When people are involved in Denver area car crashes, it’s a common first step to call the local police to the scene of the accident. Anytime an accident involves drivers under the influence, personal injuries, significant damage, road obstacles that prevent the flow of moving traffic, or confrontations among accident participants, it’s important to summon a police officer to ensure these emergency situations are handled properly.
After a police officer makes certain that everyone present at an accident scene is in no immediate danger, they will begin evaluating the scene to gather information for their eventual accident report. Police accident reports typically include important details about an accident, any participants or eyewitnesses, and official opinions regarding the contributing factors and direct causes of the accident.
If your vehicle was seriously damaged or you sustained significant injuries, and you need to file an insurance claim, the information contained in a police report can provide crucial evidence for your case.
In the article below, Larson Larimer Schneider discusses the reasons you need a police report, how you can get one, and what other steps you should take after your Denver car accident. Call us anytime, 24/7 to find out more in a free and confidential consultation.
Why Do You Need a Police Report After an Accident in CO?
If you were involved in a Colorado car accident due to the negligence of one or more other drivers, your first step will likely be to file a claim with the at-fault drivers’ insurance providers. When you file this type of claim, insurance adjusters often require you to provide a copy of the accident report if they do not obtain it on their own.
How Do You Get a Police Report at the Scene of the Accident?
When you are involved in a car accident, your main focus should be on your health. Many vehicle collisions leave crash victims with serious injuries that require emergency medical attention, so be sure to seek treatment as soon as possible if you suffer severe or life-threatening harm. That being said, if you’re able to remain at the scene of your accident after your crash, it’s a good idea to begin thinking about your legal rights immediately.
While police accident reports may take several weeks to complete following Colorado car crashes, you can still take action by speaking with investigating officers at the scene of your accident. Before police officers leave the scene, they will usually offer you a paper slip with basic information about your accident, including the identification number assigned to the accident report they will compose.
How Do You Get a Police Report After a Colorado Car Crash?
There are a few different ways to acquire a police report after your Denver car accident and in need of a Denver car accident lawyer. If you don’t know or can’t recall the ID number assigned to your accident report, you should be able to locate it using your name and the date, time, and location of the crash.
To obtain a paid report directly from the Denver Police Department’s (DPD’s) Record Unit, you will need to submit an order form, either by phone, online, or via mail, and will also need to pay a $10 administrative fee.