You’ve just been in a car accident in Denver, and your hands are probably still shaking as the police officer walks over with that clipboard. Between checking if everyone’s okay and dealing with insurance companies already calling your phone, the last thing you want to think about is paperwork. But here’s the thing – that police report the officer is about to fill out could seriously impact your insurance claim or any legal case down the road.
I’ve seen too many people walk away from accident scenes thinking everything’s handled, only to discover weeks later that the police report has missing information or inaccuracies that are now hurting their case. Trust me, spending a few extra minutes at the scene to make sure that report is complete and accurate can save you months of headaches later. It’s like putting a little effort in now to avoid a giant mess later.
Why Denver Police Reports Are a Little Different (And Why That Matters to You)
Living in Denver for over a decade, I’ve learned that our city does things a bit differently when it comes to accident reporting. Unlike some smaller Colorado towns where you might wait hours for an officer, the Denver Police Department (DPD) has pretty specific rules about when they’ll respond to accidents and what information they’ll collect.
Here’s what most people don’t realize: DPD won’t always come to every fender-bender. If nobody’s injured and the cars are still drivable, you might just be dealing with an “exchange of information” situation instead of getting an official police report. That’s a big deal for insurance claims, and I’ll tell you why in a minute.
But when they do respond, Denver officers use the Colorado State Patrol’s standardized reporting system. This means your report will have specific sections and codes that insurance adjusters and attorneys know how to read. The tricky part? Most regular folks don’t know what half of those codes mean or why they matter.
The Real Story Behind Police Report Timing
Let me share something that might surprise you. I was chatting with my neighbor Sarah last month – she’s a dispatcher for DPD – and she told me that the average response time for non-injury accidents in Denver is about 45 minutes. But here’s the kicker: that report you’re waiting for? It might not even be available for up to 10 business days after the accident.
That waiting period can feel like forever when you’re trying to get your car fixed and insurance companies are asking for documentation. Sarah mentioned that they’ve been working on digitizing more of their reporting process, but Denver still has some old-school elements that can slow things down.
The timing really matters because Colorado has specific deadlines (called “statutes of limitations”) for filing insurance claims and personal injury cases. You definitely don’t want to be scrambling to get basic documentation months after your accident when those deadlines are getting close.
What Actually Goes Into a Denver Police Report
When that officer starts filling out the report, they’re not just jotting down notes. There’s a structured format that includes several key sections, and understanding what goes where can help you make sure nothing important gets missed.
The Header Information (More Important Than You Think)
At the top of every Denver police report, you’ll find what looks like basic administrative stuff – report number, date, time, location. But this “basic” information is actually the foundation for everything that follows.
The report number is your golden ticket. Seriously, write it down, take a picture of it, tattoo it on your arm if you have to – you’ll need this number for every insurance call, every attorney chat, and every follow-up with the police department. I’ve seen people lose weeks trying to track down their report because they forgot to get this number at the scene.
The location details matter more than you might think. Denver has some tricky intersections where the exact spot of impact can affect who’s at fault. For example, if your accident happened near the intersection of Colfax and Federal, the officer needs to note which side of the intersection, what direction traffic was flowing, and any traffic lights or stop signs nearby.
Time stamps can also be incredibly important. Rush hour accidents get handled differently than late-night incidents, and lighting conditions noted in the report can affect how fault is determined.
Officer Information and Badge Numbers
Every report should include the responding officer’s name, badge number, and contact information. This isn’t just bureaucratic procedure – if there are questions about the report later, you or your attorney might need to contact that specific officer.
I learned this the hard way when I was helping my brother deal with an accident claim. The insurance company had questions about how the officer determined fault, but the report was missing the badge number. It took three weeks and multiple calls to DPD to track down the right officer. Don’t let this happen to you!
The Parties Involved Section
This section should include full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information for everyone involved in the accident. It sounds straightforward, but you’d be amazed how often information gets missed or recorded incorrectly.
Here’s a pro tip from my friend Jake, who works as a claims adjuster: always double-check that your insurance information is recorded correctly on the spot. He sees cases all the time where someone’s policy number was written down wrong, leading to big delays in claim processing.
The report should also note if anyone was cited at the scene. In Colorado, getting a traffic ticket doesn’t automatically make you at fault for the accident, but it definitely influences how insurance companies view the claim.
Vehicle Information Details
For each vehicle involved, the report should include make, model, year, color, license plate, and VIN number. The VIN is especially important – it’s like a fingerprint for your car and helps prevent any confusion if there are multiple similar vehicles involved in claims.
The officer should also note how much damage each vehicle has and whether the cars were towed or driven away. This information helps insurance companies understand how bad the impact was and can influence injury claims.
The Narrative Section (Where the Real Story Lives)
This is where the officer describes what happened in their own words. It’s also where you’ll find some of the most important information for figuring out who’s at fault and understanding the sequence of events.
A good narrative will include details about road conditions, weather, traffic signals, and any contributing factors like distracted driving or equipment failure. The officer might note if someone was on their phone, if there were skid marks, or if traffic signals were working properly.
I always tell people to read this section carefully before leaving the scene. If something doesn’t match your memory of events, speak up. Once that report is filed, changing information becomes much, much harder.
Understanding Fault Determination in Denver Reports
Here’s something most people don’t realize: the police report doesn’t officially determine fault for insurance or legal purposes. But practically speaking, what the officer writes in that report carries enormous weight with insurance companies and can significantly impact your claim.
How Denver Officers Assess Fault
Denver police officers use Colorado traffic laws as their guide when figuring out who was at fault. They’re looking at things like right-of-way violations, following too closely, improper lane changes, and failure to yield.
Colorado is a comparative fault state, which means multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident. The officer might note that Driver A was 70% at fault for running a red light, while Driver B was 30% at fault for speeding. This percentage split can directly affect how much compensation each person receives.
The Role of Traffic Citations
If the officer issues a citation at the scene, it’s usually a strong hint about how they see fault. Common tickets in Denver accidents include:
- Careless driving (Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1402)
- Following too closely (CRS 42-4-1008)
- Failure to yield right-of-way (CRS 42-4-1103)
- Improper lane change (CRS 42-4-1007)
But here’s something important: you can get a ticket and still not be 100% at fault for the accident. The ticket just means the officer believes you broke a traffic law that contributed to the crash.
When Fault Can’t Be Determined
Sometimes officers can’t determine fault at the scene. This might happen when:
- Both drivers have conflicting stories and there are no witnesses
- The physical evidence doesn’t clearly support either version of events
- Weather or road conditions made the accident unavoidable
- There’s a mechanical problem that contributed to the crash
In these cases, the report will note that fault couldn’t be determined, and insurance companies will have to do their own investigation.
Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
After dealing with dozens of accident reports over the years, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up again and again. These errors might seem minor at the time, but they can have major consequences for your insurance claim or potential lawsuit.
Incomplete Contact Information
This one drives me crazy because it’s so easily preventable! I’ve seen reports where phone numbers are missing digits, addresses are incomplete, or insurance policy numbers are just plain wrong.
Last year, my cousin was in an accident on I-25, and the other driver’s phone number was recorded incorrectly on the report. When the insurance company tried to contact them, they couldn’t get through. This delayed the claim for weeks while they tracked down the correct information.
Always verify that your contact information is correct before the officer finishes the report. And if you can, exchange information directly with the other people involved as a backup.
Vague Accident Descriptions
Some police reports read like they were written by someone who wasn’t even at the scene. “Vehicle 1 hit Vehicle 2” doesn’t tell you much about how the accident happened or who might be at fault.
A good accident description should include:
- The direction each vehicle was traveling
- The specific spot of impact on each vehicle
- Any quick moves the drivers made to avoid the crash
- Road and weather conditions
- Traffic lights or signs in the area
If the officer’s description seems too vague, ask them to include more detail. They might have observed things that aren’t making it into the written report.
Missing Witness Information
Witnesses can make or break your case, especially if the other driver’s story doesn’t match yours. But I’ve seen plenty of reports where witnesses were present but their information wasn’t collected.
If there are witnesses at the scene, make sure the officer gets their contact information. If the officer doesn’t want to include them in the report, get their information yourself! A witness who saw the whole thing can be incredibly helpful if your case ends up in court.
Incorrect Vehicle Positions
The position of the vehicles after impact can tell a story about how the accident happened. But sometimes vehicles get moved before the officer arrives, or the positions aren’t accurately recorded.
If your car was moved for safety reasons before the police arrived, make sure to tell the officer where it was originally located. Take photos if you can – these can help clarify what happened later.
Missing Injury Information
Even if you feel fine at the scene, any complaints of pain or discomfort should be noted in the report. Adrenaline can mask injury symptoms, and some injuries don’t become apparent until hours or even days later.
I know someone who walked away from an accident feeling fine, told the officer they weren’t injured, and then ended up in the emergency room the next day with severe neck pain. Because the police report noted “no injuries,” their insurance company initially questioned whether the injuries were really related to the accident.
If you have any pain, discomfort, or just feel “shaken up,” make sure it gets noted in the report.
The Insurance Company Perspective
Insurance adjusters read police reports differently than regular people do. They’re looking for specific information that helps them determine who’s responsible and estimate how much the claim will cost. Understanding their perspective can help you make sure the right information gets included in your report.
What Adjusters Look for First
When an adjuster gets your police report, they typically start with the fault determination and any tickets issued. This gives them a quick overview of who was likely responsible for the accident.
They’ll also look at the damage descriptions to understand how bad the impact was. Minor damage might suggest lower speeds and less severe injuries, while major damage could indicate a high-impact crash with potential for serious injuries.
The adjuster will pay close attention to any inconsistencies in the drivers’ statements. If your story doesn’t match the other driver’s story, they’ll dig deeper into the physical evidence to figure out what really happened.
How Missing Information Affects Claims
When information is missing from the police report, it doesn’t mean your claim will be denied, but it can slow down the process a lot. The insurance company might need to do their own investigation to fill in the gaps.
For example, if witness information is missing, they might hire a private investigator to track down people who saw the accident. If vehicle damage isn’t properly documented, they might need to have both cars inspected by experts.
All of this extra investigation takes time and can delay your settlement.
The Role of Photos and Diagrams
Most Denver police reports include a basic diagram showing where the vehicles were and where they hit. This diagram might look simple, but it’s often the first thing insurance adjusters look at to understand how the accident happened.
If the diagram doesn’t accurately show what happened, it can hurt your case. Make sure to review it before the officer finishes the report, and speak up if something looks wrong.
Photos taken by the officer can also be super important evidence. These might show skid marks, debris patterns, or damage that isn’t obvious from the written description.
Legal Stuff You Need to Know
Police reports play a big role in personal injury cases, but they’re not the final word on what happened. Understanding how courts and attorneys use these reports can help you make better decisions about your case.
Police Reports as Evidence
In Colorado courts, police reports are generally allowed as evidence, but they’re not considered absolute proof of fault. The report represents the officer’s opinion based on their investigation at the scene.
This means that even if the police report says you were at fault, you can still challenge that finding in court. Similarly, if the report supports your version of events, the other party can still argue that the officer got it wrong.
The Importance of Officer Testimony
If your case goes to trial, the responding officer might be called to testify about what they saw at the scene. This is why it’s important that the officer’s contact information is included in the report.
Officers who took detailed notes and created thorough reports make much better witnesses than those who rushed through the paperwork. A good officer can explain why they determined fault a certain way and describe the scene in detail.
Statute of Limitations Considerations
In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But there are exceptions and complications that can affect this timeline.
Having a complete and accurate police report from day one helps keep your legal options open. If you wait months to discover that important information is missing from the report, it might be too late to gather that evidence for a potential lawsuit.
How to Get Your Denver Police Report
Getting a copy of your police report might seem straightforward, but there are a few things you should know about the process in Denver.
Online Access Through DPD
The Denver Police Department has an online system where you can request copies of police reports. You’ll need the report number, which is why I keep harping on the importance of getting that number at the scene!
The online system is usually the fastest way to get your report, but it’s not always available immediately. Reports typically become available online within 3-10 business days after the accident.
In-Person Requests
You can also request a copy of your report in person at the Denver Police Department Records Section. They’re located at 1331 Cherokee Street, and you’ll need to bring identification and pay a small fee for the copy.
Going in person can be helpful if you need the report quickly or if there are issues with the online system. The staff can also help you understand parts of the report that might be confusing.
Third-Party Services
There are companies that will get your police report for you, usually for a higher fee than going directly through DPD. These services can be convenient, but make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate company.
I’d generally recommend getting the report yourself unless you’re physically unable to do so or you’re having trouble figuring out the system.
What to Do If Information Is Wrong
If you find errors in your police report, you can request corrections through the Denver Police Department. However, this process can be complicated and time-consuming.
Minor errors like typos in names or addresses are usually easier to correct than big changes to the accident story or fault determination. The department will typically require evidence to support any requested changes.
Working with Attorneys and Your Police Report
If you’re thinking about hiring an attorney after your accident, the police report will be one of the first documents they’ll want to review. Understanding how attorneys use these reports can help you have more productive conversations with potential legal help.
What Attorneys Look for in Reports
Experienced personal injury attorneys can spot problems in police reports that most people would miss. They’re looking for inconsistencies, missing information, and signs that the officer might have made errors in their investigation.
At McCormick & Murphy, P.C., attorneys Kirk McCormick and James Murphy have been handling personal injury cases in Denver since 1995. With over 60 years of combined experience, they know how to read between the lines of police reports and spot issues that could affect your case.
Their office is conveniently located at 1547 N Gaylord St UNIT 303, Denver, CO 80206, making it easy for Denver-area accident victims to get experienced legal advice about their cases.
How Attorneys Challenge Police Reports
Just because something is written in a police report doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. Experienced attorneys know how to challenge inaccurate or incomplete reports through additional investigation.
This might involve hiring accident reconstruction experts, interviewing witnesses who weren’t included in the original report, or getting surveillance video that the police didn’t collect.
The key is acting quickly. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can forget important details, and surveillance footage often gets deleted after a certain period.
The Contingency Fee Advantage
Many personal injury attorneys, including those at McCormick & Murphy, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover money for your case.
This arrangement allows you to get experienced legal help even if you’re worried about the cost. The attorney has a real incentive to thoroughly investigate your case and challenge any problems with the police report.
When to Call an Attorney
You don’t need to wait until you have your police report to contact an attorney. In fact, calling an attorney soon after your accident can help make sure important evidence is saved and that your rights are protected from the very beginning.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you can reach McCormick & Murphy at (888)-668-1182 to chat about your case. They understand the challenges that accident victims face and can help you understand your options.
Special Situations in Denver Accidents
Denver’s unique geography, weather patterns, and traffic situations can create special circumstances that affect how police reports are handled.
Weather-Related Accidents
Colorado weather can change quickly, and this often plays a role in accidents. Denver police officers are trained to note weather conditions in their reports, but the level of detail can vary.
If weather was a factor in your accident, make sure the officer notes:
- Precipitation (rain, snow, sleet)
- Road conditions (wet, icy, snow-covered)
- Visibility issues
- Temperature (especially around freezing)
I’ve seen cases where insurance companies tried to blame accidents entirely on weather, even when driver error was the main cause. Having detailed weather information in the police report helps show what conditions were actually like at the time of the accident.
Construction Zone Accidents
Denver seems to always have road construction somewhere, and these zones create special hazards and legal considerations.
Police reports for construction zone accidents should note:
- Whether proper signs were in place
- The posted speed limit in the construction zone
- Whether workers were present
- The condition of temporary traffic control devices
Construction zone accidents can involve additional parties beyond just the drivers – the construction company or the entity responsible for traffic control might share responsibility.
High-Altitude Considerations
This might sound weird, but Denver’s altitude can actually affect accident investigations. Visitors from lower elevations sometimes experience fatigue or mild altitude sickness that can impact their driving.
While this isn’t commonly noted in police reports, it can be a factor in accidents involving out-of-state drivers who aren’t used to the altitude.
Tourist and Visitor Accidents
Denver attracts millions of visitors each year, and accidents involving tourists can be more complicated. Visitors might not be familiar with local traffic patterns, road layouts, or driving customs.
If you’re involved in an accident with a visitor, make sure the police report includes their local contact information if they’re staying in a hotel. Getting their permanent address is also important in case you need to contact them later.
Understanding Denver’s Unique Traffic Patterns
Living in Denver, you learn that certain intersections and stretches of road are accident hotspots. Understanding how these locations are handled in police reports can be helpful.
High-Accident Intersections
Some Denver intersections see accidents on a regular basis. Places like the intersection of Hampden and I-25, or anywhere along Colfax Avenue, have their own patterns of accidents that police officers are familiar with.
When accidents happen at these known problem spots, officers might include additional details about traffic patterns or known hazards. This information can be valuable for your case.
Highway vs. Surface Street Accidents
Accidents on Denver’s highways (I-25, I-70, I-76, US-6) are often handled differently than surface street accidents. Highway accidents might involve the Colorado State Patrol instead of Denver Police, depending on the exact location.
The reporting procedures are similar, but highway accidents often involve higher speeds and more severe damage. The reports typically include more detailed information about vehicle speeds and impact forces.
Parking Lot and Private Property Accidents
Not all accidents happen on public roads. Accidents in parking lots, private driveways, or other private property might not result in a police report at all.
If police do respond to a private property accident, the report might note that traffic laws don’t apply in the same way. This can affect fault determination and insurance coverage.
The Technology Factor in Modern Reports
The Denver Police Department has been updating their reporting technology, and this affects how information is collected and stored.
Digital vs. Paper Reports
Most Denver police reports are now created digitally, either on tablets or laptops in the patrol cars. This has improved legibility – no more trying to decipher an officer’s handwriting – but it’s also created some new challenges.
Digital reports sometimes have character limits that can result in abbreviated descriptions. Officers might use codes or shorthand that aren’t immediately obvious to people reading the report.
Body Camera and Dash Camera Evidence
Many Denver police officers now wear body cameras and have dash cameras in their patrol cars. This footage can provide valuable evidence about the accident scene and the officer’s investigation.
The police report should note if body camera or dash camera footage exists, but getting access to this footage often requires a separate request. This is another area where having an attorney can be helpful.
GPS and Mapping Technology
Modern police reports often include precise GPS coordinates for accident locations. This can be more accurate than written descriptions of intersections or mile markers.
However, GPS coordinates aren’t always meaningful to insurance adjusters or attorneys who aren’t familiar with the technology. Make sure the report also includes a written description of the location that anyone can understand.
Red Flags in Police Reports
After years of reviewing accident reports, certain things just jump out as potential problems. Knowing what to look for can help you spot issues early.
Inconsistent Information
If different sections of the report contain conflicting information, that’s a red flag. For example, if the narrative says Vehicle A was traveling east, but the diagram shows it traveling north, there’s a problem that needs to be resolved.
Missing Signatures
Police reports should include signatures from all parties involved in the accident. If someone refused to sign, that should be noted. Missing signatures without explanation can raise questions about the report’s completeness.
Unusual Timing
If there’s a significant delay between when the accident happened and when the report was filed, that should be explained. Long delays can affect how accurate witness statements and physical evidence are.
Incomplete Diagrams
The accident diagram should make sense when compared to the written narrative. If the diagram is incomplete or doesn’t match the description, it can create confusion for insurance companies and attorneys.
Generic Language
Reports that use very generic language without specific details might indicate that the officer didn’t conduct a thorough investigation. Phrases like “driver error” or “lost control” don’t provide much useful information.
Insurance Bad Faith and Police Reports
Sometimes insurance companies use problems in police reports to unfairly deny or delay claims. Understanding your rights can help you fight back against these tactics.
When Insurance Companies Misuse Reports
Insurance companies sometimes cherry-pick information from police reports to support their position while ignoring other evidence. They might focus on a minor inconsistency while ignoring clear evidence of the other driver’s fault.
This kind of behavior can constitute insurance bad faith, which is a serious legal violation in Colorado. If you believe your insurance company is misusing your police report to unfairly deny your claim, you might have grounds for a bad faith lawsuit.
The Duty to Investigate
Insurance companies have a legal duty to thoroughly investigate claims. They can’t just rely on the police report if there’s evidence that the report is incomplete or inaccurate.
If your insurance company refuses to investigate beyond what’s in the police report, even when you’ve provided additional evidence, they might be violating their duty to you as their insured.
Getting Help with Bad Faith Claims
McCormick & Murphy, P.C. has a lot of experience handling insurance bad faith cases in addition to personal injury claims. Since 1990, their attorneys have specialized in holding insurance companies accountable when they fail to treat their customers fairly.
If you’re dealing with an insurance company that’s misusing your police report or refusing to properly investigate your claim, you can contact their office at (888)-668-1182 to chat about your options.
The Human Element in Police Reports
It’s important to remember that police reports are created by human beings who are doing their best to document what happened under often difficult circumstances.
Officer Training and Experience
Not all police officers have the same level of training or experience when it comes to accident investigation. A rookie officer might miss details that a veteran would catch, or they might not know how to properly document complex accident scenarios.
This doesn’t mean the officer did anything wrong – it just means that police reports aren’t perfect documents. They represent one person’s interpretation of events based on the information available at the time.
Time and Resource Constraints
Police officers often have multiple calls waiting and can’t spend unlimited time on accident investigations. This reality can sometimes result in reports that are less detailed than everyone would prefer.
Understanding these limits can help you be more proactive about giving information and making sure important details get included in the report.
The Importance of Professionalism
Most Denver police officers are professional and thorough in their accident investigations. However, if you encounter an officer who seems rushed, dismissive, or unprofessional, don’t be afraid to ask for a supervisor.
You have the right to have your accident properly investigated and documented. If you feel like the officer isn’t taking your case seriously, speak up.
Beyond the Police Report: Additional Evidence
While the police report is important, it’s not the only evidence that matters in accident cases. Understanding what other evidence might be available can help you build a stronger case.
Witness Statements
Independent witnesses who saw your accident can provide valuable testimony that supports your version of events. Even if their information isn’t included in the police report, you can still use their statements in insurance negotiations or legal proceedings.
Try to get witness contact information at the scene, even if the police officer doesn’t want to include them in the report. A witness who saw the whole thing can be incredibly helpful later.
Surveillance Video
Many businesses and government entities have security cameras that might have captured your accident. This footage can provide objective evidence of what really happened.
However, surveillance footage is often deleted after a certain period, so it’s important to identify potential sources quickly. An attorney can help you send preservation notices to make sure that relevant footage isn’t destroyed.
Cell Phone Records
If distracted driving is suspected, cell phone records can show whether a driver was using their phone at the time of the accident. These records can be powerful evidence in fault determination.
Getting access to cell phone records usually requires legal action, which is another reason why having an attorney can be valuable.
Vehicle Data Recorders
Many modern vehicles have event data recorders (EDRs) that capture information about speed, braking, and other factors in the moments before and during an accident. This data can provide objective evidence about what happened.
Accessing EDR data typically requires special equipment and expertise, but it can be extremely valuable in cases where fault is disputed.
Dealing with Disputed Reports
Sometimes you’ll disagree with what the police officer wrote in the report. Knowing your options can help you protect your interests.
The Amendment Process
The Denver Police Department has a process for requesting amendments to police reports when there are factual errors. However, this process can be time-consuming and isn’t always successful.
You’ll typically need to provide evidence supporting your requested changes. The department will review your request and decide whether to make the amendment.
Supplemental Reports
In some cases, you might be able to get the officer to file a supplemental report with additional information that wasn’t included in the original report. This is more likely to be successful than trying to change information that’s already been recorded.
Independent Investigation
If you can’t get the police report changed, you can still conduct your own investigation to gather evidence that contradicts or adds to the report. This evidence can be used in insurance negotiations or legal proceedings.
The Role of Expert Witnesses
In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence and provide their own opinion about how the accident happened. These experts can sometimes identify errors in police investigations or provide alternative explanations for the physical evidence.
Preparing for Insurance Negotiations
Your police report will play a major role in insurance negotiations, so understanding how to use it effectively can help you get a better settlement.
Highlighting Favorable Information
If the police report supports your version of events, make sure to highlight that information in your communications with insurance companies. Point out specific sections that show the other driver was at fault.
Addressing Unfavorable Information
If the police report contains information that hurts your case, don’t ignore it. Instead, be prepared to explain why that information might be inaccurate or incomplete.
For example, if the report says you were speeding but you know you weren’t, gather evidence like witness statements or vehicle data that contradicts that finding.
Using the Report Strategically
Don’t just send the insurance company a copy of the police report and hope for the best. Use it as part of a full presentation that includes all the evidence supporting your claim.
An experienced attorney can help you put together a persuasive package that maximizes your chances of a favorable settlement.
The Timeline of Report Processing
Understanding how long it takes to get your police report and what happens during that time can help you plan your next steps.
Initial Processing
After the officer completes the report at the scene, it goes through an initial review process at the police department. This usually takes 1-3 business days.
During this time, supervisors might review the report for completeness and accuracy. If there are obvious errors or missing information, they might send it back to the officer for corrections.
Final Processing and Release
Once the report passes initial review, it goes through final processing before being made available to the public. This typically takes another 2-7 business days.
The total time from accident to report availability is usually 3-10 business days, but it can be longer during busy periods or if there are complications with the case.
Rush Processing
In some cases, you might be able to get expedited processing of your police report. This usually requires showing that you have an urgent need for the report, such as an insurance deadline.
There might be additional fees for expedited processing, and it’s not available in all cases.
Privacy and Access Issues
Police reports are generally public records, but there are some privacy protections and access limitations you should know about.
Who Can Access Your Report
In Colorado, police reports are generally available to anyone who requests them. This means that the other parties involved in your accident can get copies of the report, as can their insurance companies and attorneys.
However, some personal information like driver’s license numbers might be hidden from copies provided to the general public.
Protecting Sensitive Information
If your police report contains sensitive information that you’re concerned about, you might be able to request that certain details be kept confidential. However, this is not common and usually requires showing that sharing it would create a safety risk.
Media Access
In high-profile cases, media outlets might request copies of police reports. Understanding that your accident information could become public can help you prepare for potential publicity.
Working with Your Insurance Company
Your own insurance company will want a copy of the police report, and understanding how they’ll use it can help you communicate more effectively with them.
Duty to Cooperate
Most insurance policies require you to cooperate with your insurance company’s investigation. This includes giving them a copy of the police report and answering questions about the accident.
However, you should be careful about making statements that could hurt your case. If you’re not sure how to answer a question, it’s okay to say that you need to review the police report or talk to an attorney.
Potential Coverage Issues
If the police report indicates that you broke traffic laws or were partially at fault for the accident, your insurance company might raise questions about your coverage. Understanding your policy and your rights can help you address these issues.
The Role of Adjusters
Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to handle your claim. This adjuster will review the police report along with other evidence to figure out coverage and potential settlement amounts.
Building a good relationship with your adjuster can help your case, but remember that they work for the insurance company, not for you.
Medical Considerations and Police Reports
If you were injured in your accident, the police report’s documentation of your injuries can be important for your medical treatment and any potential legal claims.
Immediate Medical Attention
If you received medical attention at the scene, this should be documented in the police report. The report might include information about:
- Whether an ambulance was called
- Which hospital you were taken to
- Your apparent injuries at the scene
- Whether you refused medical treatment
This information can be important for establishing the connection between your accident and your injuries.
Delayed Injury Symptoms
Sometimes injury symptoms don’t appear until hours or days after an accident. If you didn’t report injuries at the scene but developed symptoms later, this can create complications for your claim.
Insurance companies sometimes argue that injuries not documented in the police report aren’t related to the accident. Having medical documentation that links your symptoms to the accident can help counter these arguments.
Pre-existing Conditions
If you have pre-existing medical conditions, insurance companies might try to argue that your current symptoms aren’t related to the accident. The police report’s documentation of your condition at the scene can help establish what injuries are new.
Property Damage Documentation
The police report’s documentation of vehicle damage is important for insurance claims and can also provide evidence about how the accident happened.
Damage Descriptions
The report should include detailed descriptions of damage to all vehicles involved. This might include:
- Which parts of each vehicle were damaged
- How severe the damage was
- Whether the vehicles were drivable
- Whether any vehicles needed to be towed
Damage Consistency
The pattern of damage to the vehicles should be consistent with the described sequence of events. If there are inconsistencies, this might indicate errors in the accident reconstruction.
Personal Property
Don’t forget about personal property that might have been damaged in the accident. Items like phones, laptops, or other valuables should be documented if they were damaged.
The police report might not include detailed information about personal property damage, so make sure to document these losses yourself and report them to your insurance company.
Long-term Implications of Police Reports
The information in your police report can have effects that go well beyond your immediate insurance claim.
Future Insurance Rates
If the police report indicates that you were at fault for the accident, this could affect your insurance rates for several years. Understanding how fault determination works can help you decide whether to challenge unfavorable findings.
Driving Record Impact
Traffic citations issued at the scene will typically appear on your driving record. This can affect your insurance rates and might have implications for your job if you drive for work.
Legal Precedent
If your case goes to trial, the police report becomes part of the court record. This could potentially be referenced in future cases involving similar circumstances.
Working with McCormick & Murphy, P.C.
If you’re dealing with a complex accident case or having trouble with insurance companies, the experienced attorneys at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. can help you understand your options.
Experience That Matters
Kirk McCormick and James Murphy have been handling personal injury and insurance bad faith cases since 1995. Their 60+ years of combined experience means they’ve seen virtually every type of accident scenario and insurance company tactic.
They understand how to read police reports, spot problems, and build strong cases for their clients. Their experience with Colorado courts and insurance companies can be incredibly valuable in getting you the compensation you deserve.
Personal Attention
McCormick & Murphy understands that every client’s situation is unique. They take the time to understand your specific circumstances and develop a strategy that makes sense for your case.
You won’t be just another file number – you’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who care about getting you the best possible outcome.
No Fee Unless You Win
Like many personal injury attorneys, McCormick & Murphy works on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover money for your case.
This arrangement allows you to get experienced legal help even if you’re worried about the cost. The attorneys have a real incentive to work hard for you because they only get paid if you do.
Convenient Denver Location
McCormick & Murphy’s office is located at 1547 N Gaylord St UNIT 303, Denver, CO 80206, making it convenient for Denver-area accident victims to meet with their attorneys.
You can easily find their office using Google Maps, and they’re accessible by public transportation and have parking available.
Getting Started
If you’ve been injured in an accident and have questions about your police report or your legal options, you can contact McCormick & Murphy at (888)-668-1182 for a consultation.
They’ll review your police report, explain your rights, and help you understand what steps you should take to protect your interests. You can also learn more about their credentials and read client reviews through their professional services profile.
Common Questions About Denver Police Reports
Over the years, I’ve heard the same questions about police reports over and over. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.
What if the police don’t come to my accident?
Not all accidents result in police reports. Denver Police typically respond to accidents involving injuries, significant property damage, or disputes between the parties. If they don’t respond, you can still file a report online or at a police station within 10 days of the accident.
Can I get a copy of the other driver’s statement?
The police report should include statements from all parties involved in the accident. However, these are usually brief summaries rather than detailed statements. If you need more detailed information, your attorney might be able to get additional records through the legal discovery process.
What if I disagree with the officer’s fault determination?
You can request corrections to factual errors in the police report, but changing fault determinations is harder. Your best option might be to gather additional evidence that contradicts the officer’s findings and present that evidence to insurance companies or in court.
How long do I have to request changes to the report?
There’s no specific deadline for requesting amendments to police reports, but it’s best to do so as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence supporting your requested changes.
Will the police report determine my insurance rates?
Insurance companies consider multiple factors when setting rates, including your driving record, claims history, and fault determination from accidents. A police report that shows you were at fault could affect your rates, but it’s just one factor among many.
Can I use the police report in court?
Police reports are generally allowed as evidence in Colorado courts, but they’re not considered absolute proof of what happened. The other party can still challenge the findings in the report and present their own evidence.
What if there are no witnesses listed in the report?
The police report might not include all available witnesses. If you know of witnesses who weren’t interviewed by the police, you can still contact them yourself or have your attorney do so. Their statements can still be valuable even if they weren’t included in the original report.
How do I know if my police report is complete?
A complete police report should include information about all parties involved, vehicle details, insurance information, a narrative description of what happened, a diagram of the accident scene, and any citations issued. If any of this information is missing, you should contact the police department to request additional information.
The Future of Accident Reporting in Denver
Technology continues to change how accident reports are created and processed. Understanding these trends can help you know what to expect in the future.
Digital Integration
The Denver Police Department continues to upgrade their digital systems, which should make reports more accurate and available more quickly. However, new systems also create new challenges as officers learn to use different technology.
Automated Data Collection
Some newer police vehicles have automated systems that can collect GPS coordinates, weather data, and other information automatically. This can make reports more accurate and complete.
Body Camera Integration
As body cameras become more common, the footage from these devices might become a standard part of accident investigations. This could provide more objective evidence about what happened at accident scenes.
Public Access Improvements
DPD has been working on improving public access to police reports through online systems. This should make it easier and faster for accident victims to get copies of their reports.
Building Your Case Beyond the Police Report
While the police report is important, building a strong insurance claim or legal case requires thinking beyond just what’s in the report.
Documenting Everything
Keep detailed records of everything related to your accident:
- Medical appointments and treatments
- Time missed from work
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Communications with insurance companies
- Photos of your injuries and vehicle damage
Preserving Evidence
Important evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Make sure to:
- Take photos at the scene if possible
- Get contact information for witnesses
- Identify potential sources of surveillance video
- Keep all damaged personal property
Understanding Your Rights
Colorado law provides specific protections for accident victims, but you need to understand these rights to take advantage of them. An experienced attorney can help you understand what you’re entitled to and how to pursue it.
Building Relationships
The people you work with during your case – insurance adjusters, attorneys, medical providers – can all affect the outcome. Building positive professional relationships can help your case move forward more smoothly.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Police Report
Your police report is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to resolving your accident case, but it’s an important piece. Understanding what should be included in the report, how to spot problems, and what to do when issues arise can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Remember that police reports aren’t perfect documents created by perfect people. They represent one person’s best effort to document what happened under often difficult circumstances. Understanding this can help you approach your report with realistic expectations while still pushing for accuracy and completeness.
The most important thing is to be proactive. Don’t just assume that everything will work out – take an active role in making sure your interests are protected. This might mean asking the officer to include additional details, correcting errors when you spot them, or seeking legal help when the situation is complex.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t try to handle everything alone. The attorneys at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. have the experience and knowledge to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. With their contingency fee arrangement, you can get experienced legal help without worrying about upfront costs.
Whether you’re dealing with a simple fender-bender or a complex multi-vehicle accident, understanding your police report is the first step in protecting your rights and getting the resolution you deserve. Take the time to review your report carefully, ask questions when something doesn’t make sense, and don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.
Your future self will thank you for taking these steps to protect your interests today.
Taking Action: Your Next Steps
Now that you understand what really matters in Denver police reports, here’s what you should do:
- Get your report number at the scene and keep it safe.
- Review your report carefully when it becomes available.
- Document any errors or missing information you notice.
- Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and communications.
- Contact an experienced attorney if you have questions about your rights or if your case is complex.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Whether you’re dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, or legal questions, help is available. The key is knowing when to ask for it and who to trust with your case.
McCormick & Murphy, P.C. has been helping Denver accident victims for nearly three decades. Their experience, dedication, and contingency fee arrangement make them an excellent choice for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.
You can reach them at (888)-668-1182 or visit their office at 1547 N Gaylord St UNIT 303, Denver, CO 80206. Don’t let insurance companies or legal complexities prevent you from getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Your police report is just the beginning of your case – make sure it’s the strong foundation you need to build a successful outcome.
