No Police Report? What to Do If Officers Didn’t Come to Your Denver Crash

Kelly Geraghty on December 30, 2025

If you were in a car accident in Denver and police did not come to the scene, you are not alone. The good news is you can still protect your health and create a paper trail that insurance can use. This guide walks you through the practical steps.

If you are injured or insurance is already pushing back, you can speak with a Denver car accident attorney here: Car Accident Attorney Denver or reach us here: Contact.

Related guides in this series

First, make sure it’s safe

  1. Move to a safe location if you can.
  2. Turn on hazards.
  3. Call 911 if anyone is injured, traffic is blocked, or you suspect impairment.

If it is not an emergency but you still need help, Denver Police directs people to call their non-emergency line at (720) 913-2000.

Denver crash resources you can use right now

Denver Police Department non-emergency: (720) 913-2000

Colorado “File an online crash report” (Department of Revenue)

Colorado DMV: Report a crash and obtain a crash record (guidance)

Denver Police: Submit an online police report (note: traffic crashes use the crash page)

Step 1: Exchange the right information anyway

Even without an officer, you should still collect the right information:

  • Driver name, phone, address
  • Driver’s license number
  • Insurance company and policy number
  • Plate number, vehicle make/model
  • Witness names and phone numbers

Colorado’s DMV crash guidance also emphasizes providing the other driver with your basic info, including insurance information.

Step 2: Take photos like you might never get another chance

When police do not respond, photos matter even more. Focus on:

  • Wide shots showing both vehicles and lane context
  • Close-ups of damage on both cars
  • Plates, street signs, traffic controls
  • Debris, skid marks, weather and lighting

Step 3: File an online crash report if appropriate

Colorado states that if a police officer was not called to the scene, you may file a crash report online.

Colorado also notes that if an individual files the report online, it does not get investigated by law enforcement and is kept for record purposes only.

Use the official online crash reporting page and Colorado’s DMV page for reporting and crash record guidance

If you want the full set of next steps after the scene, use the Colorado crash checklist.

Step 4: Get medical care if symptoms show up

When police do not come, people sometimes downplay the crash and skip care. Do not do that if you have symptoms.

Step 5: Notify insurance carefully

You usually still need to report the crash to your insurer. Keep it factual and avoid guessing about fault by following a simple insurance script.

If the other driver is uninsured or you suspect coverage issues, visit our Injured by an uninsured motorist resource.

What if the other driver refuses to cooperate?

If they will not provide information, or you think they are lying, do not escalate the situation. Prioritize safety and document what you can:

  • Take photos of the plate and vehicle
  • Get witness contacts
  • Write down the location and time
  • Call non-emergency if you need assistance: (720) 913-2000

What if it was a hit-and-run?

Hit-and-run crashes often end up being treated like an uninsured motorist situation from a practical standpoint, so documentation matters immediately.

When it makes sense to talk to a Denver car accident attorney

If any of the following applies, it is worth getting legal guidance early:

  • You have injuries or symptoms are developing
  • The other driver left, is uninsured, or denies fault
  • Fault is disputed and there is limited evidence
  • You are being pressured into a quick settlement

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