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.

The aftermath of a serious car accident can feel extremely overwhelming. From seeking the medical treatment you need to tracking down witnesses and attempting to get back on your feet financially, you have so much to do - and filing an insurance claim may be the last thing on your mind.

Fortunately, you don’t have to do this alone. An experienced Milwaukee auto accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you need from the insurance companies to move forward. Your attorney can also explain the different types of claims available that you are able to file and can build a strong case to maximize your potential settlement.

Here, we will share a brief overview of the types of auto insurance claims you can file and how a skilled personal injury attorney can help you prepare one.

Filing A Liability Insurance Claim After A Car Accident

When you are involved in a car accident with a driver who carries liability insurance, you can file a claim against that driver’s policy. This is often called a “third-party” insurance claim, since you do not have a contract with the other driver’s insurer.

When you file a third-party claim, your auto accident lawyer will contact the other driver’s insurance company to initiate the claims process. When the claim is set up, your lawyer will provide the necessary documentation in effort to get the insurance company to accept insurance coverage and liability. This may include the following types of information and evidence:

  • Names and contact information of eyewitnesses to the incident;
  • The accident report;
  • Video footage of the accident scene;
  • Photos of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle;
  • Receipt for towing and storage of your vehicle;
  • The name and contact information of your vehicle repair shop.

When you finish treating for your injuries or when it has been determined that you have a permanent injury or require future medical treatment, then your attorney will also provide additional documentation to the insurance company such as medical records, medical bills, permanency reports, lost wages, etc. as it relates to your injuries. This process often involves a series of negotiations between your attorney and the claims adjuster. A skilled personal injury attorney will work hard to ensure you are not pressured into settling for less than you deserve.

Filing An Uninsured Motorist Claim

Wisconsin law requires all motorists to purchase liability insurance. Nonetheless, there are many drivers out there who can’t afford - or don’t bother to apply for - auto insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, you will likely have to turn to your own insurance to pay for your damages. This is referred to as a "first party" insurance claim as it is against your own insurance company.

The State requires all drivers to carry minimum uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for personal injuries. This coverage will pay for damages that you sustained when hit by an uninsured motorist. 

However, this type of coverage does not pay for property damage to your vehicle. Property damage would be handled through the collision coverage portion of your policy.

Filing A Claim For Underinsured (UIM) Motorist Coverage

Although Wisconsin law imposes minimum requirements for uninsured motorist coverage, it is not mandatory to purchase underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in our State. 

UIM coverage provides an increased amount of coverage if you are injured in an accident caused by a motorist who was underinsured. UIM coverage increases the bodily injury protection if the limits of the at fault party are less than your UIM limits.

Hiring An Attorney After A Car Accident

When you are injured in a car accident, you need diligent, high-quality representation - regardless if you file a third party insurance claim or a claim against your own insurance company.

Milwaukee car accident law firm Natasha Misra Law can help. With a history of helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve, we stand ready to discuss your case with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.


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.