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Written by Remington Fang
After a car accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what comes next. Between medical concerns and vehicle damage, knowing how to meet Colorado’s legal requirements may not be top of mind. Still, one of the most critical steps you can take, whether the collision was minor or involved serious injuries—is filing a Denver car accident report. This step not only keeps you in compliance with state law, but also creates a record that can be vital to your recovery and any future legal action.
At Fang Accident Lawyers, we’ve guided many Denver drivers through the aftermath of serious crashes. From dealing with insurance companies to pursuing legal claims, we know how essential accurate documentation is. A properly filed report strengthens your position, helps preserve key evidence, and supports your side of the story from the very beginning.
Yes, Colorado law requires drivers to report most accidents.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes Title 42 (§42-4-1606), the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage must notify law enforcement “immediately” after completing certain legal obligations. These include remaining at the scene, providing contact and vehicle information to others involved, showing your driver’s license when asked, and offering reasonable assistance to anyone who may be injured.
Failing to report a car accident can result in serious consequences, including fines, points on your license, or even misdemeanor charges. In Colorado, you are legally required to notify law enforcement if the crash involves any injuries, a fatality, vehicle damage that prevents safe driving, or damage to public or private property. In these situations, contacting the appropriate authorities isn’t optional—it’s a legal obligation that protects your rights and ensures compliance with state law.
Safety comes first after any car accident, followed closely by meeting your legal obligations under Colorado law. Here’s a step-by-step guide to correctly report a car accident in Denver:
Taking these steps does more than keep you in line with the law—they also help build a solid record that can back up your insurance claim or support a lawsuit, particularly in situations where fault is unclear or details are hard to prove.
You can file a Denver car accident report online through the Colorado DMV if law enforcement does not respond to the scene. The state allows drivers to self-report certain accidents under specific conditions.
According to the Colorado DMV’s official accident reporting page, the online system should only be used when no one was injured or killed, there is no suspicion of drug or alcohol involvement, and the damage to any vehicle or property exceeds $1,000. If your situation meets all of these criteria, submitting a report online is a valid and legally accepted option.
To complete the online crash report through the Colorado DMV, you’ll need to provide several key details. This includes the date, time, and location of the accident, contact and vehicle information for all parties involved, a brief description of how the collision occurred, and your insurance policy numbers. Once submitted, it’s important to save a copy of the report for your records, as it may be needed for future claims or legal matters. If you’re unsure whether your accident qualifies for self-reporting under Colorado law, it’s wise to consult with a Denver car accident attorney for personalized legal guidance.
You can request a copy of the police report through the Denver Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, depending on who responded. Obtaining the accident report is critical for your insurance claim and potential legal case. Here’s how to do it:
There may be a small fee for the report, and it typically takes 3–5 business days to process after the date of the incident, depending on the agency’s current workload and method of request.
Why is this report important? Both insurance companies and the courts use it to understand how the crash happened, establish when it occurred, and determine who may be legally responsible. Without an official accident report, your claim could be delayed, or even denied, due to a lack of verified documentation.
Accident reports are vital for establishing fault and preserving your rights, especially in cases involving injuries, insurance disputes, or unclear responsibility. If you’re unsure how to move forward, burdened by paperwork, or suspect the other driver was at fault, experienced legal support can provide clarity and direction.
At Fang Accident Lawyers, we know how complicated things can get after a car accident in Colorado. Our team is here to help you move forward, starting with filing a complete and accurate Denver car accident report. Call 720-379-6363 to schedule your free consultation with an attorney who’s ready to protect your rights and advocate for what you deserve.
A Colorado Springs native with a lifelong passion for standing up to bullies, Remington fights for the injured against corporations that put profit over people. Raised in a family devoted to service and healing, he brings compassion and grit to every case.
A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Remington has recovered millions for clients with Fang Accident Lawyers. He believes no injury should silence the human spirit — and he won’t stop fighting until justice is served. See Remington in AVVO.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. It was approved by Remington W. Fang, our Founding Partner, who brings over 10 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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