If you have been ticketed for a Hit and Run car accident, Failure to Report or Leaving the Scene of an accident in Fort Collins or Larimer County, you are at risk for losing your driver’s license. A conviction of this offense will add 12 points on your Colorado Driver’s License. This will automatically revoke your driving privileges. The problem we see in many of these cases, is that law enforcement may believe that they have identified your car as the vehicle involved, but can they prove that you were the driver? Usually, the only way they get this confirmation is by speaking with you. Most people, when confronted by law enforcement, will admit they were driving the car. You do not need to do this. You do not need to answer any questions related to an accident. You do not need to provide them with access to your vehicle unless they have a warrant. If you are contacted, be very careful, as you may give away exactly what they need to land you with a traffic misdemeanor.
Fort Collins Leaving the Scene of an Accident Lawyer: Definition of Failure to Report Accident Resulting in Injury or Death in Colorado
The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Duty to Report Accidents – C.R.S. 42-4-1606 – is:
This is what is charged when an accident results in physical injuries or death. Depending on the level of injuries and situation surrounding the accident, Careless Driving Causing Injury or Vehicular Assault may be charged as well. If a death results from the accident, then Careless Driving Causing Death or Vehicular Homicide may be additional charges to the Hit and Run or Leaving the Scene.
Hit and Run Accident in Loveland and Estes Park: Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage in Fort Collins
In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, there is a similar statute which covers Failure to Report an accident with property damage. The Larimer County, Colorado law definition of Duty Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle or Other Property – C.R.S. 42-4-1604 – is:
Interestingly with these cases, if you are the one who is hit, you can still be charged with this crime. Say you get hit, but don’t think there is any damage so you just keep going. The other person calls to report and they say it was your fault. Without your input combined with the fact you drove away, you will likely be seen as being at fault.
If you or someone you love has been ticketed for Hit and Run from an accident, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-658-0007 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Artyom Kulakov