What Information is Included in a Police Report?

According to BurkeLaw, the details in a police report can vary depending on factors such as the nature of the accident, location, fault, and witness accounts [1]. In most states, it’s mandatory to call the police and file a report after accidents involving injuries, death, or significant property damage. Failure to report such accidents can result in criminal charges.

Common Information Found in Police Reports

While the specifics can differ, a police report typically includes the following key details:

Drivers and Vehicles Involved: The name, address, and driver’s license number of the parties involved in the accident are among the most important bits of information on a police report. The driver’s name and address, as well as date of birth, will be visible on the driver’s license.

Names of Passengers and Witnesses: Contact information for any passengers and witnesses is included, as their accounts often provide crucial insight into the circumstances of the accident.
Date, Time, and Location of the Accident: The report provides the context of the accident, such as the time of day, weather conditions, and specific location, which can influence the investigation’s outcome.
Accident Summary: After gathering information from those involved, the police officer writes a detailed summary of the accident. The completeness of this summary can be important in understanding the incident’s dynamics, whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision.
Witness Statements: Witness testimonies are often more reliable than the accounts of the drivers involved. If a witness statement aligns with your version of events, it can significantly strengthen your personal injury claim.

How to Obtain a Denver Accident Report: A Step-by-Step Guide

In Denver, accident reports are categorized into two types: a standard Traffic Accident Report and an Investigation Report for accidents involving fatalities [2]. Follow the instructions below to obtain the appropriate report. Note that processing can take between two weeks to a month, so plan accordingly.

Requesting Your Denver Accident Report by Mail or In Person

To request an accident report, start by printing and completing the required form. Once filled out, submit it either by mail or in-person to the following address:

Denver Police Department
Records Unit
1331 Cherokee Street, Room 420
Denver, CO 80204

Include a payment of $10.00 via cash, check, or money order made out to the ‘Denver Police Department’ to cover the processing fee.

Obtaining a Denver Investigation Report for Fatal Accidents

If the accident involved a fatality, you’ll need to request an Investigation Report. Similar to the standard report, you can print and fill out the specific form for this type of report. Submit the form to:

Denver Police Department
Civil Liability Section
1331 Cherokee Street, Room 504
Denver, CO 80204

The fee for the Investigation Report is $15.00, which should be paid at the time of your request. Alternatively, you can request and pay for the Investigation Report online via the Denver Police Department’s website. This option allows you to handle both the request and payment simultaneously.

Filing an Insurance Claim Without a Police Report: What You Need to Know

According to Colorado Law, you can file an insurance claim even if you don’t have a police report [3]. As a policyholder, you still retain the right to seek recovery under your insurance policy.

However, without a police report, you’ll need to provide sufficient evidence to support your claim, which may require additional information or steps to prove what happened. This is particularly important if the accident involves a leased vehicle, a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or a company car.

Is a Police Report Required for Insurance Claims in Colorado?
No, a police report is not necessary to file an insurance claim in Colorado. You may simply contact your insurance company and tell them that there’s been an accident. Without a police report, the insurance company might question the circumstances of the accident or ask further questions about who is at fault for the accident. However, you should still be able to recover from your insurance policy with the same terms that you would get a payment if the police had made a report in your case as long as you file within Colorado’s statute of limitations.

What If There’s No Police Report After a Car Accident?
Even if there’s no police report, you can still pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit. The same laws apply as in cases where a police report exists, allowing you to seek recovery from your insurance or the other driver’s insurance. Without a report, it’s less likely that any traffic tickets or criminal charges will be issued, but you can still make your case directly to the insurance company for compensation.

How Does Filing a Police Report Affect Insurance?
Filing a police report can influence your insurance claim by providing a documented, neutral account of the accident, including details about who may be at fault. Since the report is created by a trained officer, insurance companies often consider it a credible source of information. If there’s no police report, you’ll need to supply all the evidence to substantiate your claim, but you’re still entitled to full compensation under your policy.

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If you feel your right was violated on any of these matters, contact a car accident attorney, who can help protect your rights.

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If you or a loved one was involved with these matters, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.

References:
1. https://www.sburkelaw.com/faqs/what-information-is-on-a-police-report-.cfm
2. https://mccormickmurphy.com/get-denver-accident-report/
3. https://www.coloradolaw.net/practice-area/auto-accidents/can-i-file-an-insurance-claim-without-a-police-report/

How Can I Get a Police Report After an Accident in Denver?