2024 How to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Denver?

Getting into a car accident in Denver, Colorado, can be an overwhelming and intimidating experience, making it vital to understand the steps to properly document an accident and ensure legal compliance. You may be wondering exactly how to file a police report after a car accident in Denver. The car accident attorneys at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard can provide insight into this process.

With over 50,000 car accidents occurring in Denver in 2022, it is essential for local residents to understand their legal rights and obligations in the event of an accident. Among the chief responsibilities individuals hold in the aftermath of a car accident is to ensure a police report is filed that documents the circumstances of the incident, detailing the following details accurately:

• Name and contact information of all parties involved
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Conditions at the time of the crash
• Specific violations

Depending on the severity of the accident, the officer at the scene may add more details or notes to the police report.

Reporting an Accident in Denver

Local Denver, Colorado law requires that any accident that results in any amount of damage or physical injury contact local law enforcement and ensure a police report is filed. The easiest way to go about this is to immediately contact law enforcement and report the accident. In general, an officer will be dispatched to the accident scene and file a report.

You are able to ask the officer for the report number to check in after five days to ensure that the report was submitted. If you find that the report was not officially submitted, it is your responsibility to submit a report with the correct department and detail the circumstances of the accident.

In the event that you are unable to contact law enforcement or a police officer never makes it to the accident scene, you are responsible for filing the accident within 60 days of a minor accident and ten days of a major accident. You can do this online or by mail with the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles.

It is essential that you as the driver take responsibility for the police report because if there is no record of the accident, this can affect your claim negatively and implicate you criminally. If you are concerned about this or are unsure if you have filed correctly, contact a car accident attorney to enlist their help and advice and allow their experience and know-how to be a pair of second eyes to ensure legal compliance.

Immediate Steps to Take After an Accident

While it is essential to ensure a police report is filed, there are other vital steps to take following an accident in Denver, Colorado, including the following:

• Identify Injuries and Move to Safety: Immediately following the accident, take a moment to assess any injuries that may need immediate care and contact emergency medical services. If you are in an unsafe area, like the middle of the highway, and there is a safe option to move to the side of the road or relocate to a safer area, take time to do so. This will help to prevent any further accidents or injury.
• Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement as soon as possible in the event of any damage or injury. Ensure that a police report is initiated.
• Exchange Information: If possible, exchange the contact information of all parties involved in the accident.
• Document the Scene: It can be helpful to take photos or videos of the accident scene for future reference.
• Notify Your Insurance Provider: Report the incident to your insurance provider.
• Consult a Local Car Accident Attorney: Contact a Colorado car accident attorney to get legal advice and assistance.

FAQs About Filing a Police Report After a Car Accident in Denver, CO

Do You Have to Call the Police After an Accident in Colorado?

You have to call the police after an accident in Colorado if there was any type of property damage, and/or injury involved. This means that most accidents that happen in Colorado are required to be reported. It is important to exercise great caution when it comes to accidents and file a report as this can assist in any insurance involvement or legal claim process.

Do You Need a Police Report to File a Claim in Colorado?

You do not need a police report to file a claim in Colorado. It can serve as a useful tool to have in litigation and negotiations as this acts as a legitimate recount of the accident circumstance, but it is not a requirement. If there was an accident where damage and injury occurred and no police report was made, the court may require an explanation of why as this is a requirement of any accident resulting in injury or damage.

How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Colorado?

The length of time you have to report an accident in Colorado is 60 days from the date of the collision if police are unable or fail to arrive at the scene of the accident. It is typically considered a crime if individuals leave the scene of an accident that involves injury or damages without contacting the police and ensuring a report is filed or in process. It is helpful to ensure a report is filed as soon as possible to ensure you are not implicated in a crime.

How Do I Get a Police Report From An Accident In Colorado?

To get a police report from an accident in Colorado, individuals are typically required to contact the Denver Police Department’s Record Unit to submit a request online, by phone, or by email, while also paying a $10 administrative fee. The request will need information such as name, address, phone number, the date and time of the accident, the accident report number, and more. The record unit can also provide detailed investigation reports at an additional cost.

Contact a Local Denver Car Accident Attorney Today

If you were involved in a car accident in Denver, Colorado, contact the car accident attorneys at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today. Our team works to ensure our client’s rights are upheld throughout the entire legal process while representing their case accurately and backed by attorneys who hold valuable experience and thorough legal understanding. Set up a consultation and learn how we can assist you in your car accident claim.