Do I Have To Report an Accident in Colorado?

After being involved in a car crash, reporting an accident in Colorado may be more important than you realize. Our state has specific rules regarding when and how accidents need to be reported to law enforcement.

Failing to adhere to these rules could result in fines or penalties. More importantly, it could cause complications when filing your insurance claim or, worst case, your car accident lawsuit. Understanding these rules could make the difference between a smooth recovery and a legal fiasco.

If you are uncertain about reporting an accident in Colorado, err on the side of caution and call law enforcement. If you’ve been injured and need to seek compensation, call 303-792-5595 to schedule a FREE case evaluation with the car accident attorneys at Burg Simpson. We proudly represent clients in Denver and throughout Colorado.

What Are the Rules for Reporting an Accident in Colorado?

Reporting an accident in Colorado is required by law. According to C.R.S. § 42-4-1606, drivers must report certain types of car accidents to law enforcement. If the car crash involved an injury, death, or significant property damage (over $1,000), you must report it to local authorities immediately.

Failing to report a car accident that meets the above criteria could result in a misdemeanor charge, fines, or even jail time. If a driver is thought to have left a crime scene, this could be considered a hit-and-run and result in even more severe criminal consequences.

It is also important to notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have a specific timeframe for reporting accidents, so it would behoove you to be aware of their requirements.

When you fail to report a crash to law enforcement or your insurance provider, you risk delays and denials of your claim. Reporting appropriately and promptly helps to protect your right to compensation.

What Is the Fender Bender Law in Colorado?

Not all fender benders require a police report. The “Fender Bender Law” refers to accidents with minor property damage. In cases of damage under $1000, reporting an accident in Colorado to the police is not mandatory, though it is always best to be cautious. If you are not sure how much damage has been done—call law enforcement to report the accident.

If no one is injured, there is little property damage, and both drivers can safely move their cars, filing an immediate report may not be necessary. Instead, information can be exchanged and a report can be filed later. Your insurance provider may still require a police report, even when damage is minimal.

How To Report an Accident in Denver

When reporting an accident in Colorado, there are certain steps to take that will protect you legally and financially:

1. Safety First! Before anything else, check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. If the vehicles involved are operational, move them to safety to avoid further accidents.
2. Call Law Enforcement. As stated above, if the accident involves an injury, death, or significant property damage, you are required to call the police. In Denver, you can contact local law enforcement or the Colorado State Patrol. The police will file an official accident report that may be a major piece in your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
3. Gather Information. If you are able, collect information from the other driver(s), including their name, contact details, driver’s license number, and insurance info. Document as much of the accident as you can with photos and video as well.
4. File an Online Report. If law enforcement does not come to the scene but you suffered non-life-threatening injuries, you can still file a report online through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s crash reporting system within 60 days. This documentation can be intrinsic to a successful claim for compensation.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company. Contact your insurance company immediately after a car accident. Report the accident and your injuries, providing them with as many details as possible to support your claim.

Reporting an accident in Colorado promptly complies with the law. It also helps protect your right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from your car accident injuries.

Do You Need a Police Report To File an Insurance Claim in Colorado?

While not all insurance companies require a police report for each and every claim, having an official document cannot hurt your claim. A police report can provide a detailed and unbiased account of your accident. This can be especially helpful should there be any disputes on liability. Take it as an opportunity to protect yourself and your future claim.

How Long Do You Have To Report a Traffic Accident in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, any car accident that results in injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported immediately. If law enforcement is not present at the scene, it is the driver’s responsibility to report the accident as soon as possible. For accidents that involve property damage only, drivers have up to 24 hours to notify the police.

If an officer is not available to come to the scene, drivers can file an accident report online within 60 days. However, it is important to know that law enforcement will not investigate accidents that are only reported online.

Please remember that if there was an injury or death due to the accident, you must contact the police directly from the scene. Timely reporting does not just comply with the law and protect your legal rights—it helps keep people safe.

Contact the Denver Car Accident Attorneys at Burg Simpson Today

Reporting an accident in Colorado may seem stressful, but failing to do so will only make your situation worse. The car accident lawyers at Burg Simpson have extensive experience helping victims pursue just compensation for their losses.

Contact us for a FREE and confidential case evaluation if you have been injured in a car crash. We can establish the viability of your claim and then advocate for you with insurance companies and at trial, if necessary.