Colorado Car Accident Laws: Your Legal Duty After an Accident

Understand your legal obligations after a Colorado car crash, such as when to exchange information or leave a note.

Every Colorado driver must comply with specific legal duties after an accident. Failing to comply can result in fines and even possible jail time. For this reason, it’s vital to know your responsibilities when you are involved in a car crash.

Read on to find out what a driver has to do after a car accident in Colorado. To learn more, you can also Article 4, Part 16 of the Colorado Traffic Code.

1. Colorado Driver Exchange of Information Law

If you are involved in a car crash that causes injury or death, Colorado requires you to stop your car as soon as possible. You then need to exchange information with the other motorists involved in the accident.

The law mandates that you provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number. Additionally, you must show your driver’s license if you are requested to do so.

The driver of any vehicle directly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident or as close to the scene as possible or shall immediately return to the scene of the accident.

The driver shall then remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 42-4-1603

CO Code § 42-4-1601

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person or damage to any vehicle shall give the driver’s name, the driver’s address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving and shall upon request exhibit his or her driver’s license.

CO Code § 42-4-1603

2. Colorado Car Accident Injury Law: Duty to Render Aid

Colorado law says that drivers involved in car crashes must render aid to anyone who gets injured. You can fulfill this legal duty by taking the injured person to a medical facility. You can also arrange for an ambulance or other transportation.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall render to any person injured reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of such person for medical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or requested by the injured person.

CO Code § 42-4-1603

3. Colorado Law on Reporting a Car Accident to Police

You must call the police immediately after a Colorado car crash that results in injury or death. You have to contact the closest local police department and inform them of the location of the accident.

Likewise, if you are a passenger in a car accident and the driver cannot call the police after the crash, you have a duty to call the police on their behalf.

The driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person or any property damage shall give immediate notice of the location of such accident to the nearest office of the duly authorized police authority.

CO Code § 42-4-1606

Whenever the driver of a vehicle is physically incapable of giving an immediate notice of an accident, and there was another occupant in the vehicle at the time of the accident capable of doing so, such occupant shall give or cause to be given the notice not given by the driver.

CO Code § 42-4-1607

What if I Fail to Report an Accident in Colorado?

Failing to report a collision when you are required to do so is a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense in Colorado. This means you could face a fine of between $150 and $300 and 10 to 90 days in jail.

Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.

CO Code § 42-4-1606

Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense.

CO Code § 42-4-1607

4. Colorado Car Accidents With No Injuries: Your Legal Duty

In Colorado, if you get in a car accident that only results in property damage, you must stop your vehicle as soon as possible without obstructing traffic. The law also requires that you exchange information, including your name, address, and vehicle registration number, with the other people involved.

The driver of any vehicle directly involved in an accident resulting only in damage to a vehicle shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such and remain at the scene of such accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of section 42-4-1603. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

CO Code § 42-4-1602

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person or damage to any vehicle shall give the driver’s name, the driver’s address, and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving and shall upon request exhibit his or her driver’s license.

CO Code § 42-4-1603

5. What if I Hit a Parked Car in Colorado?

Colorado requires you to stop your car immediately after colliding with a parked car, as long as you are not blocking traffic. You then must attempt to find the parked car’s owner, and if successful, provide the owner with your name, address, and vehicle registration number.

If you cannot locate the parked car’s owner, you must leave a note in a place where the owner will find it. The message must contain your name, address, and your car’s registration number.

The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the operator or owner of the driver’s name and address, and the registration number of the vehicle or attach securely in a conspicuous place in or on such vehicle a written notice giving the driver’s name and address and the registration number of the vehicle.

The driver shall also make report of such accident when and as required in section 42-4-1606. Every stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

CO Code § 42-4-1604

Car crashes are an unfortunate part of Colorado life. If you do get into an accident, it is essential that you fulfill all your legal duties. Knowing the law will help you avoid costly legal consequences, such as facing a fine or jail time.