Do You Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in Colorado?

Car accidents can be stressful and confusing, especially in the moments immediately after the crash. One of the first questions many drivers ask is whether they need to call the police. In Colorado, the answer depends on the circumstances of the accident, but in many cases the law requires you to report the crash to law enforcement.

Calling the police does more than meet legal requirements. A police report provides an official record of the accident, which can be very important when filing an insurance claim or pursuing compensation with the help of a car accident attorney in Colorado Springs.

Colorado’s Legal Requirements for Reporting a Car Accident

Under Colorado law, drivers must immediately report a car accident to the police if any of the following apply:

• Someone was injured or killed in the accident
• There was property damage that makes a vehicle unsafe to drive
• A driver involved in the accident appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• One of the drivers does not have a valid driver’s license or insurance

In addition, if the accident blocks traffic or creates a safety hazard, calling the police is required so officers can direct traffic and keep the scene safe. Even if the accident seems minor, it is often best to err on the side of caution and make the call.

What Happens If You Do Not Call the Police?

Failing to report an accident when the law requires it can have serious consequences. In Colorado, leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it may result in fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges if someone was hurt. Beyond the legal penalties, not having a police report can make it harder to prove what happened and who was at fault.

Without an official report, insurance companies may question your version of events or even deny your claim. The other driver might change their story or deny responsibility, leaving you at a disadvantage. A police report protects you by creating an unbiased record of the crash, including the date, time, location, witness statements, and officer observations.

Do You Need to Call the Police for a Minor Accident?

Many drivers wonder whether they need to call the police after a fender bender or a minor accident with no visible injuries. While it may not always be legally required, it is usually in your best interest to call. Here’s why:

• Injuries are not always obvious: Some injuries, such as concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Having a police report can help link these injuries to the crash.
• Damage may be worse than it looks: What seems like a minor dent could hide serious damage that makes the car unsafe to drive.
• Insurance disputes are common: A police report helps establish fault, making it harder for the other driver to deny responsibility.

Even if the accident seems small, calling the police provides peace of mind and protects your legal rights.

What to Do While Waiting for the Police

If you are in an accident and have called the police, take steps to protect yourself while waiting for officers to arrive:

• Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene
• Check on others involved and call for medical help if anyone is injured
• Exchange information with the other driver, including name, contact details, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate
• Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries
• Collect contact information from witnesses who saw the accident

These steps, combined with the police report, will create a strong foundation for your insurance claim or potential legal case.

How Police Reports Affect Car Accident Claims

When you file an insurance claim or pursue compensation after a car accident, a police report is one of the most valuable pieces of evidence. Insurance companies review the report to determine fault, and attorneys often use it to build a case for damages. A thorough report may include:

• Details of the accident location and conditions
• Statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
• Officer’s observations of the scene
• Evidence of traffic violations or intoxication
• Diagrams or photos documenting the crash

While the police report itself does not decide liability, it carries significant weight and can influence the outcome of a claim or lawsuit.

Why You Should Contact an Attorney After a Car Accident

Calling the police is only one step after a car accident. If you or a loved one were injured, speaking with an experienced attorney is just as important. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and without legal guidance you may not receive the full compensation you deserve.

At Pribila & Fields, our Colorado Springs car accident attorneys can review your police report, investigate the accident, and build a strong case for compensation. We handle communication with insurers, gather evidence, and fight for your rights so you can focus on recovery.

If you have questions about your rights after a car accident in Colorado Springs, please contact us today for a consultation. We are here to help you understand your options and pursue the justice you deserve.