Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries (Leaving the Scene of an Accident) is a Colorado law which states that whenever any motor vehicle is involved in an accident in Denver, Adams County or anywhere else in Colorado which causes the minor or serious injury, or the death of another person, the driver must promptly stop at the place of the accident, or as near as possible, without disrupting traffic. Upon returning to the accident scene in Jefferson and Arapahoe County, the driver must provide required information, call police, and offer assistance. If these actions are not taken, and the person leaves the scene of the accident, they will be charged with a twelve point traffic offense – also known as Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries (Hit and Run).
Leaving the Scene of an Accident is also referred to as “Hit and Run.”
Requirements of the Driver at the Scene of an Accident:
Give Identifying Information
Must provide the driver's name, address of the driver, insurance information, and vehicle's registration to the police. If no officer is present at the scene, this information should be given to the other driver.
Stay on Scene
Must go to the scene of the accident and stay at the scene of the accident. You cannot drive home and then come back to the scene of the accident.
Call Emergency Respondents
Must make certain the person hit has access to health care. If the person asks to be transported to a physician, surgeon, or a hospital, it must be made available, or an ambulance must be called.
Call Police
If in no condition to provide medical assistance to the person, the driver must report the accident to the nearest police station / police department.
A Hit and Run conviction results in 12 points off your license.
Protect your future by working with an attorney.
Lawyer in Douglas County for Hit and Run Criminal Charges
If persons are injured and the driver fails to return or remain at the accident scene in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County or anywhere else in Colorado, serious criminal charges will result, including:
Class 1 Misdemeanor
A Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if the accident injured any person.
Class 4 Felony
A Class 4 felony if the accident caused serious bodily injury to any person.
Class 3 Felony
A Class 3 felony will be charged if the accident killed any person.
Adams County Attorney for Charges of Hit and Run
In addition to the criminal charges, a conviction of Hit and Run results in 12 points on your driver's license in Brighton, Adams County and across Colorado. This means your driver's license will be revoked. Because a criminal conviction and the loss of your driver's license is at stake, it is important to hire a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer if you have been arrested for a hit and run. The attorneys at our office have decades of combined experience defending good people who have been charged with this offense. We will protect your freedom and be your advocate in court. We fight to win.
Colorado Statute: Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries – Duties – 42-4-1601
“The driver of any vehicle directly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close to the scene as possible or shall immediately return to the scene of the accident. The driver shall then remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 42-4-1603 (1). Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than necessary.”