After a car accident in Denver, a copy of the police report is often one of the first things insurance asks for. This guide shows you how to request it and gives you Denver-specific contact info you can use immediately.

If you are dealing with injuries or insurance pushback, you can speak with a Denver car accident attorney here: Car Accident Attorney Denver or reach us here: Contact.

Related guides in this series

• Car Accident in Denver? What To Do Next (A Colorado Crash Checklist)
  
• What Information to Exchange After a Denver Car Accident
  
• What Photos to Take After a Car Accident
  
• When Should You Go to the Doctor After a Car Accident
  
• No Police Report? What to Do If Officers Didn’t Come
  
• What to Say to Insurance After a Denver Car Accident
  

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Denver Auto Accident Resources

Denver Police Department (DPD)

Police Administration Building: 1331 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204
Non-Emergency: 720-913-2000 (Dial 911 for emergencies)
Information Desk: 720-913-6010

DPD main agency page

DPD Police Records hub (what’s available, fees, ordering options)

Request DPD records online

Denvergov

Colorado online crash report (if no officer responded)

File an online crash report

Colorado DMV crash records guidance (how to obtain a crash record and what to expect)

Colorado DMV contact info (for crash record questions)

Accident Reports or FRA Questions (Driver Control): 303-205-5793
DMV Main Phone: 303-205-5600
DMV Office Address: 1351 5th St., Suite 100, Denver, CO 80204

Driver Control contact page

DMV “Contact Us” page

Colorado DMV

If your crash was investigated by Colorado State Patrol (CSP)

CSP crash information page (includes timing and what info you need):

CSP Central Records Unit page (portal access):

Step 1: Confirm which agency took the report

Before you request anything, identify the agency that responded. Within Denver city limits, many crashes are handled by DPD, but some crashes are handled by Colorado State Patrol depending on where the collision occurred.

If you are not sure, check:

• Any paperwork the officer gave you
  
• The agency name listed on your insurance claim documents
  
• The report/case number information you received
  

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Step 2: Gather what you need before requesting the report

Try to have:

• Date of the crash
  
• Location (cross streets or address)
  
• Names of drivers involved
  
• Case report number (if you have it)
  

If you do not have the case number, do not panic. Start with the date, location, and names. If you are missing details from the scene, this information exchange checklist helps you track down what insurance will ask for.

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Step 3: Request a Denver Police accident report online

For many Denver accident reports, the fastest option is DPD’s online records request page. If you are unsure which type of record you need, use the Police Records hub.

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Step 4: Request by mail when online ordering is not available

DPD’s Police Records hub explains that some records require a mail request and provides the relevant forms and instructions. Denvergov

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Step 5: What if your report is not available yet?

Some reports take time to close out and become available. DPD’s Police Records page notes crash reports can take several days to become available after they’re closed. Denvergov

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Step 6: No police report exists? File an online crash report

If a police officer was not called to the scene, Colorado allows individuals to file an online crash report, which is kept for record purposes. Colorado.gov+1

No Police Report? What to Do If Officers Didn’t Come. (Add link)

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How this fits into your next steps after a Denver crash

The police report is one piece. You’ll usually also want:

• Driver and insurance information that supports the claim file
• Photos that show the scene and vehicle positions
• Medical documentation if symptoms appear
• A careful approach to insurance conversations

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When it helps to talk to a Denver car accident attorney

If you were injured, fault is disputed, or insurance is pushing back, legal guidance can help you avoid common mistakes while you focus on recovery.

Start here: Car Accident Attorney Denver or Contact. You can also review: Motor Vehicle Accidents.

Riding an electric scooter in Denver can be convenient, but it can also be dangerous. A visiting Minnesota executive landed in intensive care at Denver Health Medical Center after he crashed on the scooter he was riding March 10. He suffered a skull fracture and a traumatic brain injury.

The same month, a 62-year-old had a scooter accident in San Diego and fractured his neck.  Another rider in that city fell and suffered a life-threatening head injury. These and other accidents prompted the San Diego City Council to adopt an 8 mph speed limit for the scooters in high-traffic pedestrian walkways and to designate two downtown areas as no-ride zones.

Sadly, in February an Irish exchange student became the third fatality resulting from a scooter accident in 2019. And an additional victim was left in a permanent vegetative state after a collision with a car while riding her scooter.

She is one of about 1,500 people across the country injured in an e-scooter accident since late 2017, according to Consumer Reports. The consumer advocacy group contacted 110 hospitals and five agencies in 47 cities where at least one of the two biggest scooter companies, Bird or Lime, operates. The institutions were queried as to the number and types of scooter-related injuries.  

A UCLA (Jan 2019) study also examined the injuries associated with e-scooter collisions, focusing on the scooter riders and pedestrians struck. The most common accident, according to the study, were falls (74 percent), followed by collisions with objects (10 percent), and being struck by a moving vehicle, like a car or bicycle (8 percent). The greatest harm was to the scooter riders, with 92 percent of injuries suffered.

The UCLA researchers examined records for admissions at the UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica, and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center emergency departments between Sept. 1, 2017, and Aug. 31, 2018. Significantly, it was determined that about one-third of the 249 injured riders covered by the survey arrived by ambulance. And of those injured riders, only 10 were wearing a helmet while operating the scooter.

The injuries themselves were categorized into three groups: head injuries (40 percent), fractures (32 percent), and cuts, sprains, or bruises without a fracture (28 percent). Fifteen people were admitted to the hospital, including two treated in an intensive care unit, according to the study.

In Denver, eight different companies have permits for e-scooter fleets, but only Lime, Bird and Jump have entered the market. If it felt like more to you, that’s because it’s already quite a lot of vehicles. Now there are 350 Lime scooters, 350 Bird scooters, and 200 Jump bikes darting around town.

Safety concerns prompted the Denver City Council to pass new rules in January for dockless electric scooters, the Electric Mobility Scooter ordinance.  The ordinance allows scooters to only ride on the sidewalk if a bike lane or a roadway under 30 mph is not available. When on the sidewalk, scooter users must yield to pedestrians and keep the scooter speed under 6 mph. When riding on roads, scooters must keep to the right side of the road and follow all the traffic rules cars and bikes follow. The scooters must also have lights during night hours. Electric scooters are prohibited from Denver’s 16th Street Mall.

The Colorado state legislature has also weighed in, with HB19-1221 passing both chambers and presumably heading to the governor’s desk for his signature. The new law will exclude electric scooters from the definition of “toy vehicle” and include electric scooters in the definition of “vehicle”, thus authorizing the use of electric scooters on roadways. The bill affords riders of electric scooters the same rights and duties that riders of electrical assisted bicycles have under the laws of the state.

Tips for Cyclists

Biking is a healthy and eco-friendly way to commute, exercise, or just enjoy the outdoors. However, sharing the road with cars and trucks can be dangerous for cyclists. As a responsible driver, it is essential to be aware of cyclists on the road as well as cyclists being aware of the rules of the road when riding.

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Always Remember to:

• Yield to Pedestrians
• Stop for stop signs
• Signal turns
• Travel with the flow of traffic

If you are riding a bicycle on the road, you are considered a vehicle on the road. Cyclists are required to obey the same road signs and traffic signals as motorists. Cyclists must always yield to pedestrians or other road users already in the intersection or crosswalk. Cyclists should always follow the rules of the road when riding in the streets and be extra cautious at busy intersections.

Cyclists may or may not be allowed on sidewalks in your community. If bikes are permitted on sidewalks, it is important to consider potential hazards such as:

• Pedestrians with pets and strollers
• Sprinkler systems
• Obstructions such as debris, open gates, planters and landscaping
• Other cyclists, runners, skateboarders and walkers.

Remember you are sharing the road with others and with that comes responsibility and awareness. If you are riding alongside large vehicles such as vans, SUV’s, trucks and motor homes you should be extra cautious. These vehicles have massive blind spots and drivers may not see you.  Here are some additional safety tips when sharing the road with large vehicles:

• Scan left, center and right.
• Give extra distance behind large vehicles, their blind spots may be too big to see you.
• Be extra cautious when you are behind a large vehicle turning right.

Tips for Drivers

When sharing the road with cyclists, it is important to consider bicyclist vulnerability. A car weighs 2 tons and a bike weighs a mere 20 pounds. Knowing the difference in size and weight between cars and bikes will allow a driver to be more mindful of space on the road when sharing it with a cyclist.

Important facts to consider when sharing the road:

• Bicycles on the roadway are considered vehicles. This is true for any cyclist 10 years and older.
• Not all cities allow bicycles on the sidewalk. Therefore, the road or indicated riding area would be the correct area for cyclists to ride.
• Cyclists are on the same level as motorists. They have the same rights and responsibilities.
• Adjust your attitude with entitlement on the road and be patient. There is a human on that bike and they have every right to share the road with drivers.

Cyclists agree that giving them space on the roadway can make a huge difference in safety. Over 20 states have passed laws requiring motorists to give bicycles on the roadway  3 feet of space. The 3-foot rule helps drivers by giving them a concrete frame of reference.

Drivers must be alert and patient while sharing the road. Drivers should also note these important tips:

• Put your cellphones down. (You shouldn’t be on your phone while driving no matter what!)
• Look twice for cyclists before turning left or right onto a road.
• Check before opening your car door when parked on a street.
• Accept that cyclists are here to stay.

Bicycling is on the rise. People are no longer just biking for exercise or work. Cyclists are riding to the grocery store, school, and for many, riding is the only form of transportation. The more we consider others on the road, the safer it will be when we share it.

It can be jarring and scary when a motor vehicle accident occurs. And in the moments following a car crash, you may not know what to do. It is common to enter a state of shock, become disoriented, confused, and have difficulty thinking clearly. Because of the stressful nature of a car crash, you should be prepared with an accident procedure and a checklist of what to do if you are involved in a collision.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Colorado, there are several steps you should follow, and it is critical to take action right away. We recommend keeping a list of phone numbers, your insurance information, a list of questions to ask, and a checklist of information to obtain from the other party in your car if an incident occurs.

Use the following steps as a guide on what to do after a crash, and contact us if you or anyone you know need advisement on the proper steps to take following an auto accident.

I was Involved in a Car Accident. What Do I Do?

1. Do not leave

Never leave the scene of an accident. However, you must be out of harm’s way so if necessary, and possible, move your car to a nearby, safe location.

2. Check for Injuries and Call the Police

If a serious injury occurs, call 9-1-1 immediately and tell them you need medical assistance.

Even if no one is seriously injured, you should always call the police. A police report is often needed to file an insurance claim. Additionally, it serves as a valuable piece of evidence in case investigation.

3. Exchange Information with the Other Driver

Ask the other driver for their driver’s license number, insurance card information, address and contact information. Also, make sure to obtain their license plate number and document the time and date of the accident.

4. Document and Gather Evidence

Use your phone to take pictures of the scene and any damage sustained to your vehicle as well as the other vehicle, from multiple angles. Also, check for skid marks and if there was damage to any property surrounding the accident scene.

If you sustained a visible injury, it is important to document these as well. In addition, obtain contact information and a brief statement from anyone who witnessed the accident.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Whether you were visibly injured or not, we always recommend seeking medical care immediately following a car accident. Latent injuries are common with vehicle crashes and often do not show up right away. Disclose any pain or discomfort you are experiencing, even if it is only slight, and be sure to make your doctor aware of any pre-existing conditions.

If you are injured, follow your doctor’s instructions, recommendations for other medical care such as physical therapy, and make sure you do not miss any follow up appointments.

6. Contact Your Insurance

Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you believe you are not at fault. Most insurance companies have policies that require you to notify them within a certain time frame following a motor vehicle accident. It is also important to confirm if you have medical benefits as part of your insurance coverage.

Be honest when speaking to your insurance company and the other driver’s insurance company, but it is best to stick to the details of the accident and avoid discussing who is at fault.

7. Call an Attorney

It is best to consult with a Colorado personal injury lawyer who has extensive knowledge and experience dealing with traffic accident law as soon as possible following the incident. Your lawyer can protect your rights during the legal process, determine how much your claim is worth and the damages you are eligible to collect and advocate for you against the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery.

If you feel like your commute is taking longer, it is.

Newly released census data show that Colorado was the sixth fastest-growing state over the last 10 years. Colorado’s population grew at nearly twice the rate of the rest of the nation between 2010 and 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported earlier this month. The Denver metro area and northern Colorado counties saw some of the strongest growth. While the rapid growth over the last decade has done wonders for the Centennial state’s economy, it has also created significant challenges around traffic congestion.

Traffic Congestion in Colorado – And what it’s costing us

A recent economic report released by TRIP, a national transportation research non-profit, confirms what Colorado drivers have speculated for some time — that vehicle travel in Colorado has increased substantially in recent years. From 2000 to 2019, vehicle travel in Colorado increased by 31 percent, the ninth highest rate in the nation.

The report, “Keeping Colorado Mobile,” states congested roads and highways cost Colorado drivers $3.5 billion per year in lost time and wasted fuel. Annually, traffic delays cost the average Denver driver $1,242 per year or 26 gallons of wasted fuel, and 62 hours lost to congestion. In Colorado Springs, congestion costs drivers $838 per year and 44 hours lost, while northern Colorado drivers lose about $460 per year and 22 hours annually. Consequently, the increase in traffic not only impacts motorists’ bottom line but is also directly tied to the quality of life for the state’s residents.

Colorado’s 10 most congested highway segments

Here is TRIP’s list of Colorado’s ten most congested roads and highway segments. The results are based on the measured volume of traffic carried by a roadway compared to its capacity.

RANK	ROUTE	URBAN AREA	SEGMENT	AVG. DAILY TRAFFIC
1	SH 470	Littleton, Lone Tree	Santa Fe Dr. to Yosemite St.	104,959
2	I-25	Denver	Hampden Ave. to Speer Blvd.	236,182
3	SH 83 (Parker Rd.)	Aurora	Hampden Ave. to Dartmouth Ave.	79,662
4	SH 88 (Arapahoe Rd.)	Greenwood Village, Aurora	I-25 to SH 83 (Parker Rd.)	65,656
5	I-25	Lone Tree, Denver	Lincoln Ave. to SH 285 (Hampden)	242,249
6	I-70	West Vail, Vail	Chaonix Rd. to Vail Rd.	45,000
7	SH 85 (Sante Fe Dr.)	Littleton	Blakeland Dr. to Mineral Ave.	43,455
8	SH 24 (Powers Blvd.)	Colorado Springs	Fountain Blvd. to Platte Ave.	61,909
9	SH 85 (Santa Fe Dr.)	Englewood, Denver	Hampden Ave. to I-25	93,128
10	SH 287	Westminster	SH 36 to 104th Ave.	39,047

Without an updated, efficient, safe, and resilient transportation infrastructure, fighting traffic congestion will continue to be part of the daily routine for commuters in Colorado. Fortunately, a comprehensive statewide transportation funding package was signed into law on June 17. Senate Bill 21-260 will allocate nearly $5.3 billion in funding for transportation over the next decade, with the majority of it going towards maintenance and new construction on roads and highways across the state.

Chalat Hatten & Banker is proud to announce all four of its personal injury attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence. It is considered to be the most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor.

In addition, senior trial attorney, Jim Chalat, was named the 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Legal Malpractice Law by the same prestigious publication, Best Lawyers. Only one lawyer is recognized as the “Lawyer of the Year” for each practice area and location, making this accolade particularly significant. This year’s recognition marks Jim Chalat’s 9th consecutive selection in The Best Lawyers in America. It is also his second Lawyer of the Year award. Jim was awarded Denver’s Lawyer of the Year award in 2017 in the field of Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs.

All four of the firm’s Denver, CO personal injury lawyers have been named to this distinguished list for the second year in a row. Recognition in this highly competitive process demonstrates Chalat Hatten & Banker’s superior client service and legal talent in personal injury law.

Congratulations to our esteemed colleagues for their recognition in the 2022 edition of The Best Lawyers in America

• Evan P. Banker
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
• James H. Chalat – Voted the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Legal Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs in Denver
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Legal Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
• Linda J. Chalat
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
• Russell Hatten
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Selection to the Best Lawyers lists is based on an exhaustive peer-review evaluation. All included lawyers must first be nominated by their peers, and then voted for by a certain number of listed lawyers who take part in the survey. Because lawyers are not allowed to pay a fee to be listed, inclusion in this list is considered a singular honor.

SERVING COLORADO FOR OVER 3 DECADES

Chalat Hatten & Banker is consistently recognized as a premier personal injury law firm in Colorado and the United States. The firm has earned a ranking with U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers as a “Tier 1” ranked law firm in Plaintiffs’ Personal Injury Litigation since 2017. The firm has also been named by the Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado as a “Leadership Law Firm.” In addition, each lawyer has been named a top personal injury lawyer in Denver, CO by 5280 Magazine and Super Lawyers for several years in a row.

Chalat Hatten & Banker is proud to serve clients across Colorado, including Denver, Aurora, Pueblo, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Our award-winning team of skilled litigators has the scope of experience in all areas of personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, ski accidents, other recreational injuries, professional malpractice, premises liability, defective products, and more. At Chalat Hatten & Banker PC, our personal injury attorneys provide responsive and client-focused legal counsel. Regardless of the personal injury matter, our dedicated lawyers are here to help.