If you’re the victim of a hit and run in Colorado, it’s important to be aware of Colorado hit and run laws. Hit and runs are illegal and may lead to severe penalties for offenders. In addition to criminal penalties, offenders may also be financially responsible for personal injuries and other damages suffered by accident victims.
What Are Colorado’s Hit and Run Laws?
Colorado law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop immediately and remain at the scene. Drivers involved in an accident must also provide their contact information, driver’s license, and insurance details to the other party or law enforcement. If a driver flees the scene without fulfilling these responsibilities, they have committed a crime.
What Happens If a Driver Leaves the Accident Scene in Colorado?
For hit-and-run accidents involving only property damage, the driver can face misdemeanor charges, which may result in fines, jail time, and points on their driver’s license. However, if the accident resulted in injury or death, the driver may face felony charges. Felonies may lead to severe penalties such as years in prison and substantial fines.
The victim of a hit and run can file a claim or lawsuit to receive compensation for damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and medical expenses.
Is a Hit and Run a Felony in Colorado?
In Colorado, leaving the scene of an accident that results in injury is a felony. The driver can face Class 4 felony charges if there are injuries involved, and Class 3 felony charges if the accident resulted in a death. Felony charges carry substantial penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and revocation of driving privileges.
Though other types of hit and run may not be felonies, they are still illegal and can lead to penalties.
Is Colorado a No Fault Accident State?
Colorado follows an at-fault system. Therefore, the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for paying damages, either through their insurance or personal assets.
If you were the victim of a hit-and-run, your ability to recover damages depends on locating the responsible driver. This is why it’s important to report the incident immediately and work with law enforcement to gather any evidence that may help identify the driver. An experienced personal injury attorney can also help identify the responsible driver so you can pursue compensation.
If you’re unable to collect compensation from the driver, you may still be able to recover compensation through your own insurance policy if you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Get Your Colorado Hit and Run Law Questions Answered
If you’re the victim of a hit and run in Colorado, it’s important to work with an experienced Phoenix car accident attorney who understands Colorado hit and run laws and will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. At Sargon Law Group, we are committed to helping personal injury victims in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Colorado achieve the best possible outcome. Contact us today for a free consultation with our Phoenix injury lawyers.