The Best Way To Get a Traffic Accident Report from the Denver Police Department

Car accidents are a frequent occurrence in Denver, Colorado, as evidenced by the rising trend in car accident rates throughout the state since 2021. With a 15% increase in accidents reported, it’s a concerning statistic, especially considering the decrease in traffic congestion during the early months of the pandemic. In Colorado, it is mandatory under state law to report any car accidents to the police. When an accident occurs in Denver, one of the police officers who respond to the scene will create a Denver police incident report, which holds vital information for pursuing compensation.

Unfortunately, there is often a lack of clear information for the public on how to obtain a copy of a Denver, CO police accident report, leaving victims of car accidents in a state of uncertainty. Recognizing this challenge, Robert’s Accident Law has taken the initiative to compile essential information for individuals seeking access to a Denver accident report. Whether it’s through online channels, mail requests, or in-person visits, our comprehensive guide ensures that accident victims have the necessary resources to obtain crucial documentation regarding their accident. By bridging this informational gap, we aim to empower individuals with the tools they need to navigate the aftermath of a car accident and pursue the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.  This information, along with our Denver Car Accident Guide, is desigend to help our clients navigate the complicated path laid before them after a car or truck accident.

A Traffic Accident Report Is Crucial After a Denver Car Accident

After a car accident in Denver, it is important to get a traffic accident report from the Denver Police Department. The traffic accident report will record the date and time of the accident, the facts and details surrounding the crash, and other pertinent information. Because they hold a position of authority, a report from a police officer carries more weight than a self-filed report.  Generally after an accident, a police officer near you will respond to the accident location and fill out a report.  There are exceptions, though – during storms or times when staff is limited to respond, the dispatch may ask you to self-report your accident if nobody is injured, its minor, and there is no suspected DUI.

How to Get a Denver Accident Report Online

Obtaining a Denver police accident report online is typically a straightforward process, provided you have all the requisite information readily available. By following the step-by-step instructions and accurately inputting the required details about the accident, individuals can efficiently navigate the online portal to obtain their report from the comfort of their own home or office.

1. Visit the City of Denver Website – Go to the official City of Denver, Colorado website using your web browser.
2. Navigate to Police Records – Look for a blue bar across the top of the page. Hover over the “Safety” option and click on “Police Records” listed under “Police Department.”
3. Access Police Records Section – Once on the Police Records page, scroll down until you find a box with three blue tabs at the top. Click on the tab labeled “Records.”
4. Select Accident Report – Under the “Records” tab, locate the section related to accident reports. Click on “Order Accident Report Online.“
5. Proceed to LexisNexis® Request A Report Website – You will be redirected to the LexisNexis® Request A Report website.
6. Review Disclaimer and Accept Terms – Read through the disclaimer on the page. Check the box to accept the terms and conditions, then click on “Continue” to proceed.
7. Confirm Age – The next page will ask if you are over 18. Select “Yes” or “No” accordingly, and then click on “Continue.”
8. Provide Accident Information – You will be prompted to input information about the accident. Fill in the required fields and follow the prompts to complete the form accurately.
9. Complete Form and Download Report – After providing all necessary information, follow the prompts to finalize the form submission. Once the system locates your crash report, you’ll be able to download and print your Denver police accident report.

By following these steps, you can efficiently obtain your Denver accident report online through the designated portal provided by the City of Denver and LexisNexis®.

How to Get Denver Accident Report by Mail

The process for obtaining Denver accident reports by mail closely mirrors the online method, offering a convenient alternative for those who prefer traditional correspondence. Submitting a request via mail with all necessary details about the accident can assist individuals in obtaining Denver police accident reports by mail.

1. Go to the City of Denver website.
2. Look for a blue bar across the top of the page. Among the options, hover over “Safety” and click on the “Police Records” option under “Police Department.”
3. Once on the Police Department page, scroll down until you find a box with three blue tabs at the top. Click on the tab labeled “Records.”
4. Under the “Records” tab, locate the first box which is labeled “Accident Report.”
5. Click on the option that says “Order Accident Report By Mail.“
6. Print out the form provided on the page.
7. Fill out the form with the required information.
8. Enclose payment for the report.
9. Mail the completed form along with payment to

Denver Police Department
Records Division
1331 Cherokee St
Denver, CO 80204

Following these steps will allow you to request and obtain a Denver accident report online. If you have any questions or need further assistance regarding obtaining a Denver accident report by mail, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Robert’s Accident Law. We’re here to help you navigate the process and address any concerns you may have along the way.

How to Get a Denver Accident Report by Phone

While you can request police records for car accidents investigated by the Denver, CO police through the City and County of Denver website, it’s important to note that you cannot obtain Denver police incident reports over the phone. To initiate the process, you’ll typically need to have relevant details readily available, including the date of the accident, the names of involved parties, and, if possible, a case number. Additionally, you’ll need to present a valid ID linking you to the accident for authentication purposes. The online or in-person request system streamlines the process, ensuring that accurate information is provided and facilitating a smoother transaction for obtaining essential police records.

How to Get a Denver, CO Accident Report in Person

To obtain a Denver accident report in person, you will need to visit the Records Division at the Denver Police Department, located at:

1331 Cherokee St
Denver, CO 80204 

It’s essential to bring along a valid form of identification, along with any other pertinent information related to the accident. Additionally, ensure you have payment ready for processing fees. The Records Division operates during standard business hours, which are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

To expedite the process and minimize your time at the DPD, you have the option to download the Report Request Form from their website and complete two copies before your visit. This is the same form that is filled out when requesting a Denver police report lookup by mail. This proactive approach helps streamline the request process and facilitates efficient handling of your accident report needs.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Denver, Colorado Accident Report?

Obtaining a Denver police report incurs different costs depending on the method of request.

• By Mail Requests – If you opt for mail-in service, the fee amounts to $10 plus postage, payable to the Manager of Revenue.
• In-Person Requests – For in-person requests, the website unfortunately does not specify the cost. It’s advisable to contact the Denver Police Department at (720) 913-6010 to inquire about current fees for obtaining reports in person.
• Online Requests – When requesting reports online through LexisNexis, an independent entity handles the process, but the specific charges are not listed upfront.

It’s important to note that the fees collected for these reports constitute a search fee under Denver Revised Municipal Code 42-1. If a report or record is non-existent or not releasable, the funds collected will not be refunded. Therefore, individuals should be prepared for these potential costs when seeking access to Denver police reports through any of the available channels.

How Long Does It Take To Get the Denver Accident Report?

The duration to receive a Denver accident report varies depending on the method of request. If you submit your request to the Denver Police Department (DPD) team, whether by mail or in person, you can typically expect a response within 5-10 business days.

For requests made by mail, it’s important to factor in additional time for postage. In contrast, if you opt for in-person submission, the processing time remains the same, with reports generally provided within 5-10 days. However, if you choose to request the report online, the process is usually quicker, although specific timeframes may vary. Online requests often streamline the processing, potentially resulting in a faster turnaround time compared to traditional mail or in-person submissions.

What Documentation Is Required to Get the Denver Accident Report?

To obtain a Denver accident report, several pieces of information are typically required to facilitate the request process effectively. First and foremost, individuals must present a valid form of identification for verification purposes. Additionally, having the case number associated with the accident can significantly expedite the retrieval process. Providing the vehicle identification number (VIN) is also beneficial, as it helps accurately identify the vehicles involved in the crash.

Any other pertinent identifying details related to the incident, such as the date, time, and location of the accident, as well as the names of the parties involved, are crucial for ensuring the accuracy of the report retrieval. By providing these pieces of information, individuals can streamline the process of obtaining a Denver accident report and obtain the necessary documentation for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or other related purposes.

What Does the Denver Accident Report Include?

A Denver Police Report stands as a comprehensive repository of information encompassing nearly every aspect surrounding a Denver car accident. From detailing the exact time, location, and individuals involved to elucidating contributing factors, road conditions, and even the narrative description of the incident, these reports offer a thorough understanding of the event. Furthermore, they encompass crucial data regarding vehicle damage, citations issued, and any involvement of commercial vehicles or non-motorists like pedestrians and bicyclists. With detailed sections dedicated to each facet of the accident, a Denver Police Report serves as an invaluable resource for insurance claims, legal proceedings, and comprehensive analysis of the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Page 1:

• Top Section – Details the time, location, investigating officer’s name, and the number of people injured or killed.
• Middle Section – Lists contributing factors and harmful event sequences, alongside road and weather conditions.
• Bottom Section – Contains fatality information if applicable.

Page 2:

• Top Section – Narrative/diagram space for the officer’s description and a diagram of the accident scene.
• Bottom Section – Lists any property damage incurred during the accident.

Page 3:

• Top Section – Information about each driver, including alcohol influence and issued traffic citations.
• Middle Section – Details vehicle damage severity and location.
• Bottom Section – Information about all drivers and passengers, including seatbelt usage and injury severity.

Page 4:

• Commercial vehicle details, including type, function, direction before the crash, and any preventative actions taken.

Page 5:

• Information about non-motorists involved, including pedestrians and bicyclists, their actions before the accident, and their location at the time of the crash.

Page 6:

• Details about additional occupants in vehicles involved, especially in cases like bus crashes.

Page 7:

• Lists additional damaged properties in accidents involving more than two vehicles or properties.

Page 8:

• “Involved Personal Overlay” contains codes used throughout the report, aiding interpretation and understanding.

This structured list provides a clear breakdown of the information contained in Denver accident reports across multiple pages, offering insight into various aspects of the incident for legal and insurance purposes.

Reporting Minor Crashes

Colorado State law requires anyone involved in a traffic accident, including those involving another driver, pedestrian, bicyclist, building, or other property to give their name, address, and vehicle registration information to all others involved. You must also report the accident to the local police by calling the station or 911. For minor cases, it’s usually a good idea to phone the local station and report the accident, as long as all parties are clear from danger and there are no serious injuries. If there is no serious damage and no injuries, the police may not even show up on scene. However, you can also report the incident online.

Reporting Serious Crashes

When you are involved in a serious accident, the best course of action is to dial 911. You want help to arrive as soon as possible to help injured parties, protect the scene, and start clearing debris. When you call 911, you will likely take care of the need to have a police accident report filed. If you’re in Denver, the Denver Police department will arrive on scene and they will take steps to create a traffic accident report.

The information in the report will be highly relevant to your case and any insurance claims that are associated with it. Details such as who the officer believed to be at fault may play an important role in the recovery of damages.

Need Help Finding Your Denver Police Accident Report?

No matter which avenue you choose to obtain your Denver police incident report, Roberts Accident Law is always here to assist you throughout the process.  Contact us online, or call today and we can help. Whether you decide to request the report by mail, in person, or online, navigating the complexities of obtaining such documentation can be a confusing process. Our dedicated team is committed to providing legal guidance and support every step of the way so that you have access to the information you need to pursue justice and compensation after a car accident. With our knowledge and personalized legal assistance, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands, and we’re here to alleviate any confusion or uncertainty that may arise during the process of obtaining your Denver police incident report.

A serious traffic accident will require a police report. If you’ve been involved in a crash in Denver, make sure the police are called to the scene. If you are able, follow up with officers and be sure they are completing and filing a report. You may also want to ask them to send you a copy so it’s easier to locate later.