Car accidents are stressful enough. But when Denver police don’t come to the scene, it adds confusion and frustration. Many drivers aren’t sure what to do—or how it might affect their insurance claim.
At Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®, we’ve seen this happen more and more, especially with non-injury crashes. Below, we break down what to do if you’re in a crash and the Denver Police Department (DPD) doesn’t show up.
This guide covers how to protect your case, document your injuries, and work with a Denver car accident attorney to get full compensation.
Why Denver PD May Not Respond to Your Crash
We get a lot of calls from people who are frustrated that the police didn’t show up after their accident. It’s not unusual in Denver—and it’s happening more often.
Officers may be tied up with emergencies, or they might decide a crash doesn’t meet the criteria for response. In most non-injury accidents where vehicles are still drivable, Denver PD will ask you to file your own report—either online or at the station.
This shift in protocol leaves crash victims in a tough spot. You’re on your own to document everything. The report you file won’t be followed up on by officers—it simply goes into a database.
They may not respond if:
- There are no major injuries
- The vehicles can be moved safely
- There’s no suspected DUI or criminal activity
Because these self-reports don’t assign fault or trigger an investigation, your own evidence becomes critical. That’s why what you do after the crash matters more than ever.
Does It Hurt Your Claim If Police Don’t Respond?
Not necessarily—but it can make things harder.
Police reports are often used to:
- Document fault
- Identify drivers and witnesses
- Note road conditions
- Support your insurance claim
Without a report, the other driver might deny fault. Or their insurer might delay or deny your claim. That’s why strong documentation matters more than ever.
What To Do If Police Don’t Show Up
If Denver PD doesn’t respond to your accident, here’s what to do instead:
- Stay calm and safe – Move vehicles if you can and check for injuries.
- Exchange information – Get names, phone numbers, driver’s licenses, plates, and insurance cards.
- Take photos – Capture damage, location, skid marks, road signs, and anything else that shows what happened.
- Talk to witnesses – Get their contact info. Their statements can help prove fault.
- Write down what happened – Include time, weather, traffic, and how the crash occurred.
- File an online crash report – You can do that through the Colorado DMV.
- Get medical care – Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries take hours or days to show up.
- Call a Denver car accident attorney – We’ll guide you through your next steps.
How to File a Crash Report Yourself
Colorado law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in damage.
If police won’t respond, file a report online through the DMV website. Make sure your report includes:
- The exact location of the crash
- All vehicles involved
- Names and contact info for all drivers
- Description of damage and injuries
- A clear narrative of what happened
Once submitted, save a copy for your records. Share it with your insurance company and your attorney.
Why Medical Records Matter Even Without a Police Report
When there’s no police report, insurers may question your injuries. That’s why it’s crucial to get medical attention right away.
Medical records provide proof that:
- You were hurt
- The injury came from the crash
- You sought care promptly
They also help link the accident to your treatment and support your damages claim.
What If the Other Driver Denies Fault?
Without a police report, the other driver may try to shift blame. That can make your case more difficult—but not impossible.
Our Denver car accident attorneys build your case using:
- Crash scene photos
- Eyewitness statements
- Medical records
- Vehicle damage analysis
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
We’ve handled many cases where police weren’t involved—and still recovered full compensation for our clients.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim?
You may be able to recover compensation for:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow-up care and rehab
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and emotional distress
- Car repairs or total loss
- Long-term care, if needed
If the other driver was reckless, you may also be able to claim punitive damages.
When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?
The sooner, the better. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, they can worsen over time.
A Denver car accident attorney will:
- Review your crash report and photos
- Talk to witnesses and gather evidence
- Work with your doctors to value your claim
- Deal with the insurance companies
- Negotiate or go to court, if needed
We also help you avoid common mistakes—like saying the wrong thing to an adjuster or missing a key deadline.
Why It’s Risky to Handle the Claim Alone
- Dispute who caused the crash
- Question the seriousness of your injuries
- Offer a low settlement—or deny your claim entirely
We’ve seen it happen to many crash victims. That’s why we recommend speaking with a lawyer before talking to any insurer.
You don’t need to go through this alone. We’ll protect your rights from day one.
Hypothetical Example: No Police Report, Still Recovered
Let’s say you’re driving on Colfax Avenue and get rear-ended at a red light. No one is seriously hurt, so Denver PD doesn’t come. You exchange info, take photos, and go to urgent care later that day.
The other driver’s insurance company says there’s no police report and questions your injury. But you’ve kept strong documentation.
You bring your case to us. We use your photos, medical records, and witness statements to prove liability. In the end, we negotiate a fair settlement that covers your medical bills and missed work.
That’s how preparation and good legal help make a big difference.
Tips to Strengthen Your Claim Without Police Involvement
Here are key things that help your case when there’s no police report:
- See a doctor right away
- Save all photos and notes
- Keep receipts and invoices
- Follow up on all treatment
- Stay off social media about the crash
- Let your attorney handle all communication
Even without DPD on the scene, you can still build a strong, successful claim.
How Insurance Companies Use Gaps Against You
Delays in care or missing information can hurt your case. Getting a medical checkup right after the accident is essential. In Colorado, you have up to three years to file a car accident injury claim, but waiting can weaken your case considerably. It creates a clear record that links your injuries to the crash and shows that you took the situation seriously. Insurance companies look for:
- Gaps between the crash and your treatment
- Conflicting statements in your report
- Missing documents or unclear damage
They use these to lower your payout—or deny it entirely. That’s why we help clients organize every piece of evidence.
Do You Still Have to Report the Accident to Insurance?
Yes. Colorado law requires drivers to notify their insurer after an accident. Even if police don’t respond, you must still:
- Report the crash promptly
- Cooperate with your insurer
- Provide truthful information
We can help you with this step, too. We’ll review your statement and make sure it supports your claim.
Why Expert Guidance From a Denver Car Accident Attorney Matters
Car accidents are hard enough. But when police don’t show up, things get even more complicated. That’s when legal support really counts.
Without a police report, you’ll need to build your case using your own evidence. That includes photos, witness statements, and medical records. You’ll also have to file your own crash report and communicate with insurers—all while managing your injuries. It’s a lot to take on alone.
That’s where we come in.
At Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®, we:
- Work fast to preserve evidence before it’s lost
- Help you write and file your own crash report accurately
- Collect medical and repair records to strengthen your claim
- Coordinate with doctors, adjusters, and experts
- Handle all communication with insurers so you don’t have to
- Push back when they try to delay, deny, or underpay your claim
We also prepare every case as if it might go to trial. That way, insurance companies know we’re serious. Whether your case settles quickly or needs courtroom action, we’re ready.
We’ve recovered millions for injured drivers in Denver and across Colorado. Our attorneys know how to fight—and when to negotiate. We’re here to protect your rights every step of the way.
Contact Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® for a Free Consultation
You don’t need to face the aftermath of a crash alone. Especially if police don’t respond, we’re here to help.
At Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®, we’ve earned a reputation for clear communication, compassion, and results. We work on contingency, so you don’t pay unless we win.
Reach out to us today to schedule your free consultation. Let’s talk about how we can protect your claim, your health, and your future.
