What Happens If You Leave the Scene of a Car Accident in Colorado?
Car accidents can be stressful, emotional, and confusing. In those first few seconds after a collision, panic often takes over — especially if you’re worried about fault, injuries, or insurance costs. However, one decision can make a bad situation much worse: leaving the scene of an accident.
In Colorado, leaving the scene of a crash isn’t just irresponsible — it’s a serious criminal offense that can lead to fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and even felony charges. Whether you’re a driver, passenger, or witness, understanding your legal duties after a collision can protect you from devastating legal and financial consequences.
Complying With Colorado’s Hit-and-Run Laws
Under Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 42-4-1601, any driver involved in an accident resulting in injury, serious bodily injury, or death must immediately stop their vehicle at or near the scene and remain there until certain obligations are fulfilled.
This law applies to all drivers — even if the accident seems minor or you believe you weren’t at fault. Failing to stop, exchange information, or assist injured people qualifies as “leaving the scene” or “hit-and-run.”
The statute requires that you:
- Stop your vehicle safely and avoid obstructing traffic.
- Provide your name, address, and vehicle registration to the other driver.
- Show your driver’s license upon request.
- Render reasonable assistance to anyone injured, including calling 911 or arranging medical help.
These steps are legal obligations designed to protect everyone involved.
Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Colorado law imposes harsh penalties depending on the severity of the crash.
The consequences for leaving the scene can include:
- Injury Accident: considered a Class 1 misdemeanor, with possible jail time of up to 364 days and $1,000 in fines
- Serious Bodily Injury: elevated to a Class 4 felony, carrying up to six years in prison and fines up to $500,000
- Fatal Accidents: a Class 3 felony, punishable by 4–12 years in prison and fines up to $750,000
In addition to criminal penalties, drivers may face license revocation, increased insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record. These penalties are intended to deter drivers from fleeing and to encourage them to take responsibility after a collision.
Why Some Drivers Leave an Accident Scene
People often leave accident scenes for various reasons, most of which are emotional rather than logical.
Common factors include:
- Fear of arrest due to DUI or outstanding warrants
- Lack of insurance coverage or expired registration
- Panic, shock, or confusion about what to do
- Belief that the accident was “too minor to report”
Unfortunately, none of these reasons justify leaving. If you flee, law enforcement will treat the case as a hit-and-run investigation, and evidence such as surveillance footage or license plate records can quickly lead to criminal charges being filed against you.
Civil Liability After Leaving the Scene
Beyond the criminal consequences, leaving the scene can also expose you to civil liability in a personal injury claim. Victims injured in hit-and-run crashes may sue for damages — including medical expenses, lost wages, property loss, and pain and suffering — once the responsible driver is identified.
In many cases, victims may recover compensation through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the at-fault driver cannot be found. However, fleeing the scene typically voids your own insurance protection, meaning your insurer may deny coverage, and you could be personally responsible for all resulting losses.
For drivers facing allegations of leaving the scene, hiring a Colorado personal injury or criminal defense attorney is crucial to minimize liability and preserve any potential defenses.
What if You Already Left the Scene?
If you panicked and drove away after an accident, don’t wait for the police to find you. Contact an attorney immediately and report the incident voluntarily. In many cases, taking proactive steps can help reduce the severity of charges and demonstrate remorse.
Your lawyer can communicate with law enforcement on your behalf, negotiate potential penalties, and protect your rights during any investigation.
Contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Denver Car Accident Lawyer
Accidents happen — but leaving the scene only makes matters worse. Colorado law is clear: drivers must stop, render aid, and report collisions immediately.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, contact Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with an experienced Denver car accident lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
