How to Get a Crash Report in Aurora, CO (Step-by-Step)

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A car accident can change your life in an instant. Beyond the physical injuries, you may face medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress that can last for weeks, months, or even years.

If you’ve been in a car accident in Aurora, one of the first steps you should take is getting your official crash report. This report documents the details of the accident and can serve as a key piece of evidence if you plan to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.

Here’s what you need to do after a car accident to secure your crash report and document the incident properly.

Step 1: Get Checked by a Doctor

Before worrying about paperwork, make sure anyone who is injured gets prompt medical care. Even if you feel okay, some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away due to shock or adrenaline rush. A doctor’s evaluation protects your health and creates documentation that can support your claim.

Step 2: Police Documentation

If it’s safe, call the Aurora Police Department to report the accident. Officers will document important details, including:

Date, time, and location of the crash
Possible causes of the accident
Names and contact info of drivers, passengers, and witnesses
Statements from everyone involved
Injuries and property damage
Conditions at the scene, such as weather or road hazards

Once the report is processed, you can follow up with the Aurora Police Department Records Unit at (303) 739-6320 to check its status.

Step 3: Filing an Online Crash Report Yourself

Not every accident requires an officer to respond in person. Aurora offers an online crash reporting system for certain lower-severity crashes, but it only applies when specific conditions are met:

The crash happened within the city of Aurora
Nobody was injured, including hit-and-run accidents
There is no indication that alcohol or drugs were involved
For a hit-and-run, you have no suspect information; if you do have suspect information, an officer needs to respond and take the report instead

Before starting the online form, have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and current insurance information ready. Be sure to print a copy of your report, including the reference number, before you submit it, since there’s no way to print or retrieve a copy once it’s been submitted.

This online system is meant for non-emergency situations, no officer responds, and the report goes straight to the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Motor Vehicles rather than to the Aurora Police Department. Because of that, an online report will not later show up for purchase through the Aurora Police Department or through CrashDocs.org; if you need a copy later, you’ll need to request it directly from the Department of Revenue.

Step 4: How to Get Your Crash Report

Officer-completed reports typically take some time to process before they’re available for purchase, commonly in the range of several weeks, so it helps to plan around that timeline rather than expecting same-day access.

You can obtain a copy of your report in several ways:

Online: Purchase for $10 through CrashDocs.org. You’ll need the last name of a party involved and the date of the crash to locate it.
In Person: Visit the Records Unit at 15001 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012, Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. The first 10 pages cost $7, plus $0.25 for each additional page.
By Mail: Send the completed request form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check payable to “City of Aurora” to the address above.

If you filed your report through the online self-reporting system in Step 3 instead of having an officer respond, neither the Aurora Police Department nor CrashDocs.org will have a copy. You’ll need to contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly for that report.

How a Crash Report in Aurora Can Help You Recover Compensation

Your crash report is more than just paperwork; it can be key in securing compensation. Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts, but an official report helps support your version of events and strengthens your case.

Before speaking with an insurance adjuster, it’s smart to consult a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can:

Handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf
Help you pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
File a personal injury lawsuit if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crash report the same as a police report?

A crash report is simply the specific type of police report an officer completes after a motor vehicle collision. If police responded to your accident, the crash report and the police report for that incident are the same document.

Are crash reports public record in Colorado?

Generally, yes, once a report has been completed and processed. Aurora processes report requests under the Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act, and access can be delayed or limited while an investigation is still open.

Do you have to report a car accident in Colorado?

Colorado law generally requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Even in less serious crashes, documenting the accident through the police or the online system can make it much easier to support a claim later.

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident claim in Colorado?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado. Getting your crash report early won’t extend that deadline, but it does help preserve details while they’re still fresh and accurate.

What happens if someone gives false information on a crash report?

Colorado and Aurora both treat knowingly false statements on an accident report as a serious matter. Providing false information about the incident or the people involved can result in criminal charges under state and local law, which is one more reason it matters to get an accurate, official report on file.

Get Help from Our Aurora Car Accident Lawyers

At Zinda Law Group, our Aurora car accident attorneys guide clients through every step after a crash. We investigate your accident, gather evidence, and work to maximize compensation for:

Medical expenses
Vehicle damage
Lost income
Pain and suffering

We also make legal help affordable and stress-free. You can schedule a 100% free consultation, and with our No Fee Guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call Zinda Law Group at (720) 864-1365 today to speak with an experienced Aurora personal injury attorney.

Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.