Document the Scene After a Colorado Crash

What to capture, and what comes first

Safety and medical care come first. Colorado law requires a driver in a crash involving injury or death to give their name, address, and vehicle registration number and, where practical, provide reasonable assistance to anyone hurt (C.R.S. § 42-4-1603). Only once everyone is safe does documentation make sense.

When it is safe to do so, photograph the whole scene before vehicles move: final rest positions, lane markings, signals and signs, debris, skid marks, vehicle damage from several angles, weather and lighting, and any visible injuries. Then take close-ups. Save the names and phone numbers of witnesses, and note nearby cameras such as storefronts or traffic cameras, because that footage is often overwritten quickly.

Reporting the crash

Colorado requires drivers in crashes involving injury, death, or property damage to notify the nearest police office promptly if no officer is at the scene, and to stay at the scene if police direct (C.R.S. § 42-4-1606). Photos do not replace the police report. They show what the scene looked like when the report was written.

Should I take photos at the scene of a Colorado crash?

If you are able and it is safe, yes. Photos taken before vehicles are moved can show positions, road conditions, and damage that look very different later. Do not put yourself in traffic to take them, and get medical help first if anyone is hurt.

What details should I get from witnesses?

Names and phone numbers are the essentials. If a witness is willing, a short note of what they saw, written down the same day, can help later. Avoid arguing about fault at the scene.

Do I still need to call the police if I took photos?

Photos do not replace a police report. Colorado law requires drivers in crashes involving injury, death, or property damage to make sure police are notified when no officer is present (C.R.S. §§ 42-4-1603 and 42-4-1606).

How long do I have to file a Colorado car accident claim?

Under C.R.S. § 13-80-101, tort actions for bodily injury arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle generally must be commenced within three years after the cause of action accrues. Insurance notice deadlines and claims against government entities can be shorter, so ask a lawyer about your specific situation.