Were you involved in a crash in Wisconsin? You have the right to seek compensation for your damages, including vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost wages. A car accident claim is an important form of evidence. While it is possible to file a claim without a police report, it is highly recommended that you get one. Within this article, our Wisconsin auto accident lawyers explain the key points to know about police reports, including about your ability to file a claim for compensation with and without one.
You Have a Responsibility to Report Most Crashes to Law Enforcement in Wisconsin
One of the first things that you should do at the scene of a car accident is to call the police. As explained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, state law requires drivers to report most car accidents to law enforcement. Specifically, you must report a crash if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Obviously, $1,000 in total property damage is not especially high. Many seemingly minor crashes result in significantly more property damage than that. Notably, failure to report a qualifying accident could lead to legal penalties. Prompt reporting ensures an official record of the incident. The responding officer(s) should come to the scene of the crash, control it, and write an accident report.
It is Possible to File a Claim Without a Police Report—But it is Not Recommended
In Wisconsin, you can file an insurance claim without a police report. Indeed, it is important to understand your rights: A police report is not required in order to move forward with a claim. With that being said, doing so is generally not recommended. If you do not report an accident, it can make it more challenging to get full and fair financial compensation for your damages. A police report provides an official record of the crash, including details about the parties involved, damages, and potential causes. Without this documentation, proving fault or substantiating your claim can be an issue. Insurance companies may question the validity of your claim. The result could be a delay or even denial of your car accident claim.
A Police Report is an Important Form of Evidence
A police report is a valuable, important piece of evidence for a car accident injury claim. Indeed, the police report will generally provide a wide range of information about the crash. Here are some of the specific things that you may find within your car accident police report:
- Basic Crash Information: As a starting point, a police report will typically include essential details about the accident, including the date, time, and location. These facts establish when and when and where the crash happened.
- Identification of Parties Involved: Next, the police report will usually include the names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of the drivers involved. It may also identify passengers and their information if that is applicable.
- Witness Statements: If there were eyewitnesses to the accident, the police report often includes their names, contact details, and summaries of their statements. Witness accounts can provide an independent perspective on what happened to cause the crash.
- Description of Vehicle Damage: In most cases, the police report will also note any visible damage to the vehicles involved. The information can help assess the severity of the crash and may be used by insurance adjusters to determine repair costs.
- Officer’s Observations (Some Cases): While not always included, the responding officer may document their observations—such as weather conditions, road hazards, and any apparent violations of traffic laws.
- A Diagram of the Scene: Many police reports include a sketch or diagram showing the position of the vehicles, road layout, and any relevant markings or signals. The diagram is a visual representation that helps clarify the crash dynamics.
- Any Traffic Citations: Traffic citations are not issued after every car crash. However, there are cases in which one driver may be cited for a violation at the scene of the collision. If any were issued—whether a speeding ticket or drunk driving arrest—that should be noted within the police report and it can be especially compelling in a car accident claim.
Recovering Compensation After a Crash in Wisconsin
Following a serious motor vehicle collision in Wisconsin, you have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages—including non-economic costs. You cannot rely on any insurance company to willingly step up and pay you the full and fair financial compensation that you deserve. Our Wisconsin auto accident attorneys help injured victims seek compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance costs and emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other health care expenses;
- Physical therapy and rehabilitative care;
- Loss of wages and diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Loss of quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Why Trust Our Wisconsin Car Crash Lawyers for Help
Car accident injury claims are complicated. You do not have to take on an insurance company alone after a bad crash. At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, we are always prepared to invest the time, resources, and attention to detail to help injured victims get the best results. Our Wisconsin personal injury lawyer is standing by, ready to review your case for free, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take immediate action to get the possible outcome—regardless of whether or not you currently have a copy of the police report.
Contact Our Wisconsin Auto Accident Attorney Today
At Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler, LLC, our Wisconsin car crash attorneys fight aggressively for justice for victims and families. If you have any specific questions or concerns about police reports and motor vehicle accident claims, we can help. Call us at 608-784-4370 or connect with us online for your free, no strings attached case review. We fight for the rights of car accident victims in Eau Claire, Onalaska, La Crosse, and throughout the entire region.