Fort Collins Hit and Run Lawyer
New Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Larimer County 

A new law is going into effect where an officer can immediately take your license after a hit a run or leaving the scene of the accident.

A new law regarding one’s Duty to Report Accident is going into effect on New Year’s Day and outlines a new punishment related to leaving the scene of an accident in Fort Collins and Larimer County. As of January 1, 2018, committing a Hit and Run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident where injury is involved will lose you your driver’s license. In fact, a police officer will be able to immediately take your license if you are pulled over, ticketed, or investigated for a Hit and Run in Colorado. The driver will then have 7 days to request a hearing with the DMV. If no hearing is requested, then the license is automatically suspended.  

Larimer County Duty to Report Accidents Attorney: Definition of Leaving the Scene of an Accident 

The Larimer, Boulder, and Grand County, Colorado law definition of Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injuries – Duties (C.R.S. 42-4-1601) – is: 

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 is necessary.

There are other various statues that deal with Hit and Run situations including: 

  • Accidents Involving Damage – Duties (C.R.S. 42-4-1602) 
  • Duty to Give Notice, Information, and Aid (C.R.S. 42-4-1603) 
  • Duty Upon Striking Unattended Vehicle or Other Property (C.R.S. 42-4-1604) 
  • Duty Upon Striking Highway Fixtures or Traffic Control Devices (C.R.S. 42-4-1605) 
  • Duty to Report Accidents (C.R.S. 42-4-1606) 

Sentence for Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit and Run in Loveland and Estes Park 

In Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park, not reporting an accident and leaving the scene is a crime, punishable by: 

  • A class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense if the accident resulted in injury to any person; 
  • A class 4 felony if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury to any person; and
  • A class 3 felony if the accident resulted in the death of any person. 

If you or someone you love has been charged with Hit and Run, 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. Together, we can protect your future.