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.

A collision resulting from a motorist turning right on a red traffic light can have fatal consequences. In most cases, the layout of the intersection, surrounding traffic patterns, and vehicle speed are found to be critical variables in determining the outcome of a case. It’s important to know the law and understand who holds the right of way to keep your loved ones safe.

Wisconsin Right Turn On Red Law

In Wisconsin, a motorist approaching a solid or flashing red light or stop sign must come to a complete stop prior to the nearest marked limit line, such as a crosswalk, or the entrance to the intersection itself. The State law allows motorists to make a right turn after stopping at a red light, as long as:

  1. There are no signs prohibiting it,
  2. the driver does not have to cross traffic lanes to make the turn,
  3. and it is safe to do so.

There are a number of ways that a right turn on red accident can occur. Below we discuss a few common causes.

Driver Does Not Stop or Yield

If you are driving straight toward an intersection and have a green light, and another vehicle hits you after making a right turn without stopping or yielding the right of way, that driver could be found negligent and liable for the accident. Vehicles that are already on the roadway have the right of way, unless they have a stop sign, traffic light, or traffic signal that tells them to stop.

Even in the case of a speeding oncoming car, motorists should yield before making a right on red turn. A motorist may be found liable if they attempt to merge without accounting for the necessary time and space to do so.

Pedestrians & Bicyclists

When motorists begin to execute a right-hand turn, they are generally more focused on oncoming traffic and their ability to merge successfully. If you’re a pedestrian or a cyclist within a marked crosswalk, you may find yourself outside of their field of view and in a situation that leaves you hurt or hospitalized.

If a vehicle strikes you in a crosswalk, the driver will often claim to have had the right of way and that you crossed during a “no walk sign,” or out of turn. Any evidence that proves your right to cross will be important to your case. There may be witnesses nearby or traffic cameras that can be checked. The police may also do breathalyzer tests to see if the driver was under-the-influence or determine if they had been using their cellphones while driving.

Hit and Run Accidents

Hit and run accidents are also common with right turn on red accidents. In a hit-and-run, any information regarding the description (Ex. model, color, or license plate) will help ensure that the driver is found. A general rule of thumb is to always take care of yourself or any bodily injuries first, before attempting to gather any evidence or testimony.

Contacting A Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney

If you have been injured by a negligent motorist making a right-hand turn on a red light, contact our office to begin working towards a resolution. You may be entitled to compensation to cover any injuries, damages, lost wages, and/or medical costs you have incurred. Contact the Milwaukee personal injury law firm Natasha Misra Law today to schedule 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.