You must contact the police department to get a copy of a police report after a car accident in Denver. A copy of the official police report will provide you with accurate details and evidence to support your insurance claim or legal action you pursue through a Denver car accident lawyer.
However, getting a police report after a Denver car accident isn’t simple, short, or straightforward.
Considering document fees, waiting times, and the impact of injuries on your ability to collect evidence, understanding the steps involved can help you seek justice and fair compensation for damages.
What Documents Can You Get After a Car Accident in Denver?
Paper Slip
How and when incident or accident reports in Denver are issued depends on the nature and severity of the incident.
When the accident does not involve a hit-and-run or fatality, drivers may receive a simple paper slip detailing:
- The date, time, and location of the incident
- Names and contact information for all parties involved in the accident
- Vehicle registration details, license plates, and insurance information
- A brief description of damages or injuries that influenced the decision not to issue a full report.
Though vital to your overall car accident claim, this paper slip is not always enough to cover all the details needed to secure a solid settlement or win your case in court.
Police Report
To support your case for maximum compensation, you’ll need to contact the Denver Police Department and request a full copy of the police report, which includes:
- A thorough description of the accident and surrounding events
- Any contributing factors or violations that may have caused or influenced the accident
- Statements from witnesses, drivers, passengers, and any other individuals involved
- Photos of the scene, damages to vehicles, and injuries sustained by those involved
- Reports from responding officers, including their assessment of fault and any citations
- Vehicle registration, license, and insurance information for all parties involved
- Diagrams or sketches of the accident scene and any other relevant evidence gathered by officers
- Blood alcohol and drug test results, if conducted.
- Any other relevant information gathered or documented by officers at the scene.
This information is crucial, as it provides an official record of the accident and can be used to support your claim or case in court.
Investigation Report
If your car accident in Denver involves a hit and run or fatality, you’ll need additional information only contained in an Investigation Report.
These reports are issued after a thorough investigation by the officer at the scene and contain:
- Photographs of the accident scene.
- Witness statements and contact information.
- A detailed narrative of the incident, including diagrams, measurements, and any relevant traffic laws or violations.
- Toxicology reports for any drivers suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident.
- Detective reports and any other relevant information that may assist in determining liability.
- Coroner’s report if there was a fatality.
- Video footage or surveillance evidence from nearby cameras, if available.
Obtaining an Investigation Report may take longer than a police report, as the process is significantly more extensive.
Furthermore, some information may require filing discovery motions with the court due to privacy or active investigation concerns.
CAD Reports
Denver accident victims can also request CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) reports from the Denver Police Department. These are computer-generated logs of all emergency calls received and responded to by the police department, including car accidents.
A report of the CAD may help in:
- Determining the exact time of the accident
- Identifying any delays in responding to the call for assistance
- Confirming that an accident report was filed and entered into the system
- Providing additional evidence or information not included in other reports.
The complicated process of obtaining these reports highlights the importance of contacting a car accident injury lawyer after a collision in Denver. While you recover from injuries, they can handle the legal aspects of obtaining reports, negotiating with insurance companies, and guiding you through the claims process.
What Do I Need To Get A Copy of a Police Report After A Car Accident in Denver?
You can obtain a Denver car accident police report online, by mail, or in person.
To do so, you’ll need to provide:
- As much case information as possible, including the date, time, vehicle information, location of the accident, and names of any individuals involved.
- A self-addressed envelope and stamp if requesting a report through mail.
- An email address if requesting a report online.
- A valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID.
Depending on the method of request and how busy the department is, it may take several days or weeks to receive a copy of your police report. A car accident lawyer in Denver can help keep track of the process and ensure you receive all necessary reports in a timely manner.
How Much Does a Denver Police Report Cost?
You’ll need to pay a fee to obtain a Denver police report. Payments can be made online, by check, or with a money order.
As of 2024, the cost for a Denver car accident police report is $10.00, not including any potential third-party processing fees.
The cost of other DPD and emergency service reports are as follows:
- Investigation Report: $15 for 10 pages + 25 cents per additional page
- CAD Report: $15
- 911 Recording: $30
- Photo/Audio/Video (bodycams, dash cams, etc.): $25 to 30 per hour of footage
- DUI Room: $30 per hour of footage + applicable fees
Each report requires separate payment, and requesting multiple reports may incur additional fees. These fees are subject to change and may vary based on the specific case or circumstances surrounding your car accident in Denver.
A trusted car accident lawyer in Denver can obtain all necessary reports and navigate any potential fees or complications.
Why Do I Need a Denver Car Accident Police Report?
Proving Negligence or Liability
Colorado car accident victims must prove negligence or the failure to exercise reasonable care to receive maximum compensation for damages. A Denver police report can document evidence that establishes fault for the accident and support your compensation claim.
Without the report, the other driver or their insurance company may try to shift the blame onto you, resulting in a lower settlement or zero compensation. A police report can also help determine if traffic laws or regulations were violated, further supporting your personal injury claim.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts and use any available information to deny or reduce the compensation they offer. The official record of a police report can provide a strong foundation for negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring you receive fair compensation for damages.
For example, the police report may detail injuries sustained in the accident that an insurance company claims were pre-existing or unrelated. With a police report as evidence, you can dispute these claims and receive proper compensation for your injuries.
Building a Strong Legal Case
If negotiations fail and your case goes to court, a police report provides a roadmap for finding witness testimony, gathering evidence, and presenting a strong legal case. It can also help prevent any discrepancies or inconsistencies in your story that may be used against you.
Only a Denver car accident attorney can fully understand the complexities of a police report and how it can be used to support your case. After a car accident, don’t wait to contact an experienced attorney who can guide you through obtaining and utilizing all necessary police reports after a car accident in Denver.
How Much Does a Car Accident Cost in Denver?
It may feel easier to sweep a car accident under the rug and move on with your life, but this can cost you thousands of dollars—or more.
Even minor car accidents can result in expensive damages that don’t immediately show, including:
- Whiplash: Upfront costs of treating whiplash can exceed $30,000. However, lifetime costs can total $100,000+ if chronic pain or complications arise. Add in lost earnings due to pain, and this figure can quickly climb to hundreds of thousands of millions of dollars.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term or permanent disabilities and require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and home care. The average cost of a TBI over a lifetime is $3 million.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can cause paralysis, nerve damage, and other long-term effects that require expensive treatment and accommodations. Upfront costs of a spinal cord injury can range from $85,000 to $500,000, and lifetime costs can exceed $2 million.
- PTSD and mental health treatment: Car accidents are a traumatic experience, and victims may experience PTSD or other mental health issues as a result. These conditions require long-term treatment averaging $150 per hour and total tens of thousands over a lifetime.
- Property damage: The average car weighs 4,100 lbs. Even minor impacts can cause significant property damage over time. Property damage can easily total tens of thousands of dollars, including repairs, rental cars, and depreciation costs.
- Lost earnings: A car accident can significantly diminish earning potential over a lifetime, whether due to time off work for medical treatment or permanent disability. As income decreases and expenses increase, accident victims risk damaging their financial future with high debt, poor credit, and bankruptcy.
Furthermore, the non-economic costs of a car accident may include lost quality of life, emotional distress, and strain on relationships.
By obtaining a police report and working with a skilled car accident lawyer in Denver, you can receive the compensation needed to cover all current and future accident-related costs.
Denver Car Accident Dos and Don’ts
DO call the police.
The other driver may try to convince you not to involve the police, but establishing an official record with the police is essential to holding responsible parties accountable through compensatory damages.
DON’T admit fault or apologize.
While exchanging insurance information with the other driver is important, it’s best to avoid discussing who was at fault for the accident. Admitting guilt or apologizing can be used against you in court, making it difficult to receive fair compensation.
DO gather evidence.
Take photos of the accident scene, property damage, and visible injuries. Get contact information from any witnesses and the other driver. This evidence is crucial in proving liability and supporting your car accident claim.
DON’T sign anything or make an official statement without consulting a lawyer.
Insurance companies may pressure you to sign a settlement agreement or record a statement. However, consult a car accident lawyer before taking action. They can navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
DO seek medical attention.
Even if you feel fine after the accident, getting checked out by a medical professional is always best. Some injuries may not appear until days or weeks later, and without official medical documentation, you could lose your right to compensation for these delayed injuries.
DON’T delay in contacting an attorney.
The sooner you contact a car accident lawyer, the better. They can gather evidence, obtain necessary reports, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Safeguard Your Future After a Denver Car Accident
Car accidents in Denver have far-reaching implications for your physical health, financial well-being, and quality of life. While the aftermath may feel overwhelming, a police report can help build a strong case and recover proper compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
For assistance obtaining a police report after a car accident in Denver, contact an experienced personal injury attorneys firm with decades of experience handling car accident cases. They can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
