How Do I Report a Car Crash in Denver?

Being involved in a car crash in Denver, Colorado, can be a disorienting and stressful ordeal. Understanding the steps to properly report the accident is crucial for ensuring legal compliance and protecting your rights.

According to the Denver Post, there were 57,725 car crashes and 259 traffic-related deaths in Denver in 2022. With so many accidents, the odds are high that you are going to need to know how to report a car crash.

Should you or a loved one be injured in a car accident, the assistance of a knowledgeable Denver car accident lawyer can be indispensable. They can help to ensure that you pursue just compensation for your losses.

At Burg Simpson Law Firm, we have the local know-how and national power to help you seek appropriate recompense following a car crash in Denver, Colorado. Call 303-792-5595 today to schedule a FREE and confidential case evaluation.

How Do I Report an Accident in Denver?

In Denver, if you are involved in a car crash, it is essential to report it immediately, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. C.R.S. 42-4-1606 outlines the legal obligations of individuals involved in a vehicle accident.

Immediate Reporting

If you are involved in a car accident and there is injury, death, or significant property damage, you must report it immediately to law enforcement. This means contacting the nearest police department, county sheriff, or the Colorado State Patrol as soon as possible. If it is an emergency, call 911. If it does not appear to be an emergency, call the Denver Police Department’s non-emergency line at 720-913-2000.

The officer who arrives at the scene will file a report, and you should not need to provide anything more unless the Colorado Department of Revenue contacts you. If no officer is at the scene, you can file online within 60 days; however, law enforcement will not investigate. If there was an injury, death, or considerable property damage, call law enforcement from the scene.

Providing Details

When reporting the accident, you need to provide specific information. This includes where the accident happened, the time it occurred, and details about any injuries or damages.

Report Property Damage within 24 Hours

If the accident involves only damage to property (like a car or fence) and no one is injured, you should still report it, but you have up to 24 hours to do so.

Penalties for Not Reporting

Failing to report an accident, particularly when there are injuries or significant property damage, can lead to serious legal consequences. Anyone involved in a car crash in Denver, Colorado must understand these requirements, comply with the law, and ensure the incident is properly documented.

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

Under Colorado law, accidents resulting in property damage, injury, or death must be reported immediately. For incidents involving only property damage, drivers are required to report the crash to the police within 24 hours. Timely reporting is a legal requirement and important for insurance and legal processes.

When reporting, provide details such as the location, time of the accident, any injuries or damages incurred, and witness contact information. It is also crucial to exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact details, and insurance information. Remember, leaving the scene of an accident, especially when there are injuries or considerable damage, can result in severe legal repercussions.

How Do I Get a Copy of an Accident Report in Denver, Colorado?

Obtaining a copy of the car accident report in Denver is straightforward. You can request a copy of the police report on the Denver Police Department website or the Colorado State Patrol Records Unit Portal. These might involve a fee. Alternatively, you can request the report through the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles website. This report can be vital in insurance claims or legal proceedings. If you have a Denver car accident attorney, they can request a report on your behalf.

What To Do in an Accident in Colorado?

1. Immediately following a car crash in Denver, Colorado, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Your health is the priority!
2. Move vehicles out of traffic if it is safe and will not compromise the accident scene.
3. Exchange information with other drivers.
4. Document the scene with photos.
5. Get the accounts of witnesses and their contact information, if possible.
6. Avoid discussing fault and limit conversation about the accident to the police and your insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney.
7. After these immediate steps, consult a Denver car accident lawyer for guidance.

When Is It Time to Call the Denver Car Accident Lawyers at Burg Simpson?

If you are involved in a car crash in Denver, Colorado, consulting a car accident lawyer should be a priority, especially if the accident resulted in injuries, significant property damage, or if there is a dispute about who is at fault. The Denver car accident attorneys at Burg Simpson Law Firm can provide invaluable assistance in navigating insurance claims, ensuring fair compensation, and representing you in legal proceedings if necessary.

Quality legal representation can make a notable difference in the outcome of your claim. With their proven skill and commitment, the Burg Simpson team stands ready to support you every step of the way. We are Good Lawyers. Changing Lives.® Contact us today to schedule a FREE and confidential case evaluation.