After being involved in a car accident in Milwaukee that seemed minor, you might wonder whether to call the police or not. One might consider it unnecessary and go the convenient way to exchange insurance information and get going. But did you know these ‘small accidents’ can turn into a complicated legal situation? At MacGillis Law Group, LLC, over the years, we have helped numerous car accident victims seek justice, and we understand how these minor collisions can evolve into a complex legal nightmare. Hiring an experienced law firm ensures you get fair compensation and not what insurance parties offer. Consulting with a car accident attorney means you have legal guidance you can rely on.
Am I Legally Obligated to Call Police After a Car Accident in Wisconsin?
One is not legally obligated to call the police after every car accident in Wisconsin. However, under Wisconsin Statute 346.70, there are some cases in which you are legally required to call the police. As per the Wisconsin law, you must immediately report to the police if you are involved in a car accident when:
- In case of injury to the driver, vehicle passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- An accident that caused major damage to an individual
- Property damage worth more than $1000 or more
It is always advisable to call the police if any party is injured in an accident, whether minor or major. Even minor collisions can lead to long-term damage to the quality of life or the vehicle. In such a case, you can hire MacGillis Law Group, LLC, a Milwaukee car accident lawyer, to seek justice and compensation you deserve.
What If I Do Not Report a Car Accident to Police in Milwaukee?
If you fail to report a car accident, the consequences can be very serious. The first and foremost result could be a traffic ticket with penalties and license points (12 points cause license suspension). In case a driver fails to report the police or leaves the crash scene when involved, it could lead to criminal charges, a suspended license, hefty penalties, or a prison term.
When to Call 911 After a Car Crash in Milwaukee?
In many situations, reporting to the police is crucial even if there is minor vehicle damage. It is advisable to call 911 after a car accident in the following cases:
- Injuries: If someone is injured, even minor headaches can prove to be fatal in the long run.
- Damaged Vehicles Restricting Traffic: If the wrecked cars pose a safety threat to traffic, police assistance can help guide the traffic.
- Hit & Run Possibility: There are chances that the at-fault party might want to leave before assessing the situation.
- Lack of Proper Documentation: If the involved parties has missing license or valid insurance.
- Driver Under Influence: If there are signs of alcohol or drug abuse by drivers involved.
How Does Not Reporting Police After a Car Accident in Milwaukee Impact an Insurance Claim?
After a car accident, not calling the police can lead to a financial nightmare. Insurance companies often rely on police reports to determine fault. Not having official police reports implies you lack evidence supporting your claim.
Challenges You Might Face:
- Critical scrutiny of claims
- Delayed claim processing
- Difficulty in proving fault
- Higher burden of proof
- Low settlement offers
- Rejected claims
- Reduced credibility
Why Do Minor Milwaukee Car Accidents Can Result in Bigger Medical & Legal Issues?
Some of the consequences of these ‘minor’ accidents can result in:
- Delayed injuries like soft tissues, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal trauma can manifest into bigger issues.
- Expensive vehicle damage like safety systems, airbag sensors, and computerised systems can lead to costly repairs.
- What can start as minor issues can lead to months of diagnostic tests, physical therapy, specialized treatments, and expensive medical treatments.
MacGillis Wiemer Law Group, LLC: Your Trusted Law Firm in Milwaukee
At MacGillis Wiemer Law Group, LLC, our personal injury lawyers in Milwaukee are dedicated to helping victims injured due to the negligence of others. We are available for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us protect you.