In Greeley and across Colorado, there are legal requirements after an accident. If you don’t follow these requirements after being in an accident and you leave the scene, you could face a Leaving the Scene of an Accident ticket. A Hit and Run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident can be charged as low as a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense if only property was damaged, all the way up to the most severe class 3 felony if a death occurred. Recently, in Weld County, a sheriffs deputy on her way to work had an accident with a white van. The driver of the van did not giver her aid and left the scene. When he was found, the man faced Careless Driving charges and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. If he is found guilty, because the accident resulted in a death, he could be convicted of felony charges. Below, our top Traffic attorneys discuss Hit and Run charges in detail. If you are facing a Leaving the Scene of an Accident ticket in Fort Collins or Larimer County, get help here.
Definition in Weld County of Leaving the Scene of an Accident
The definition in Weld County of Leaving the Scene of an Accident is:
It is important to note that Hit and Run statutes are violated when a driver fails to comply with the above definition, and runs from the scene. In many cases, this results in no one contacting 911 to get medical help for an injured person. Interestingly, nothing in the definition states that the driver “at fault” needs to stay at the scene. Whether you are at fault, or the other driver is at fault, you must stay and render aid to the other driver and call for help. Other statutes that a driver could face if they Leave the Scene of an Accident are:
- Duty to Report Accidents – C.R.S. 42-4-1606
- Duty to Give Notice, Information, and Aid – C.R.S. 42-4-1603
- Accidents Involving Damage – C.R.S. 42-4-1602
- Accidents Involving Death or Personal Injury – C.R.S. 42-4-1601
In the above story, by not reporting the accident or giving aid to the deputy, the man driving the van could be convicted of felony Leaving the Scene of an Accident – because the victim died.
Punishments and Sentence for Hit and Run Convictions in Windsor, Greeley, and Milliken, Colorado
In Windsor, Greeley, Milliken, and the rest of Colorado, the punishment and sentence for a Hit and Run are dependent on whether the property or vehicle hit were occupied, whether damage to the property happened, and if there was bodily injury or death. Below is a table of sentences and penalties:
| Type of Accident | Sentence | Penalties |
| Unoccupied Vehicle
|
Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense | · 10-90 days in Weld County Jail
· A fine of $150-$300 |
| Damaged Property or Vehicle | Class 2 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense | · 10-90 days in Weld County Jail
· A fine of $150-$300 |
| Non-Serious Injury | Class 1 Misdemeanor Traffic Offense | · 10 days – 1 year in jail
· A fine of $300-$1,000 |
| Serious Bodily Injury | Class 4 Felony Offense | · 2-6 years in a Colorado State Prison
· A fine of $2,000 -$500,000 |
| Death | Class 3 Felony Offense | · 4-12 years in prison
· A fine of $3,000 -$750,000. |
Other Consequences for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Weld County
If a defendant is convicted of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Weld County, they can face other consequences besides time behind bars and fines. These other consequences are 12 points to your drivers license and the revocation of your license by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. Restitution for damages and medical bills may also be added consequences. To learn more about Restitution, go here.