2011 Wisconsin Act 256 extends responsibility for contacting law enforcement after a reportable accident to the occupant of a vehicle involved in the accident, not just the owner. A reportable accident involves injury or death to another, apparent damage of $200 or more to government property, or apparent damage of $1,000 or more to any property or government vehicle. The Act increases the fine for violating the reporting requirement and adds that the violator may be subject to an assessment of 6 demerit points for each violation.
The Act also creates a provision that requires any owner, occupant, or contracted vehicle removing service to ensure that law enforcement has been contacted before removing the vehicle from the scene of the accident unless the vehicle’s position presents an immediate threat to the safety of other motorists. Finally, it creates a penalty for knowingly assisting the operator or occupant of a vehicle involved in a reportable accident unless the owner/occupant needs medical care or the assistant has been advised that law enforcement has already been notified of the situation.
