How To Get A Copy Of Your Colorado Springs Car Accident Report From The Police

Why Police Reports Are Important For Car Accident Claims

A police report is an essential piece of evidence you can use to justify a claim for damages after a car accident. 

Reasons you should have a copy of your police report include the following:

• At-fault party identified: The police report identifies the at-fault party in the accident. 
• Impartial evidence: The police report provides an impartial assessment of your accident based on evidence reviewed and gathered by professionals who have experience assessing accident scenes.
• Record of key details: The police report contains the essential information needed to file a claim.

Police reports also include witness statements and indicate whether any drivers received citations or broke the law at the time of the accident. They provide comprehensive details about the crash and can expedite the claims process. 

How To Get Your Colorado Springs Car Accident Police Report

Who to contact for the police report for your accident in Colorado Springs depends on the accident’s location.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office provides reports for accidents in unincorporated areas outside Colorado Springs. 

The Colorado State Patrol provides reports for accidents on state or interstate highways.

The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) provides reports for car accidents on all other roadways in Colorado Springs. 

How To Request A Copy: Contacting The Colorado Springs Police Department

You can request a report from the CSPD through the following methods:

• In person: Visit the CSPD on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This option is available on regular business days, but not on holidays. The address is 705 S. Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO. 
• Mail: You can write to the CSPD to request a copy of the police report. 

Their address is: 

705 S. Nevada Ave

Colorado Springs, CO 80903 

• Online: Go to the CSPD web page for requesting records, scroll to the Regular Police Records header, click on the “Submit a Request” button, and fill out the form.

Information You’ll Need To Get A Police Report

Drivers involved in a car accident need to provide the following when requesting a report in Colorado Springs:

• Date: Identify the date and time when the accident occurred.
• Location: Identify the location where the accident occurred.
• Personal information: You must provide your full name, date of birth, and driver’s license number. You must also identify your role in the accident. For example, if you were driving a vehicle involved in the crash, your role would be that of a driver. 

You should also provide the case number. The police who responded to your traffic accident should provide you with this. If you do not have this number, you can still request the report by providing the other required information.

Report Request Fees And Payment Options 

The CSPD currently charges $10.00 for a copy of your accident report. You can pay through any of the following methods:

• In person: If you request the report in person, you can use the following payment methods:
  • Cash 
  • Check made payable to City of Colorado Springs
  • Money order made payable to City of Colorado Springs
• Mail: Include a check or money order made payable to the City of Colorado Springs with your request.
• Online: If you request your report online, you can pay with a credit or debit card. 

How Long Does It Take To Get Your Police Report?

You may be able to get your police report immediately if you request it in person and it’s already available. However, since it typically takes a few days for in-person and online requests to be processed, you should allow up to five business days.

Those who mail in requests can expect to receive the report within 10 business days. 

How To Get A Police Report If You’re Not The Driver

Drivers aren’t the only ones who may need a copy of a traffic accident report. Passengers and pedestrians may request a report to file claims for compensation for injuries. If a person died in the crash, their family members may also need a copy to file a wrongful death claim. Additionally, people who own property that was damaged by the crash may also need a copy of the report.

Lastly, insurance companies, Colorado Springs drunk driving accident lawyers, and other types of car accident attorneys may also need copies of the crash report to process or file claims on behalf of their clients. 

The good news is that anyone can use the online form, visit CSPD in person, or mail a copy of the request form to get a copy of the police report. Those requesting the report must provide all required information. 

What Police Reports Include 

Police traffic accident reports include the following information:

• Accident location
• Date and time of accident
• Diagram of the accident scene
• Driver information, including names and addresses
• Injuries incurred
• Insurance information
• Names and addresses of other persons involved, such as passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Property damage information
• Relevant details, such as traffic lights malfunctioning or debris on the roadway
• Vehicle information
• Weather conditions
• Witness information (names and contact information) and statements

What If The Report Is Incorrect? 

Although police traffic accident reports are strong evidence for determining fault in a crash, they can be inaccurate or incomplete. If you dispute any facts reported or conclusions in the report, you can contact the CSPD and provide evidence supporting your assertions.

Relevant evidence could include the following:

• Photos or videos
• Weather reports
• Witness statements

You can request an amended report when you provide additional evidence. 

How Bachus & Schanker Can Help After A Car Accident 

The car accident attorneys at Bachus & Schanker’s Colorado Springs Office can help with the following after a car accident:

• Calculate the amount of compensation to seek.
• Deal with the insurance companies.
• File your insurance claim.
• Gather evidence to support your insurance claim. 
• Secure a copy of the traffic accident report.

We understand that car accidents are traumatizing, and you may be overwhelmed after your accident. We’ll help walk you through all the essential steps and fight to get you the compensation you deserve, including money to repair or replace damaged property, and cover other accident-related costs, such as lost wages and medical bills.

After your accident, turn to a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer you can trust. Bachus & Schanker’s Victim’s Advocate team will use its expertise to prepare your case and provide you with information throughout the entire process.  

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