An official police report is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a car accident claim. This document can play a crucial role in pursuing compensation through an insurance claim, as it contains detailed information about the crash, as observed by a neutral law enforcement officer.
Failing to file a required report can lead to penalties, including fines or even misdemeanor charges. Beyond that, not having a report can make it harder to prove your side of the story if disputes arise later.
When a Police Report Is Required
Not every accident in Colorado results in a police officer showing up at the scene. However, state law requires certain types of accidents to be reported. If someone is injured or killed, or if there’s property damage worth $1,000 or more, you are legally obligated to file a report.
If officers respond to the scene, they complete this process for you. However, if no officer is present on the scene, the responsibility may fall on you. In those cases, you’ll need to submit an accident report to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days of the collision.
How To Get a Police Report After an Accident in Colorado
Filing a Report If Police Don’t Respond
If you’re in a crash where the police don’t respond, Colorado gives you two options for filing your own report. The simplest way to file is online (https://mydmv.colorado.gov/). However, this option is only available if there were no injuries, no intoxicated drivers, no damage to public property, and it wasn’t a hit-and-run.
If your situation doesn’t meet those requirements, you’ll need to use a paper form and mail it to the DMV. You can access that form here.
How to Obtain the Police Report After Your Crash
Once a report exists, you’ll likely want to obtain a copy for your records. The first step is figuring out which agency handled the accident, whether a city police department, a county sheriff’s office, or the Colorado State Patrol.
Determining the agency will help you identify where your report originated. From there, you’ll need to complete a specific form, known as DR2489, which is the state’s official request form for accident reports.
You can submit this form to the Colorado DMV by mail, usually along with a small fee. Once processed, the DMV will send you a certified copy of the accident report. This document typically includes information about the people involved, the time and location of the crash, the officer’s notes, any citations issued, and sometimes even diagrams of the accident scene.
DMV processing can take days or even weeks, depending on volume. If your insurance company or lawyer needs the report, request it as soon as possible to avoid delays.
A Lawyer Can Help You Obtain Your Car Accident Report and Navigate the Claims Process
Securing a police report after an accident in Colorado is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legal rights. Whether you obtain it directly from law enforcement or through the DMV, the report provides official documentation that can strengthen your insurance claim.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Colorado, an experienced Littleton car accident attorney can help you obtain an accident report, navigate the insurance process, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Legal Help in Colorado today for a free consultation.