Proper Documents Needed for Auto Accident Claim in Wisconsin

 Posted on October 30, 2025 in Car Accidents

If you have been involved in a car accident in Wisconsin, you may quickly realize that your physical injuries are only the beginning. If you want to file a case and recover damages, then the paperwork, the deadlines, and the evidence all matter just as much as what happened at the scene.

Getting these things together and making a strong argument that another person was at fault for the accident can be very difficult. To give yourself the best chance of a fair recovery, you must gather the right documentation and follow the correct procedures. Even small mistakes or missed deadlines can mean getting nothing at all, no matter how much you need or deserve it.

Fortunately, you do not have to do it all yourself. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP, our Wisconsin personal injury lawyers have many years of experience helping people get compensation after serious car crashes. Call us today at 414-271-1440 to schedule a free consultation.

Why You Need to Have the Right Documentation for a Car Accident Lawsuit

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported 127,551 traffic crashes and 509 fatalities in 2024. That means every day, hundreds of people find themselves trying to figure out what to do after an accident. Having the right evidence helps you protect your rights and show an accurate picture of the crash.

Thorough documentation does more than show what happened. It creates a timeline of the crash, the costs of your medical treatment, and the recovery process. Without this, insurers may try to say that your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.

After a crash, most people focus on getting medical attention and fixing their car. However, the paperwork you can get together in the hours and days after a crash can determine whether or not your claim succeeds. Insurance adjusters and defense attorneys need evidence to decide whether your version of events is true. When important pieces of evidence are missing or incomplete, it is easier for an insurance company to deny responsibility.

What Documents Do You Need After a Crash?

Right after the accident, start keeping records and evidence. Even a simple folder or a digital file can keep the process organized. The following are the most important categories of documentation.

Crash and Police Reports

Wisconsin law requires certain crashes to be reported. Under Wisconsin Statute §346.70, a crash must be reported "by the quickest means" if there is injury, death, or $1,000 or more in damage to any one person’s property. If the police do not file a report, you may be required to submit the written report yourself. Ask for a copy of the completed report or at least get the crash number. This document records the date, time, and the people involved, all of which can support your claim.

Witness Information and Scene Evidence

If you can, take pictures of the vehicles, license plates, and damage at the scene. Try to include images of skid marks, traffic signs, and weather. Make sure you get the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash. Write down what you remember about how the crash happened.

Medical Records and Bills

Medical records are the most important part of any personal injury claim. Keep all records related to your treatment. This might include ambulance bills, emergency room records, imaging such as X-rays or MRIs, and discharge reports. Save every itemized bill, prescription list, and rehabilitation note. If you go to physical therapy or chiropractic sessions, keep copies of all appointment logs and treatment notes.

Proof of Lost Wages and Income

If your injuries forced you to miss work, get a written confirmation from your employer stating your pay and the number of hours or days you missed. Save pay stubs from before and after the accident to verify the difference.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses and Miscellaneous Costs

Accidents often lead to unexpected expenses that may not appear on medical or insurance records. Keep receipts for: 

• Towing

• Car repairs

• Rental car costs 

• Adaptive equipment

• Medications

• Transportation to medical appointments

• Any services you had to hire because of your injuries, such as childcare or home maintenance

These small details add up and can form part of your total damages. If you are not sure exactly how to document these costs, talk to a personal injury lawyer who knows how to help.

Correspondence with Insurance Companies

Save every email, letter, and message exchanged with insurance adjusters. Keep copies of any written statements you give them. Record the date and content of every phone call or discussion about the claim. Insurers sometimes misplace or reinterpret earlier statements. Keeping your own paper trail prevents confusion and protects your position.

Timeline

When your documentation is complete, organize it in the order that it happened. Begin with the crash date, then list each medical appointment, work absence, and financial expense in order. A simple timeline allows your attorney to quickly find missing records. Your lawyer will use these records to show insurers or juries exactly how your injuries progressed.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim After a Car Crash in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Wisconsin Statute §893.54(1m), you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a claim. In cases involving a death, Wisconsin Statute §893.54(2m) sets a two-year deadline from the date of death.

If your claim is against a city, county, or state agency, you may also need to provide written notice of your claim within 120 days of the incident. Missing these deadlines can permanently keep you from getting compensated.

Call a Milwaukee, WI Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you have been injured in a car accident, you do not have to face the process alone. Contact our top-rated and highly experienced Wisconsin car crash attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP at 414-271-1440 for a free consultation.

We can help you find the documents you need, meet every deadline, and present the strongest possible claim.