Colorado Accident Report Basics

Rain, snow, and ice create slippery road conditions, which every Colorado resident is aware of. Auto accidents aren't limited to inclement weather and can happen on a sunny summer's day. In any case, as a driver in Colorado, you have legal responsibilities after a crash.

Knowing what to do after a car crash in Colorado can save you a lot of hassle down the road. In this article, we'll look at Colorado auto laws and gain an understanding of what they mean to you after an auto accident. The importance of a police report will be examined, showing how Colorado car accident reports are used by insurance companies to determine fault.

Read on to learn more about Colorado car accident report basics.

Colorado Motor Vehicle Law Overview

Understanding Colorado's automotive codes and statutes can be a boon if you are in an accident. Not knowing who's responsible and whether you're covered in a crash is stressful, so let's figure things out and put your mind at ease.

Mandatory Liability Auto Insurance in Colorado

All drivers in Colorado are required to carry liability insurance on their vehicles. Liability insurance covers damage you're responsible for causing to others. In Colorado, the required minimums for liability policies are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury/death to any one person in an accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury/death to all persons in an accident
• $15,000 for property damage in an accident

You can pay higher premiums for more coverage. For a deeper understanding of the steps involved in filing an insurance claim and seeing it through to resolution, consult FindLaw's Colorado Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline article.

Fault and Negligence in Colorado

After an auto accident, it's common to wonder who's to blame and how damages will be awarded. Colorado is an at-fault state for vehicle collisions, which means the driver determined to be the main cause of the accident will be responsible for paying for the damages and injuries of the other involved parties.

The insurance companies will assign blame after reviewing the gathered data, including the police accident report. Since Colorado also uses the system of modified comparative negligence, the at-fault driver will be barred from being awarded any damages if they are more than 50% to blame for the accident.

Modified comparative negligence affects the other people in the accident as well. Their damages award will be reduced by the percentage they contributed to the crash. If your damages are $10,000 but you're deemed 25% responsible for the accident, you will receive $7,500.

For an in-depth explanation of how fault and negligence can change the amount of money you may receive, take a moment to read FindLaw's Colorado Car Accident Compensation Laws article.

Auto Accidents in Colorado - What To Do

In the chaotic aftermath of a car crash, it can be taxing to remember what your legal requirements are. Keep in mind that things are replaceable, but people aren't.

At the Scene of the Accident

If possible, take a deep breath and try to get your jangling nerves under control before proceeding.

Don't leave the scene of the accident without, at the very least, exchanging information with the other driver(s). If there are any injuries or fatalities, Colorado law stipulates that you need to summon law enforcement and wait for their arrival. They should also be brought in if there appears to be more than $1,000 of property damage. If you're not sure, err on the side of caution and call them.

Safety is the most important issue. Check on the well-being of everyone involved, including yourself. Offer first aid if necessary. When calling 911, alert the operator to any significant injuries.

Whether or not the police are coming, take pictures of the scene of the accident from numerous viewpoints. Exchange information with the other drivers, including:

• Driver's license numbers
• Insurance company name and policy information
• Name, address, date of birth, and phone number
• Vehicle identification numbers (VIN)
• License plate numbers

If anyone saw the crash, get their contact information and a witness statement.

Let your insurance company know as soon as you can. They can open a case file, which will help when you file a claim.

Colorado Accident Alerts and Cold Reports

The weather of the Rocky Mountain region can shut entire cities down. The Colorado State Patrol, local law enforcement, and emergency response teams sometimes find themselves overwhelmed and unable to navigate the roads due to the fury of the elements.

When this situation arises, the police in the area enter the "accident alert" mode. This means that law enforcement will only try to respond to an accident when:

• Vehicles are disabled due to damage
• Accident involves a fatality or an injury requiring medical attention
• Alcohol or drugs are involved
• There is an alleged hit-and-run accident
• There is damage to public property other than wildlife, i.e. a highway guardrail

If the accident doesn't warrant the police under these conditions, you can file a Cold Report instead. Exchange information with the other drivers and document the damage done to your vehicle. You must report the accident on the Colorado Department of Revenue site within 60 days.

Colorado Car Crash Report Basics

The police accident report is an important document that insurance companies of the involved parties use to determine who will pay and for what. They'll study the objective data, driver and witness statements, and other pertinent information before negotiating a settlement.

When the police officer arrives at the scene of the accident, follow their directions as they begin the traffic report process. Try to be calm and truthful while answering their questions. Even if you feel you might be at fault, don't offer that opinion.

If there are no injuries, fatalities, or over $1,000 in property damage, the officer will likely decline to write a report. In that case, you must file a report with the Colorado Department of Revenue. As it can take them up to 90 days to give you a copy, make sure you retain your information for an insurance claim.

Through the report and statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses, the investigating officer will attempt to recreate the events of the accident from an objective viewpoint. Some of the facts they'll note include:

• Time of day
• Lighting
• Type of roadway/condition of roadway
• Weather conditions
• A diagram of the points of impact and positions of the vehicles
• Sobriety of the drivers
• Traffic signals and signs

You will need copies of the crash report for your insurance claim and for any personal injury lawsuit you might pursue. You can get a copy from the police department in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. For example, if you had a crash in Denver, you'd order a copy from the police page of the Denver city website.

If the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) responded to your accident, you can order a crash report from their website.

How To File a Car Crash Report in Colorado

The chart below summarizes Colorado laws and procedures for filing a car crash report.

Note: Laws are subject to change. It's important to verify the information you read about by conducting your own research or consulting with a Colorado attorney.

Additional Research Resources

• Colorado DMV Forms
• Types of Injury Damages
• Colorado Negligence Laws
• Car Accident Resources
• Insurance Claim Overview

Get Help With Reporting a Car Accident in the State of Colorado: Talk to a Lawyer

No matter the circumstances of your accident, dealing with a wreck is easier when you're working with an experienced accident attorney. Whether you were the victim or the primary cause of the accident, your attorney will help protect your rights and get you back on the road.

Learn how Colorado law applies to the facts of your claim by speaking to a local car accident attorney. Their legal advice about your traffic accident can help you get the best outcome possible.