If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you probably want to do everything in your power to recoup damages and gain rightful compensation. Filing and obtaining a police report is a crucial step in securing protection during legal proceedings after an accident, and the state of Colorado makes it easy to do so. Below, we outline the time requirements for filing a police report after an auto accident and just how important police reports really are.
Understanding Police Reports
Before you file a police report, you should first understand exactly what they are and how they’re used. Police reports are documents that summarize an incident and provide important information for insurance companies, legal counsel, and other experts involved in a claim or case.
In a police report, you’ll find information like the date, time, and location of an incident. You might see contextual information on weather, road conditions, traffic signals, or other visibility factors that impacted the accident. Police reports often include accounts from witnesses and information about other parties involved, too.
Read More: Wondering How Police Reports and Insurance Reports Differ? Find Out Here
Why Should You File a Police Report?
A police report is a valuable piece of documentation that can be used for a variety of purposes. Below is an overview of some scenarios that might utilize a police report:
- Accidents: Police reports offer a great account of car accidents, especially for those where a police officer did not come to the scene. Even if the accident was minor, it’s still a good idea to file a police report.
- Criminal Cases: Police reports can summarize notable criminal activities that inform legal, investigative, and other experts.
- Traffic Incidents: Traffic violations as small as running a stop sign or as big as hitting a pedestrian benefit from an official police report, so responsible parties are accounted for.
- Arrests: If someone is detained, a police report provides any context or environmental information that could be relevant.
- Investigations: The details in a police report can help professionals solve crimes and complex legal cases.
- Use of Force Scenarios: During times when police officers apply force, police reports give an accurate summary of what occurred for future reference.
The value of a police report after an incident or accident is multi-fold. However, if you’re a Colorado resident, you should be aware of the state’s time limit for filing a report, so you can receive the expert support you need before it’s too late.
Colorado Police Report Time Limit
In the state of Colorado, individuals have 60 days to file a police report after an auto accident that resulted in any property damage or injury to a person. If you are the driver and have caused property damage or injury to a person, you can leave the scene to file a police report, but you should immediately return to the scene, according to Colorado Revised Statute Section 42-4-1606.
Police reports are valuable to have after an auto accident, no matter if injuries or damages were sustained or if the accident is minor. Colorado law states that drivers are required to file an accident report for accidents that result in damages that cost over $1,000.
While police reports are not required for accidents with damages less than $1,000, gaining this important documentation as soon as possible can still serve you well in future legal, insurance, medical, or other proceedings and claims. Plus, waiting too long to file a police report can actually create challenges on your end, such as:
- Insurance complications, leading to denied or reduced claims
- Legal consequences, like fines or penalties, depending on the accident
- Lost evidence and a harder time for professionals to support you
If you miss the deadline to report an accident, you may also weaken your ability to file a successful claim with insurance or in court.
How to File a Police Report
Filing a police report is important and time-sensitive, but it’s an easy and accessible process in the state of Colorado. Each city has its own process for filing police reports, but for Denver accidents, you can submit a police report through DenverGov.org’s police report page. Be sure you review the criteria before you submit.
Don’t Wait to Get a Police Report After an Accident
Police reports provide critical information to legal cases, insurance claims, and medical situations where you might need support. If you’ve suffered an accident, especially an auto accident at the fault of someone else, don’t hesitate to file a report as soon as possible. Your protection and rights likely depend on it.