By Kit Yona, M.A. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 31, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
The chart below summarizes Colorado laws and procedures for filing a car crash report.
Colorado Accident Statutes (Laws) |
|
|---|---|
When To Report a Crash |
After an accident, Colorado law requires you to call the police when:
|
Crash Reports |
|
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.
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.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.