Ski season is upon us. People flock to resort areas of Colorado to hit the slopes for the weekend or even take some vacation time to spend longer periods doing what they love. While skiing and snowboarding usually provide a fun and relatively safe experience, there are always some risks involved in any sport or physical activity. And, of course, the Colorado law has addressed these risks with the Ski Safety Act. Did you know there is such a thing as a hit and run on the ski slopes? Apparently, there is and it is being brought to light after a recent incident in Summit County. A skier at the Keystone Resort was allegedly hit by a snowboarder and suffered some pretty serious injuries. At first, the snowboarder stayed to see if she was okay, but after seeing the extent of her injuries, he fled, which is why the Summit County Sheriff is now involved. Similarly, Hit and Run can occur when someone is alleged to be Leaving the Scene of an Accident. If someone is injured, and the driver leaves the scene, strict penalties are imposed. Let’s look at each of these statutes and the responsibilities of skiers, snowboarders, and drivers in Greeley, Erie, and Evans, Colorado.
Weld County Hit and Run Lawyer: What are the Duties of Skiers?
The Colorado law definition of Duties of Skiers – Penalties – C.R.S. 33-44-109 (10) – is:
There you have it, no hit and runs allowed on the slopes either. Whether the man caused the crash or not, anyone involved in the incident is required to provide their identifying information. If one person involved does not follow through with this duty, then there are consequences set forth by the statute.
Greeley Duty of Skiers Lawyer: What is the Penalty for a Skiing Hit and Run?
According to the statute, in Weld, Morgan, and Logan County, a person can be charged with a class 2 petty offense for not staying and providing identifying information after a collision. The sentence for this type of offense is a fine of up to $1,000. But, simply paying a fine might not be the end of it. If someone is found to have acted knowingly or recklessly, other criminal charges may apply like Reckless Endangerment, or even Assault.
Hit and Run by Car – Weld County Leaving the Scene of an Accident, C.R.S. 42-4-1601
Colorado lawmakers have designed a strict law located at 42-4-1601. This law increases the penalties for people involved in a wreck, who leave the scene. An increasing number of Hit and Run accidents in Colorado was the reason for making this law tougher. Now, Colorado has a misdemeanor hit and run law, making it a class one misdemeanor if anyone receives an injury in the traffic accident. If the collision results in any person being seriously injured, then it is a class 4 felony to leave the scene- even if the person injured was in your car. Even more steep is the penalty if someone dies. Here, leaving the scene is a class 3 felony, with serious prison time likely. It seems a little odd, but these laws do not take into account who was at fault in the car crash. In addition to possible prison, anyone with a conviction for these Hit and Run crimes in Weld County will have their driver’s license revoked.
If you or someone you love has been charged with Ski and Run or Hit and Run, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best Greeley criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 today. Together, we can protect your future.
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