TL;DR: Key Points on How to File a Car Accident Report

  • Gather accurate identifying information at the scene, including insurance details and contact info from all drivers involved and witnesses.
  • Document the crash occurred with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the overall scene.
  • Colorado law requires filing a crash report for any motor vehicle accident; failure to do so may result in misdemeanor charges.
  • If police respond and investigate, they will complete a police report that serves as an official record of the incident.
  • If police do not respond, you must file an accident report online or by mail within sixty days with the Colorado Department of Revenue.
  • Include detailed information in the report: date, time, location, description of the accident, parties involved, injuries caused, and property damage.
  • Obtain a copy of the police report from the responding law enforcement agency for insurance claims or legal actions.
  • Police reports are vital for establishing fault and supporting insurance claims or lawsuits.
  • Seek legal assistance promptly if injured; Colorado law provides a three-year deadline for legal action after an accident.
  • Fuller Personal Injury Law offers free consultations and helps victims recover compensation for injuries caused by negligent drivers.

Essential Information Gathering at the Accident Scene

When you’re involved in a car accident, gathering accurate information at the scene is essential for supporting your police report and any future legal action. Start by exchanging insurance information with all parties involved, including drivers and passengers. Take clear pictures of the vehicles, the overall scene, and any visible property damage. Don’t forget to document the road conditions, such as weather, lighting, and any hazards that may have contributed to the crash. If you’ve been injured, consulting with a car accident attorney in Denver can help protect your rights from the very beginning of the process.

It’s also important to collect contact details from any witnesses who saw the accident happen. Make a note of their names and phone numbers, as their statements can be valuable during the investigation. Be sure to record your own vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number, as well as your personal and insurance details. The more thorough you are in documenting these details, the better prepared you’ll be to provide the necessary information to the police and to support your case if legal action becomes necessary.

Colorado Legal Requirements for Accident Reporting

Mandatory Reporting Laws

After an accident, Colorado law requires you to make an accident report for any motor vehicle collision, and failing to do so may prompt a misdemeanor charge. The official document is often called a crash report. If you’re injured, calling the police is an essential first step toward recovering the compensation you’ll be entitled to and that you may need to cover your medical expenses.

When Police Respond vs. When They Don’t

If the police respond, an officer will conduct a professional investigation while the evidence is still fresh and while witnesses and drivers are still at the scene. A written police accident investigation report, called a crash report, is completed by the officer, and that report is an objective, third-party explanation of what occurred.

If the police respond to your 911 call and investigate the accident, your legal obligation to make an accident report is fulfilled. The parties responsible for the accident are required to file the report. It’s best to report even a minor accident. Moreover, reporting the accident puts you in the best possible position to take legal action and recover compensation.

Understanding how to file a police report after an accident properly ensures you meet all legal requirements and protect your rights.

What Information Must Be Included in Your Report

Required Documentation Details

Completing a police report after a car accident requires attention to detail. Be sure to include the date, time, and exact location of the crash. Provide a clear description of how the accident occurred, noting the sequence of events and any contributing factors. List the names and contact information of all parties involved, including drivers, passengers, and any witnesses.

Documenting Injuries and Property Damage

Document any injuries sustained by those involved, as well as the extent of property damage to all vehicles. It’s also important to note the weather and road conditions at the time of the accident, as these details can help law enforcement and insurance companies understand the circumstances. Include information about each vehicle, such as make, model, and license plate number. By thoroughly documenting all relevant information, you help ensure that the report is complete and can be used effectively for insurance claims or legal proceedings.

Even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt, remember that you should seek medical attention after an accident even if you think you’re not hurt – some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.

Filing Options When Police Don’t Respond

Online and Mail Filing Procedures

If the police do not respond to the accident scene after a 911 call and do not conduct an investigation, you’ll need to file an accident report online or by mail with the Colorado Department of Revenue within sixty days. You have the option to choose your preferred filing method. To file online, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue official website to submit your report.

Timing Requirements for Self-Reporting

If you were injured or you suffered significant property damage, submit that report immediately. Mailing your accident report to the Department of Revenue is legally the same as sending it online, but you will have to print out the accident report form and complete it. Once submitted, you can access your crash report through the online portal.

How Police Conduct Accident Investigations

Investigation Process and Evidence Collection

When the police respond to an accident and conduct an investigation, their final report will include the time and date of the crash, the names of the drivers and the eyewitnesses, and information about the visibility, vehicles, conditions, and other details about the collision. The officer will be talking to victims and witnesses at the scene to gather information and observations about the incident. The report may also include an estimate of repair costs or damages related to the accident.

Importance of Professional Investigation

Insurance companies and courts depend on these investigations because the officers are trained – and quickly become experienced – accident investigators. These reports are vital for insurance and legal purposes, as they help establish fault and support claims or lawsuits. In legal proceedings, the admission of police reports as evidence can be crucial for proving liability. If their investigation suggests that the other motorist was liable, it may be possible for your lawyer to negotiate a quick settlement out-of-court. Legal professionals can also assist you with obtaining police reports and filing insurance claims.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper accident documentation and reporting are essential for traffic safety analysis and legal proceedings.

Obtaining Your Police Report Copy

Request Process and Requirements

A printed copy of the police accident investigation report may be requested online and will become available within ninety days of the accident. You’ll need to complete this request form and pay the required fee to the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. It is important to note that there are specific timeframes for obtaining or filing reports, often measured in months, and in some cases, you may be required to act within six months of the incident.

In order to acquire a copy of the police investigation report online, you will also need to have the date, time, and location where the accident happened. Be sure that you also have the investigating police officer’s name as well as the other motorist’s name.

Getting Your Report for Records

After your car accident has been reported, you may need to obtain a copy of the police report for your records or to support an insurance claim or legal action. To do this, contact the law enforcement agency or department that responded to the scene. Many agencies allow you to request a report online, by phone, or in person at their office. Be prepared to provide your name, the date and location of the accident, and, if available, the report number.

There may be a small fee to receive a copy of the report, which can typically be paid by check, card, or cash, depending on the agency’s requirements. Having a copy of the report on hand is important, as you may need to refer to it when dealing with your insurance company or if you decide to pursue legal action. Always check with the responding agency for their specific process and requirements to ensure you receive your report promptly.

Understanding Police Report Contents

Key Information Included

A police report from a car accident is a comprehensive document that includes a variety of important details. You’ll find information about the time, date, and location of the crash, as well as the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved. The report will also document any injuries or property damage, and note the road and weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Reviewing for Accuracy

In addition, the report may contain statements from witnesses or those involved, which can be crucial in determining fault. Reviewing the report carefully allows motorists to verify that all information is accurate and complete. This attention to detail can support your case with the insurance company or in court, ensuring that your interests are protected and that the facts of the accident are clearly documented.

Using Police Reports for Insurance Claims

Supporting Your Insurance Claim

When it comes time to file an insurance claim after a car accident, the police report becomes a key piece of evidence. Insurance companies often require a copy of the report to process your claim, as it provides an objective account of the accident, including details about the parties involved, the damage caused, and any injuries reported. The report can help establish fault and clarify the extent of the damages, supporting your claim for compensation.

Filing Requirements and Deadlines

Be sure to provide your insurance company with a copy of the report, along with any additional evidence such as photos or medical records. Keep in mind that there may be limitations and requirements, such as a six-month window to file your claim, and that knowingly submitting false information can result in fines or other penalties. By using the police report to support your claim, you help ensure a smoother process and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses.

Understanding key insurance company facts that can strengthen your claim can help you navigate the claims process more effectively.

When Legal Representation Becomes Necessary

Determining When You Need an Attorney

If you are injured in a traffic accident, a Denver traffic accident lawyer can review the details of your case – along with the police report – and advocate for the compensation you need. Many accident victims feel overwhelmed by the legal and administrative process, but an experienced attorney can help guide you through each step and reduce your stress. Colorado law gives injured traffic accident victims a three-year deadline to take legal action.

Understanding Colorado’s statute of limitations for car accidents is crucial for protecting your right to compensation.

Acting Quickly for Best Results

If that deadline has passed, you still might qualify to take legal action under one of the narrow exceptions to the deadline, so a Colorado accident lawyer might still help, but it is far better if your lawyer can speak to the witnesses immediately, while their memories are fresh, and review the evidence before it deteriorates or disappears. Additionally, if you have been involved in multiple reportable crashes, you may be subject to a DMV crash re-evaluation program, which can include interviews and testing to assess your ability to drive safely.

Don’t wait three years after the accident – in fact, don’t even wait three weeks – to schedule a consultation with a Denver traffic accident attorney. Make the call immediately after a healthcare professional has examined and treated you for your injury or injuries.

Learning how to file a personal injury lawsuit can help you understand the legal process if your case requires court action.

Cost of Legal Representation and Compensation

No Upfront Costs for Legal Help

If you have been injured in Colorado because another driver was negligent, it costs you nothing to receive personalized advice and start the legal process. Your first consultation with a Colorado personal injury attorney is provided without obligation or cost.

You may also receive a formal letter from the DMV or your insurance company notifying you of important updates, such as inclusion in a review program or information about your claim.

Contingency Fee Structure

Personal injury attorneys in the Denver Metropolitan area represent their clients on a contingent fee basis, so you pay no fee to an injury attorney unless and until that attorney recovers your compensation with a courtroom verdict or an out-of-court settlement.

In Colorado, if you’ve sustained an injury or injuries because another driver was negligent, and your accident lawyer can prove it, you will be compensated for your current and projected future medical costs, lost wages and projected future lost wages, and other related losses and damages.

Understanding what a personal injury lawyer does can help you make informed decisions about legal representation.

Why Choose Fuller Personal Injury Law?

Experienced Advocacy for Accident Victims

If you’ve sustained an injury or injuries because another driver was negligent, you need an advocate: someone who will address your legal concerns, someone who will hold the at-fault party or parties liable, and someone who will fight for justice and the compensation you need.

Since 2002, Fuller Personal Injury Law has been helping injured negligence victims in the greater Denver area and throughout the State of Colorado recover the resources they need to return their lives to normal as far possible. Our team has recovered more than $40 million on behalf of our clients.

Comprehensive Support Through Recovery

If you are injured in a car, bus, truck, or motorcycle accident, you may face what seem like overwhelming challenges, but Fuller Personal Injury Law can help you get your life back on track – and help you move positively and constructively into the future – after a traffic accident and a serious injury.

If you are injured by a negligent driver in or near Denver or anywhere in the state, after you have been examined and treated for your injury or injuries by a medical provider, call Fuller Personal Injury Law as quickly as possible at (720) 770-3832, and put the law on your side.