How Long Do You Have to Report an Accident in Colorado?

 Posted on June 24, 2022 in Uncategorized

How long do you have to report an accident in Colorado? you're driving down I-25 through Denver and someone rear-ends you. The damage isn't too bad, and you exchange information with the "at fault" driver. You figure you'll get the car repaired in time, but right now, you're late for a meeting.

For many Denver drivers, getting where they need to go often takes priority over taking some important safety steps. One of those steps is to report the car accident to local authorities. But how long do you have to report an accident in Colorado?

Reporting a Car Accident: It's the Law in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, that causes property damage or bodily injury. That pretty much sums up the vast majority of car accidents. If you don't report your accident to local authorities, you might face a class 2 misdemeanor!

However, getting in trouble with the law is just one of the consequences you face by not reporting your accident. When you fail to report your accident, it makes it even harder for you to collect compensation from the "at fault" driver and their insurance company. After all - it's simply your word versus theirs.

Good news! If you contact the police, and they arrive at the scene of your accident, you do not have to file a report. They will do that for you. That is why "calling the police" is one of the first steps Denver personal injury attorneys suggest you take after getting into an accident.

How Do You File an Accident Report?

To file an accident report in Colorado, you can go to the Colorado DMV website. There it will ask you for some information about your crash, including the date, time, and location of the accident. It will also ask if your accident resulted in more than $1,000 in damage, as well as identifying information for all parties involved.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Colorado

If you get into a car accident in Colorado, even a minor one, it is important to follow these steps to protect your rights to compensation.

1. Contact the police. Alert the police to your accident and let them come file an accident report. This report is invaluable when seeking compensation because it will likely point to the party responsible for the accident and injuries.
2. Seek medical help. Even if you do not think you're injured, it is important to seek medical attention. Some injuries can take days and even weeks to become apparent. Seeking medical treatment will only help strengthen your injury case.
3. Exchange information. If you can, exchange information with the other driver. Be sure to get their license, license plate, and insurance card information.
4. Gather evidence. This is not easily done, but if you can, take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicles, and any other information that might be helpful. Get eyewitness contact information as well.
5. Contact a lawyer. The best way through the legal process after an accident is to contact an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer. Your attorney can help you gather evidence and negotiate with insurance companies. This gives you the time and freedom to focus on what truly matters - your recovery and your life.

Contact Our Denver Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been involved in a car accident and have suffered road rash, contact a personal injury lawyer today to discuss your legal options.

Call The Gold Law Firm today at 303-694-4653. We can meet with you for a FREE and 100% confidential evaluation to answer all your questions. We have several office locations in the Denver area, including ones in Brush, Durango, and Loveland. No matter where your car accident occurs, we can be there from the start to help you fight for justice.