In Colorado, accidents must be reported to the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but the reporting party depends on the circumstances. Under Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1606, drivers are legally required to immediately report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage to the nearest law enforcement agency. If a police officer responds to the scene, they typically file this report on your behalf. You typically don’t need to submit any additional forms unless the DMV specifically requests them. Understanding whether you’re required to take action can help minimize any additional stress after an incident.
When You Must Report an Accident to the DMV
If you were involved in a car accident and law enforcement was not at the scene, you are responsible for reporting the accident right away. In this case, Colorado requires you to submit a crash report online. These self-filed reports are kept for documentation purposes only and are not investigated by law enforcement.
Regardless of whether police respond, Colorado law also requires that you exchange information with the other driver, including your name, phone number, and insurance details.
Scenarios Requiring You to File an Accident Report
Even when law enforcement is typically responsible for filing the report, there are certain situations where you must take action:
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No Officer at the Scene: If police were not present, you are required to file a report promptly.
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Accident Alert Conditions: During severe weather or other emergencies, police may not respond to minor accidents. If that’s the case, you must report the accident yourself.
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DMV Request: If the DMV formally requests that you submit an accident report, follow their specific instructions regarding which forms to complete and how to submit them.
How to Report a Car Accident to the DMV
Reporting a car accident to the DMV or the Colorado State Patrol can usually be done either by mail or online. To use these reporting methods, you must meet certain criteria:
- The accident did not cause any injuries that required medical attention
- There was no damage to public property
- It was not a hit-and-run
You cannot file your accident report online if the accident involved:
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An uninsured driver
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A driver without a valid license
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Suspected drug or alcohol use
For accidents that don’t qualify for online or mail reporting, the law enforcement agency in the jurisdiction of your accident can advise you on proper protocol to make the report. Contact them promptly to ensure there is no delay in meeting your duty to report.
What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident in Colorado?
Failing to report a car accident in Colorado is considered a class two misdemeanor traffic offense. This can result in:
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Up to 90 days in jail
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Fines up to $300
If someone is injured and you fail to report the accident, the penalties increase. In serious cases involving serious bodily injury or death, failing to report could result in felony charges. Beyond legal consequences, failing to report an accident can jeopardize any future claim for compensation, as insurance companies may question the legitimacy or timeline of your case.
How to Request a Copy of Your Accident Report
To obtain a copy of your accident report, submit a written request to the Colorado DMV, including:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Date the accident took place
- City and county where the accident took place
You must include payment in the amount of $2.70 for a certified copy and $2.20 for a regular copy.
How Long Does It Take to Receive an Accident Report?
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If the Colorado State Patrol investigated, reports are usually available within one week.
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If another law enforcement agency handled the report, it may take up to eight weeks.
Importance of an Accident Report for Your Personal Injury Case
An official accident report from law enforcement agencies plays an instrumental role in your personal injury case following a car accident. This document contains crucial details about the incident, including:
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The officer’s assessment of fault
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Witness statements
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A factual summary of the incident
The report’s objective analysis of how and why the incident occurred is often crucial when attempting to establish liability and during settlement negotiations with insurance companies.
Read More: Unavoidable Car Accident or Negligence?
Need Help After a Car Accident?
Handling the aftermath of an accident can be overwhelming, but obtaining a detailed accident report can be extremely helpful. If you need help obtaining your accident report or you need assistance with any other step of a personal injury claim, don’t hesitate to contact our car accident attorney in Colorado Springs today to schedule a free consultation.
