How to Get a Police Report After an Accident in Colorado

Obtaining a police report after an accident in Colorado is essential for documenting the incident, establishing liability, and supporting your personal injury claim. Police reports contain key details about the accident, such as the date, time, location, involved parties, witness statements, and investigating officer’s observations. An experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer can use the police report as key evidence to hold the negligent parties liable for maximum damages on your behalf.

Initial Steps to Obtain a Police Report After an Accident

Determine Which Agency Filed the Report

The first step in obtaining a police report is identifying the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. This could be:

• Local police (if the accident occurred within city limits)
• Colorado State Patrol (for accidents on highways or state roads)
• County sheriff (for incidents in unincorporated areas)

Once you have identified the correct agency, you can request the accident report.

Wait for the Report to Be Filed

Police reports are not available immediately after an accident. The responding officer must complete and file the report, which may take several days to a week, depending on the complexity of the accident and the agency’s workload. Check with the relevant department to ask when the report may be available.

Gather Necessary Information

Before requesting an accident report, make sure you have the following information on hand:

• Date and time of the accident
• Location of the accident
• Name of the driver(s) involved
• Case number or accident report number (if provided by the officer)

Having these details will make the retrieval process smoother.

Online Options for Obtaining a Police Report

Many law enforcement agencies in Colorado offer online access to police reports. This is often the fastest and most convenient way to retrieve a report, particularly if you can’t visit the agency in person. Here’s how to do it:

Visit the Official Agency Website

• For accidents within city limits, visit the police department’s website.
• For highway-related accidents, go to the Colorado State Patrol website.
• Some counties have their sheriff’s office websites for report access.

Search for the Report

On the website, you will find a section for “Accident Reports” or “Traffic Reports.” You will typically need to enter the following:

• Case number (if available)
• Date and location of the accident
• Driver’s name

Payment and Download

Some agencies may charge a fee (typically $5 to $15) for downloading the accident police report request in Colorado. Once payment is processed, you can download the police report in PDF format.

Examples of Online Resources

• Denver Police Department: Visit the Denver Police Records Department page.
• Colorado State Patrol: Make the accident police report request via the CSP website.
• Aurora Police Department: Check their dedicated online report section.

Offline Options for Obtaining a Police Report

If the online option is not available or convenient, you can request the police report through traditional methods.

In-Person Request

You can visit the records division of the police department, sheriff’s office, or Colorado State Patrol office in person. Make sure to bring a valid form of identification and the details of the accident (date, time, location, etc.). Most agencies will require a small fee for printing the report, and you may have to wait a few business days if the report isn’t ready.

Request by Mail

Many agencies allow for requests by mail. To request a report via mail, follow these steps:

1. Write a formal request letter, including the details of the accident.
2. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check or money order for the fee.
3. Mail your request to the appropriate police department or agency.

Mailed requests may take longer. If time is of the essence, consider using the online or in-person methods.

Role of a Lawyer in Obtaining a Police Report

A knowledgeable local personal injury attorney is well-versed in Colorado law and the process of securing an official police report. Here’s why having a lawyer on your side is helpful:

• Simplify the Process: Your lawyer can handle the entire process of obtaining the report, saving you time and effort.
• Expedited Access: Lawyers often have direct contacts or methods to expedite the retrieval of police reports.
• Review for Accuracy: Your lawyer can review the police report to ensure all details are accurate, as any inconsistencies could impact your claim.

Reviewing the Police Report

Once you receive the police report, review it carefully. Look for any inaccuracies in the following sections:

• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Names of parties involved
• Description of the motor vehicle accident 
• Witness statements, if any
• Diagram of the accident scene
• Observations and conclusions of the police officer

If you notice any mistakes or omissions, you can request an amendment to the car accident police report. Notably, police reports are considered factual documents, and officers are not obligated to make changes unless a clear error is identified.

Amending a Police Report, if Necessary

If the report contains incorrect information about the car accidents or leaves out important details, your attorney can take steps to amend it. Here’s how to proceed:

Contact the Investigating Officer

Reach out to the local law enforcement officer who filed the report to discuss the discrepancies. Provide any additional evidence or information that supports your claim.

Submit a Written Request for Amendment

If the officer agrees that there is an error, they may be able to file a police report with updates. You or your attorney can submit a formal request for a police accident report amendment, along with supporting documentation, to the agency.

Legal Assistance for Report Amendments

Your lawyer can assist in presenting your case for amending the police report. They can communicate with the officer and the agency on your behalf and provide supporting evidence to substantiate your claim with the insurance company.

Choose an Experienced Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another’s fault, Zobel Legal Group is here to fight for the highest compensation for your injuries and losses. Led by Wade Zobel—a bilingual Spanish-speaking Colorado personal injury attorney—our firm will leave no stone unturned in proving the liability of the negligent parties. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 720-434-6674 or contact us online.