A car accident can happen instantly, but its effects can last for months or even years. As you’re dealing with shock, possible injuries, and damaged vehicles, it’s easy to overlook a piece of documentation: the police report.
A Fort Collins car accident attorney can quickly obtain a police report for you, but you should understand the importance of this document. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just passing through, knowing how to handle this process can save you time, stress, and potentially money in the long run.
Fort Collins Car Accident Guide
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- How Are Accident Reports Made?
- When Police Are Called to the Scene
- Information Collected by Officers
- Timeframe for Report Completion
- How to Get Your Fort Collins Police Department Accident Report
- Online Request Process
- In-Person Request at the Police Station
- Required Information for Requesting a Report
- Hiring a Lawyer
- Associated Fees and Payment Methods
- What to Do After You Get Your Fort Collins Accident Report
- Review the Report for Accuracy
- Use the Report for Insurance Claims
- Share the Report with Your Attorney
- Why Police Reports Are Important
- Legal Documentation of the Incident
- Useful for Insurance Claims
- Potential Evidence in Legal Proceedings
- Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting a Police Report
- Waiting Too Long to Request the Report
- Providing Incomplete Information
- Not Keeping a Copy for Personal Records
- Alternatives If a Police Report Wasn’t Filed
- Self-Reporting Options
- Private Accident Reports
- Understanding Colorado’s Fault Laws
- Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
How Are Accident Reports Made?
Before discussing how to obtain a police report, it’s helpful to understand how these reports are created. This knowledge can give you insight into what to expect at an accident scene and how to best cooperate with law enforcement to ensure an accurate report.
When Police Are Called to the Scene
In Fort Collins, as in most cities, police typically come to an accident scene, especially when:
- There are injuries or fatalities
- There’s significant property damage
- The accident blocks traffic
- One or more drivers appear to be under the influence
- One or more drivers flee the scene (hit-and-run)
When officers arrive, they’ll assess the situation, ensure everyone’s safety, and begin to gather information for their report.
Information Collected by Officers
Police officers will collect information at the accident scene, such as:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names, contact information, and insurance details of all involved parties
- Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Description of vehicles involved and the damage sustained
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the accident
- Any citations issued or arrests made
- Diagram of the accident scene
- Officer’s observations and preliminary assessment of fault
The responding officer will use a standard Colorado accident report form. They may also photograph the scene and collect physical evidence if necessary.
Timeframe for Report Completion
In Fort Collins, police typically complete reports within three to five business days after the accident. However, this can vary depending on the incident and the officer’s workload.
While you might obtain a preliminary report sooner, you’ll need the final, approved report for insurance and legal purposes.
Factors that might influence the processing time include:
- The case itself: Accidents involving serious injuries, multiple vehicles, or intricate legal questions may require more extensive investigation.
- Police department workload: If the department handles a high volume of cases, it could take longer to complete your report.
- Request for additional information: If the investigating officer needs more details from you or other parties involved, it can extend the process.
Check with the Fort Collins Police Department for the most accurate and up-to-date information on report processing times. They may be able to provide you with a specific timeline based on the circumstances of your accident.
How to Get Your Fort Collins Police Department Accident Report
After police file a report, you have a few options for obtaining a copy in Fort Collins. Understanding these options can help you choose the method that’s most convenient for you.
Online Request Process
The Fort Collins Police Services offers an online portal for requesting accident reports. This is often the most convenient method.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to use it:
- Visit the Fort Collins Police Services website
- Go to the “Online Services” section
- Click “Records Release Request”
- Fill out the required information about your accident
- Pay the associated fee
- Submit your request
In-Person Request at the Police Station
If you prefer to request your report in person or don’t have access to the internet, you can visit the Fort Collins Police Services headquarters. This method can help if you have questions or need immediate assistance.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Go to 2221 S. Timberline Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- Visit the Records Department during business hours
- Bring a valid form of identification (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Fill out a report request form, which will ask for similar information to the online request
- Provide identification and pay the required fee (cash, check, or credit card accepted)
- You may receive your report immediately if it’s available, or you’ll be notified when it’s ready for pickup.
Required Information for Requesting a Report
Whether requesting online or in person, you’ll need to provide information, such as:
- Case number
- Date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Names of involved parties
- Your relationship to the accident (involved party, insurance agent, attorney, etc.)
Having all this information ready before requesting the report can help speed up the process.
Hiring a Lawyer
Your Fort Collins car accident attorney can obtain the police report for you.
Associated Fees and Payment Methods
As of 2024, the fee for an accident report in Fort Collins is typically between $10 and $15. You can pay this fee by credit card for online requests, or by cash, check, or credit card for in-person requests. Always check the current fee structure, as it may change over time.
What to Do After You Get Your Fort Collins Accident Report
Once you obtain your accident report, you must take several steps to fully prepare for any insurance claims or legal proceedings that may follow.
Review the Report for Accuracy
Carefully read through the entire report and check for any errors or omissions.
Common mistakes might include:
- Incorrect personal information (names, addresses, phone numbers)
- Inaccurate vehicle details (make, model, year, license plate number)
- Mistakes in the accident description or diagram
- Omission of key details you remember from the scene
If you find any errors, act quickly. Contact the Fort Collins Police Services to
request a correction. You may need to provide evidence to support your claim of an error, such as photos from the scene or statements from witnesses.
The process for requesting a correction typically involves:
- Contacting the Records Department to explain the error
- Submitting a written statement detailing the incorrect information and the correct information
- Providing any supporting evidence
- Waiting for the department to review your request and make any necessary changes
Remember, the police report is not the final word on fault or liability, but it contains important evidence. Double-checking its accuracy protects your interests.
Use the Report for Insurance Claims
Your insurance company will likely request a copy of the police report when you file a claim. The report provides an official, unbiased account of the accident, which can help your claim.
Always:
- Submit the report to your insurance company promptly
- Highlight any information that supports your claim
- Be prepared to discuss any discrepancies between your recollection and the report
- Keep a copy of the report for your own records
When talking with your insurance adjuster, use the report as a reference point. It can help you provide consistent, accurate information about the accident.
Share the Report with Your Attorney
If you need to take legal action, the police report will document important evidence. Your Fort Collins car accident attorney may use the report to:
- Assess the strength of your case
- Identify potential witnesses
- Understand the official account of the accident
- Develop strategies for negotiation or litigation
Your attorney can obtain a copy of the report for you. They may notice details or implications you might have missed in the report.
Why Police Reports Are Important
Legal Documentation of the Incident
A police report serves as an official, third-party account of the accident. This can be invaluable if disputes exist about what occurred or who was at fault.
The report includes things like:
- Objective observations from the responding officer
- Statements from involved parties and witnesses
- Details about road and weather conditions
- Any citations issued or laws violated
This documentation can carry some weight in legal proceedings or insurance negotiations. In Colorado, which follows a modified comparative negligence rule, the details in the police report can determine the degree of fault for each party involved.
Useful for Insurance Claims
Insurance companies rely on police reports when processing claims.
The report can help:
- Establish fault
- Verify the extent of damages
- Corroborate your account of the accident
- Expedite the claims process
Without a police report, insurance claims can become more complicated and time-consuming. Insurers may have to conduct their own investigations, which can delay your claim and potentially lead to disputes.
Potential Evidence in Legal Proceedings
If your accident leads to a lawsuit, the police report can document important evidence.
Your attorney can use it to:
- Refresh the memory of witnesses
- Impeach testimony that contradicts the report
- Guide further investigation and discovery
Your attorney can use the report to build a stronger case on your behalf. For example, if the report indicates that police cited the other driver for a traffic violation, this information could support your claim of their negligence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Requesting a Police Report
To obtain your report as smooth as possible, avoid these common pitfalls:
Waiting Too Long to Request the Report
While there’s no strict deadline for requesting a report, do so as soon as possible.
Waiting too long can:
- Make it harder to contest any errors in the report
- Delay insurance claims and potential legal action
- Increase the risk of the report being misplaced or harder to locate
You should aim to request your report within a week of the accident, if possible.
Providing Incomplete Information
When requesting your report, be sure to provide all necessary information. Missing details can lead to:
- Delays in processing your request
- Difficulty locating the correct report
- Potential denial of your request
Please double-check all information before submitting your request. If you need to provide more details, such as the exact time of the accident or the responding officer’s badge number, please explain this in your request.
The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the Records Department to locate your report.
Not Keeping a Copy for Personal Records
Once you receive your report:
- Keep a physical copy in a safe place
- Create a digital backup (scan or photograph each page)
- Have multiple copies available for insurance, legal, and personal use
You may need to reference the report multiple times throughout the claims or legal process. Having easy access to your own copy can save time and reduce stress during an already challenging period.
Alternatives If a Police Report Wasn’t Filed
In some cases, police may not respond to an accident, mainly if it’s a minor collision with no injuries. If this happens, you still have options to document the incident officially:
Self-Reporting Options
In Colorado, you must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
If police don’t respond, with your car accident lawyer’s help, you can:
- File a report online
- Visit a local DMV office to file a report in person
- Mail in a completed accident report form
When self-reporting, be as detailed and accurate as possible. Include all the information you would expect to see in a police report.
Private Accident Reports
In addition to self-reporting to the state, consider creating your own detailed account of the accident, including:
- Photos of the scene
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Skid marks or debris on the road
- Traffic signs or signals in the area
- Weather and road conditions
- Contact information for all involved parties and witnesses
- A written description of what happened, including your recollection of events leading up to the accident
- Any relevant receipts or repair estimates
While not an official police report, this information can still be valuable for insurance claims and personal records. It can help you remember important details that might otherwise be forgotten over time.
Understanding Colorado’s Fault Laws
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:
- You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident.
- Your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
- You cannot recover damages if you’re 50% or more at fault.
This system makes the details in your police report even more important, as they can significantly impact the determination of fault.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case Today
At Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers, we help car accident victims in Fort Collins and throughout Colorado. Our experienced team of attorneys can guide you through every step, from obtaining and interpreting police reports to negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, representing you in court.
Our firm has a proven track record of success in handling car accident cases. We understand the local laws and are familiar with the Fort Collins Police Services procedures.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to review your case, explain your rights, and fight for your deserved compensation.
