Navigating the Process How to Look Up Accident Reports in Colorado
Introduction
If you’ve been involved in an accident in Colorado, obtaining the official accident report is essential. These reports provide vital details about the incident, including parties involved, the accident’s cause, and any citations issued. However, it’s important to know where to request the report to avoid confusion, as two primary organizations handle these requests:
Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR):
Handles accident reports for incidents investigated by local police departments or outside state highways and interstates.Colorado State Patrol (CSP):
Responsible for reports involving accidents on state highways, interstates, and other areas under its jurisdiction.
Knowing which organization to contact based on your accident’s location and investigating agency is the first step in the process. Below, we’ll detail how to obtain reports from both the CDOR and CSP, along with specific steps and fees.
Accessing Accident Reports
Understanding CSP Accident Report Requests
The Colorado State Patrol is the primary agency responsible for investigating accidents that occur on state highways and interstates. By accessing the CSP’s online portal, you can request a basic crash report by providing key details about the incident, such as the case number, your name, and the date and location of the accident. While these reports contain essential information, they may not include more comprehensive details like witness statements or photographic evidence.
Colorado State Patrol (CSP) Accident Reports
Details | Process |
Investigates accidents on state highways | Request through the CSP Central Records Unit online portal. |
Basic information only | Requires case number, name, date, and location of the accident. |
Fee | $5 per report. |
Steps to Request a CSP Accident Report
Gather the Necessary Information:
Before starting the request process, ensure you have the following:Case Number (if available).
Date and Time of the Accident.
Location of the Incident (highway number, mile marker, or nearest city).
Your Name and Contact Information.
Choose the Request Method:
The CSP offers two main methods to request a report:Online: Visit the CSP Central Records Unit portal at CSP Reports.
Mail: Send a written request with the required information and a check for $5 to:
Colorado State Patrol
Central Records Unit
15075 S. Golden Road
Golden, CO 80401
Complete the Request Form (if applicable):
Some online systems or mailed requests may require you to fill out a request form. Ensure you include accurate and complete details.Pay the Fee:
Payment is required at the time of the request.Online Payments: Use a credit or debit card during the online submission process.
Mail Payments: Include a check or money order for $5 payable to the Colorado State Patrol.
Submit the Request:
For online submissions, follow the prompts on the CSP portal to upload your information and complete the request.
For mail requests, send the completed form, payment, and supporting documents (if any) to the address above.
Wait for Processing:
The CSP typically processes reports within 7-10 business days. If your report is not available yet, it may still be under review or finalization by the investigating officer.Follow Up (if necessary):
If you do not receive your report within the expected timeframe, contact the CSP Central Records Unit directly at 303-239-4500 for assistance.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
Navigating DOR Accident Report Requests
If the accident you were involved in was not investigated by the Colorado State Patrol, you may need to request the accident report through the Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR). This process involves completing a specific form, the DR2489 Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use, and submitting it along with the necessary fees. Be mindful that the DOR can take up to 90 days to process and deliver the requested report.
Department of Revenue (DOR) Accident Reports
Details | Process |
For accidents not handled by CSP | Submit DR 2489A Requestor Release and Affidavit of Intended Use form. |
Timeframe | Processing takes up to 90 days. |
Fees | $2.20 per record or history; $0.50 for certified records. |
Accessing Local Police Department Accident Reports
For accidents that occur within the boundaries of a city or town, the local police department may have been responsible for investigating the incident. To obtain the accident report in these cases, you will need to contact the specific law enforcement agency where the crash took place. The process and associated fees for requesting these reports can vary between different municipal police departments.
Local Police Department Accident Reports
Details | Process |
Investigates incidents in city or town limits | Contact the specific police department. |
Varies by department | Processes, fees, and timelines depend on local jurisdiction. |
Legal Counsel Assistance
Lawyers can assist in obtaining accident reports for legal cases. They have the expertise to navigate agencies and ensure all necessary documents are secured.
Additional Information, Forms, and Fees
Below is a summary table with detailed information on the forms and fees associated with accident report requests:
Purpose | Form | Fee | Notes |
Record Search | DR 2489A | $2.20 per record | Provides current owner and lienholder information. |
Title History | DR 2489A | $2.20 per history | Includes a complete ownership history of the vehicle. |
Certified Records | DR 2489A | $0.50 per record | Recommended for court cases or official documentation. |
National Database Search | DR 2489A | $2.20 per search | Required if no Colorado record is found (e.g., for bonding or abandoned vehicle processes). |
Steps to Request an Accident Report
- Complete the DR 2489A Form
Fill out the form, including:- Full name and contact details.
- Vehicle details (VIN, license plate, make, model, year).
- Purpose of the request.
- Provide Supporting Documentation
Attach:- Power of Attorney or Letter of Authorization (if applicable).
- Additional documents (e.g., court orders, tow tickets).
- Calculate Fees
- Example: Record Search ($2.20) + Certified Record ($0.50) = $2.70.
- Submit Request
- By Mail:
Colorado Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 173350, Room 150
Denver, CO 80217-3350 - In-Person:
Department of Revenue, Vehicle Services Section
1881 Pierce Street, Lakewood, CO 80214 - Online: Visit myDMV.Colorado.gov.
- By Mail:
- Follow Up
Contact Vehicle Services at 303-205-5608 for updates.
Contact Ramos Law
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