After a car accident in Colorado, the police report can be a valuable piece of evidence. At Debbie Taussig Law, we use police reports to help tell our clients’ stories to the insurance company and to the court. If you have never been in a crash before, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of this document. Here’s why it matters and how to get one.
Why the Police Report Is Important
Police reports provide an account of the crash from the point of view of a 3rd party (the police officer responding to the scene). They often include:
- The time, date, and location of the accident
- Names and contact information for drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Descriptions of the vehicles and damage
- The officer’s observations
- An account of what the officer believes happened to cause the crash
- Traffic citations issued (if any)
When we take on a new case at Debbie Taussig Law, the police report is usually one of the first things we request. It helps establish fault and gives us insight into the crash.
How to Get Your Crash Report in Colorado
If the accident happened in Boulder, contact the Boulder Police Department’s Records Division. For crashes handled by the Colorado State Patrol or another agency, reports are usually available online.
You’ll need:
- The report number (given to you at the scene)
- The crash date and location
- A small fee (usually $5–$10)
If you’re not sure where to start, this is something our office handles for our clients. We’ll track it down and add it to your file.
What If There Was No Police Report?
Sometimes, no officer comes to the scene, especially if injuries aren’t obvious or the damage seems minor. If the weather is bad, there are often accident alerts issued in Colorado. Again, that makes it difficult to get a police officer on the scene to issue a report. This doesn’t mean you’re out of luck though. Our team can gather other types of evidence to support your claim, from medical records to witness statements.
What If the Police Report Is Wrong?
Mistakes happen. Sometimes, the officer may get a detail wrong or misinterpret what happened. Maybe the report doesn’t include a key witness, or it incorrectly places the blame. If you notice an error, it’s important to act quickly. Start by contacting the law enforcement agency that created the report. You can request an amendment or submit a written statement with your corrections.
This is where a personal injury lawyer can make a big difference. At Debbie Taussig Law, we review police reports carefully and gather our own evidence, from surveillance footage and expert analysis to witness interviews. If something doesn’t add up, we challenge it and advocate for your side of the story. You don’t have to accept a report that paints an inaccurate picture of what happened.
At Debbie Taussig Law, we believe every client deserves to be heard. Let us help you use the evidence to your advantage and fight for what you deserve.
Call us at 303-442-0176 today for a free claim consultation.
