You just got rear-ended at a stoplight in Madison. The other driver seems cooperative, and the damage doesn’t look too bad, so you both decide not to call the police. A few days later, your neck starts to hurt, your car needs more repairs than you thought — and now you’re wondering how to file a claim.

But then reality hits: there’s no accident report. Can you still file a car accident claim in Wisconsin?

The short answer is yes — but it can be more complicated. At Natasha Misra Law, we’ve helped drivers across Milwaukee, Appleton, Green Bay, Madison, and Hales Corners handle accident claims with and without accident reports. Here's what you need to know.

Why an Accident Report Matters

An accident report serves as an official, third-party record of your accident. It often includes:

  • The date, time, and location of the crash
  • Statements from the drivers and any witnesses
  • The officer’s observations and sometimes even a fault determination

Insurance companies often rely on accident reports when deciding how to handle a claim. Without one, the process can feel like your word against the other driver’s.

Can You Still File a Claim Without It?

Yes. You can still file a car accident claim without an accident report — but your claim will likely need stronger supporting evidence.

That includes:

  • Photos of the damage, scene, and injuries
  • Medical records showing your treatment
  • Witness statements
  • Repair estimates
  • Proof of missed work due to the accident

Without an accident report, it’s even more important to act quickly and stay organized. The insurance company may be more likely to challenge your version of events, delay your claim, or offer less than you deserve.

What If the Other Driver Changes Their Story?

This is a common issue when there’s no report to back up what really happened. At the scene, the other driver may admit fault or apologize — but a week later, their insurance company says you were to blame.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to involve the police, even in minor crashes. In Wisconsin, you’re legally required to report the accident to police if:

  • Someone is injured
  • There’s $1,000 or more in property damage
  • A government-owned vehicle is involved
  • When in doubt, call.

When to Call an Accident Injury Lawyer in Wisconsin

If you’ve been injured in a crash and there’s no accident report, it’s a smart idea to speak with a personal injury attorney early on. At Natasha Misra Law, we help people who’ve been hurt in car accidents navigate claims, even when the case starts out messy or unclear.

We’ll help gather the evidence, build your case, and handle communication with the insurance companies — so you can focus on recovering. Our personal injury team works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win.

We also offer multilingual support through a professional translation service, so if you or a loved one speaks Spanish, Burmese, Rohingya, or another language, we’re ready to help.

Contact Natasha Misra Law Today, and Get a Lawyer Who’s Not Just Another Suit

No accident report? Don’t panic — and don’t give up on your claim. Whether your accident happened in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Hales Corners, Madison, or Appleton, we’re here to help you figure out the next step and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Get a free consultation today. You deserve answers. You deserve to recover.

Child seats are absolutely essential for protecting your child while you drive. In this blog from Natasha Misra Law, we’ll look at the laws around child safety seats in Wisconsin, and provide some tips on proper baby seat installation.

Wisconsin Law Requires Children To Be Safely Seated In Child Seats 

Wisconsin law is very clear about safety requirements for kids: 

  • Babies less than one year old or 20 lbs in weight must be in a rear-facing child seat in the back seat.
  • Children who are under 4 years old or under 40 pounds must be in a car seat in the back seat.
  • Kids under 8 years of age or who are under 4 feet, 9 inches in height or 80 pounds must use a booster seat, again in the back seat.
  • Children who exceed these requirements may sit without a child seat.

Wisconsin does not have an explicit law about what age a child may be before they ride in the front passenger seat, but experts recommend that kids be at least 13 years old before riding in the front seat.

Tips For Installing Baby Seats In Your Car 

Wondering how to keep your child safe when purchasing and installing a child seat? Here are a few recommendations that will help.

  • Choose the right seat – Make sure to choose the right seat based on the Wisconsin laws outlined above. You can refer to the NHTSA’s car seat recommendations to make sure you get the right type of seat for your child. 
  • Read the installation instructions – More than half of all car seats are not installed properly. Each seat is different, so read the installation instructions closely to confirm that you’ve installed it safely and correctly. 
  • Double-check your child before you drive – Always make sure your child is properly buckled and secured. Double-check the car seat to ensure it’s installed correctly. 
  • Keep the car seat in place – Avoid constantly removing and replacing the car seat. Ideally, you should anchor it securely and leave it in place. This reduces the risk of accidentally installing it improperly. 

What To Do If Your Child Is Injured In A Car Accident

An injury to your child in a car accident can be devastating. If your child is injured, you may be able to pursue the negligent driver for damages including medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other such damages. Your car seat might also be damaged in an accident, making the insurance company of the person who caused for the accident responsible for replacing the car seat. The first step is an initial consultation with an experienced Milwaukee car accident attorney.

Keep Your Children Safe With These Child Seat Safety Tips

Remember, child safety when driving starts with you. Always choose a reputable car seat, secure it safely, and buckle your child in properly. This will provide maximum protection in case of an accident.

And if you and your child are involved in an accident, get in touch with Natasha Misraw Law for a consultation with a Milwaukee car accident attorney. Contact us online or call at 414-635-2858 to get the help you need.

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.