If someone caused a car accident in Aurora that injured you or a family member, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next.
One of the most important things you can do to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries and damages is to obtain a copy of the police report.
A police report contains crucial information about the accident, including the date, time, location, and details of how the accident occurred. It can also include witness statements, insurance information, and other valuable evidence that can support your personal injury claim.
This article explains how to get a copy of the police report in Aurora and how it can help you get the compensation you deserve.
We’ll also discuss what steps you should take after a car accident in Aurora, what kinds of compensation you may be entitled to, and how an experienced car accident attorney in Aurora can help you navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
How to Obtain a Crash Report in Aurora, CO
You can obtain a copy of the police report in Aurora, CO, several ways, depending on your preferences and the availability of the report. Here are the four main options:
Access and Print Your Report Online
The easiest and most convenient way to obtain a copy of the police report is to access it online through the Aurora Police Department’s website.
To do this, you’ll need to have the case number assigned to your accident. The responding officer should have provided it to you at the accident scene. If you don’t have the case number, you can contact the Aurora Police Department’s Records Section at (303) 739-6320 to obtain it.
Once you have the case number, follow these steps to access and print your report online:
- Go to Crashdocs, which is a third-party site the Aurora Police Department uses to handle accident report requests.
- Enter your report or reference number, the last name of the party involved, and the date of the crash.
- Follow the prompts to create an account and purchase your report (the cost is typically around $10)
- Once you’ve completed the purchase, you’ll be able to download and print your report immediately.
Submitting a Request through Mail
If you prefer to obtain a copy of the police report through mail, you can submit a request to the Aurora Police Department’s Records Section.
To do this, you’ll need to provide the following information on the Aurora Police records request form:
- The type of record you’re requesting
- The report number
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The type of incident and the persons involved
- Your name and contact information and driver’s license or ID number
Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee (currently $10 for a standard report).
You can mail your request and payment to:
Aurora Police Department
Records Section
15001 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
Obtaining a Report in Person
If you’d like to obtain a copy of the police report in person, you can visit the Aurora Police Department’s Records Section during their regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
You’ll need to provide the same information as you would for a mail request and pay the appropriate fee in person.
The Records Section is located at:
Aurora Police Department
15001 E. Alameda Parkway
Aurora, CO 80012
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Your car accident lawyer can obtain the accident report for you and save you all the trouble of getting it yourself.
How Do You Get a Police Report at the Scene of the Accident?
In most cases, the responding officer will provide you with a card containing the case number assigned to your accident, as well as their contact information and instructions for obtaining a copy of the police report.
However, if the officer is unable to provide you with this information at the scene, or if you’ve misplaced the card, you can contact the Aurora Police Department’s non-emergency line at (303) 627-3100 to obtain the case number and instructions for obtaining a copy of the report.
It’s important to note that the police report may not be available immediately after the accident, as it can take several days for the officer to complete their investigation and file the report.
In most cases, police make the report available within seven to 10 business days after the accident.
How a Crash Report in Aurora Can Help You Recover Compensation
Obtaining a copy of the police report is a critical step in the process of recovering compensation after a car accident in Aurora. The report contains valuable information that can support your claim and help you establish liability for the accident. Here are some of the ways a crash report can help you recover compensation:
Identifying the At-Fault Party
The police report will typically identify the party or parties responsible for causing the accident, based on the officer’s investigation and assessment of the evidence. This can be crucial in establishing liability and pursuing a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Documenting the Accident Scene
The report will also include a detailed description of the accident scene, including the location, weather conditions, road conditions, and any other relevant factors. Your lawyer can use the report to reconstruct the accident and support your version of events.
Providing Witness Statements
If any witnesses saw the accident, the report may include their statements. These statements can provide valuable insight into how the accident occurred and help corroborate your account of the events.
Documenting Injuries and Damages
The police report may also include information about any injuries sustained by the parties involved in the accident, as well as the extent of the damage to the vehicles. Your attorney can use this information to support your claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Serving as Evidence in Court
If your case goes to trial, the police report can serve as a key piece of evidence supporting your claim. The report is an official document and can be used to establish the facts of the accident and the liability of the at-fault party.
What Steps You Should Take After a Car Accident in Aurora
There are several important steps you should take to protect your health, safety, and legal rights after someone causes an Aurora car accident that hurts you.
Here are some of the most critical steps to take after a car accident:
- Check for Injuries: The first and most important step is to check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 immediately and request medical assistance.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location off the road to prevent further accidents and injuries. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Call the Police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police and report the accident. The responding officer will create an official police report, which can be valuable evidence in your claim for compensation.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Be sure to get their name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number.
- Document the Accident Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to the vehicles, any skid marks or debris on the road, and any visible injuries. These photos can be used as evidence in your claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
- Contact an Attorney: If you sustained injuries in a car accident that someone else’s negligence caused, it’s important to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights, gather evidence to support your claim and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What Kinds of Compensation You Can Receive
If you suffered injuries in a car accident in Aurora that were caused by someone else’s negligence, you may qualify to receive various types of compensation for your losses.
Here are some of the most common types of compensation available in car accident cases:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Property Damage
In rare cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, you may receive punitive damages from the court. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced car accident attorney can be an invaluable resource in helping you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the ways an attorney can help:
- Conducting a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and medical records to support your claim.
- Identifying all parties who may be liable for your injuries, including the at-fault driver, their employer (if the accident occurred while they were working), and any other parties who may have contributed to the accident.
- Negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
- Providing legal guidance and advice throughout the claims process to help you make informed decisions about your case.
Another intangible benefit a lawyer can provide is peace of mind. Pursuing compensation through a personal injury claim can be stressful and frustrating. You don’t need to worry about dealing with the insurance company and navigating the claims process while you’re still recovering from your injuries. An attorney can take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus instead on getting better.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for Help
Obtaining a copy of the police report is an essential step in protecting your rights and seeking compensation for your injuries and damages if you sustained injuries or losses in an Aurora car accident someone else caused.
By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain a copy of the report and share it with your attorney to support your claim for compensation. Our Aurora personal injury lawyer can also help you obtain the police report if you’re uncomfortable doing it on your own.
With the help of a skilled car accident attorney from Franklin D. Azar & Associates, P.C., and the valuable information contained in the police report, you can hold the at-fault party accountable and move forward with your life after a traumatic accident. Contact us today for your free consultation and learn how we can help.
