Q: I was in a car accident on 10/15/2024. The other person was at fault (stated by the reporting officers).
I've been waiting on the police report since then in order to start my insurance claim. To date, the officer still hasn't given me any police reports , and a month after the incident when I contacted him he stated that he never filed the report because he forgot . If the insurance company decides to close the case because they have no proof of the incident since the police report was never filed , would I be able to receive compensation from the police since they're the ones that caused me to not be able to file my claim in time in order to get my car fixed? It has caused me my job since I can't get to work and a lot of stress
A:
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’re facing—it’s a frustrating situation to be in. To address your question, you do not need a police report to pursue a claim against the at-fault driver. While a police report can be helpful, it is not the only way to prove what happened in the accident. Other forms of evidence, such as witness statements, photos of the scene, and repair or medical records, can be used to support your case.
If the insurance company closes your claim due to the lack of a police report, that does not prevent you from pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver to recover your damages, including the cost of repairing your car and other losses, such as lost wages and emotional distress.
I strongly recommend that you contact a qualified personal injury attorney in Wisconsin immediately. An attorney can help you navigate this situation, gather the necessary evidence, and ensure your rights are protected. Acting quickly is essential, as there are time limits (statutes of limitations) on filing claims.
Don’t let the absence of a police report stop you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Best of luck as you move forward with your case.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.