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.

Chest injuries, particularly bruised or fractured ribs, are common in car accidents. While ribs usually heal without medical intervention, rib injuries can be painful and make breathing or coughing uncomfortable. If you suffered fractured ribs after a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain, as well as your accident-related medical expenses. Here is a quick overview of what you can expect with rib injuries from a car accident.

What are the symptoms of broken ribs?

Without an evaluation or diagnosis from a medical professional, it can be difficult to determine whether your ribs are fractured or simply bruised. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, visible bruising, and painful coughing or sneezing can indicate both fractures and contusions. However, when ribs are broken, the pain is often much sharper and may worsen when you bend or twist your upper body.

In some circumstances, rib injuries can be life-threatening. If you experience any of these symptoms following a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment and to avoid further injury or subsequent illness.

How are broken ribs treated?

While many rib injuries heal on their own, they can be quite painful in the meantime and may yield long-term consequences. Rib fractures can lead to collapsed lungs, a serious medical condition that can make breathing difficult. Because they can cause further internal injury, broken ribs often require surgical intervention, particularly if more than one rib is broken or other internal organs have been damaged. 

For less severe injuries, like bruising, you will likely be treated with OTC pain medication, ice, rest, and a period of restricted activity. 

How do car accidents cause broken ribs?

The force of a car colliding with another vehicle or stationary object can result in blunt trauma to the chest, resulting in broken ribs and other injuries. Whether from the impact of the steering wheel, dash, or just the force of the seatbelt securing the rider safely in the seat, car accidents cause broken ribs through impact, force, or other collision.

Can I recover compensation for rib injuries?

Yes, if you are injured in a car accident, you may file a lawsuit against the responsible party to recover accident-related medical expenses, lost wages, and even compensation for pain and suffering. The circumstances surrounding the accident, nature of your injuries, treatment, and what kind of insurance you carry will factor into the outcome of your case. 

If you were injured in a car accident, there are certain time limitations to file a case. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney immediately to discuss your options. With an attorney to advocate for your interests, you can focus on healing while your attorney fights to recover the compensation you deserve.


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.