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.

If you’ve been in an accident, you may end up paying for more than just repairs to your vehicle. There are a lot of hidden costs that may pile up after your car is totaled or severely damaged in an accident. 

In this blog, we will explore the true cost of damage to your vehicle, and discuss who is responsible for paying these fees and how to recover compensation after you’ve been in an accident.

1. Property Damage To Your Vehicle

The first and most obvious cost is the actual property (or physical) damage to your vehicle. Cars are getting more expensive to repair due to the use of advanced electronics and sensors. Even an accident that seems minor can result in hefty repair bills – including the total loss of your vehicle. 

2. Costs of Towing & Vehicle Storage

You may need to pay to have your vehicle towed to an auto body shop, collision center or salvage yard, and you may need to pay to have it stored until insurance adjusters can examine it and determine whether or not it’s worth repairing. This isn’t cheap, and can easily cost you hundreds of dollars in daily storage fees.

3. Renting A Car

If you need a car to get to work, take your kids to school, and accomplish other day-to-day tasks, you may need to rent a car. The price of renting a car can fluctuate so it's best to check what coverage options are available first. If your car repairs take a long time, renting a car can be very expensive.

4. Loss Of Use 

In Wisconsin, it may be possible to recover compensation for “loss of use” meaning the period of time that your vehicle is unusable and out of service. This compensation covers the entire period of time that your vehicle cannot be used, and typically ends when your vehicle is declared a total loss. 

5. Damage To Personal Property 

A car accident can also cause damage to personal property. For example, if your laptop is in a bag in the front seat of your car and you’re hit, the airbags may explode and damage it or it may be shattered by the impact. Replacing damaged valuables should be considered when calculating the total value of your losses. 

Coverage For These Costs Depends On Your Insurance & Who Was At Fault 

If you were not at fault for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for these costs from the at-fault person’s insurance provider – including repair costs, towing and vehicle storage, rental coverage, loss of use, and personal property damage. However, you can also seek recovery from your own insurance policy under your collision coverage. In fact, it may be in your best interest to do so, depending on the specific circumstances of your accident. Additionally, when a car is totaled and the amount owed on the car exceeds the car’s value, a gap insurance policy may be used to cover the difference. Working with a Milwaukee car accident lawyer will help you determine the best path to recovery and reach an acceptable settlement.  Natasha Misra Law assists client with the repair or replacement of their vehicles at no additional cost.

If you are at fault, then your compensation will depend on the specifics of your insurance policy, and you may have to pay some out-of-pocket costs. Your insurance rates will also go up, since your insurance provider will have to cover your costs and the costs of the driver you hit. At times, it may be advisable to utilize your collision coverage.

Need Help After A Car Accident? Contact Natasha Misra Law Today! 

At Natasha Misra Law, we’re here to help victims of car accidents recover the compensation they deserve for property damage, injuries, medical bills, and more. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our Milwaukee car accident lawyers 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.