Failure to report an accident in Douglas County, Colorado is a traffic offense that can sneak up on drivers. Colorado law requires an accident report be filed when crashes involve property damage or bodily injury. Failing to do so can result in jail time and fines unless police are on the scene. There are other duties as well that drivers must complete prior to reporting an accident to avoid the more severe charge of hit and run. Consult an especially skilled traffic attorney right away if you’re facing allegations of failing to report a car accident in Douglas County.
Douglas County Duty to Report Accidents Law
Douglas County’s duty to report accidents law requires drivers to report specific information to law enforcement. CRS 42-4-1606 defines failure to report accidents in the state of Colorado. You commit this traffic crime in Parker, Castle Rock, or Highlands Ranch if you:
- are involved in a traffic accident,
- resulting in injury, serious bodily injury, death, or property damage,
- AND fail to give immediate notice of location and other information to local police
Filing an accident report can be done online and often asks for things like date, time, location, identifying information, and property damage amounts. Police don’t often investigate situations with no injuries and damage less than $1,000 if reports are filed properly. It is wise to consult an attorney even before filing an accident report so that you don’t send incriminating information.
Penalties for Failure to Report an Accident in Colorado
Failure to report an accident is a class 2 traffic misdemeanor in CO. A conviction can result in:
- up to 90 days in county jail,
- a maximum fine of $300
If a driver involved in an accident also chooses to leave the scene without completing necessary requirements, hit and run penalties apply that are more severe.
Traffic Attorney for Failure to Report an Accident
Car accidents don’t always lead to the clearest decision making. Drivers are often frightened and particularly overwhelmed with the situation. Don’t let a poor choice in the heat of the moment damage your clean record. Perhaps police were also at the scene, you were too injured to file the report, or you had no idea injury or damage occurred. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully look through your unique case, as well as suggest next steps. Our affordable fees and flexible payment plans make obtaining an experienced attorney possible in uncertain times.
So, if you or someone you know is facing failure to report an accident charges, be smart. Contact the determined defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group, LLC at 303-265-1950. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Clark Van Beken