Colorado “Hit & Run” – Laws, Penalties & Best Defenses

Car accidents in Denver can create confusion, stress, and long-lasting consequences, especially when a driver leaves the scene.  Under Colorado hit and run laws, every driver involved in a crash has clear legal duties, regardless of who’s at fault. Ignoring these responsibilities can trigger criminal charges, license suspension, and steep fines. And yes, even drivers who panic or misjudge the damage aren’t off the hook. At Dormer Harpring, we help individuals across the Denver area understand their rights, navigate these laws, and protect their future.

Your Obligations

In Colorado, the law places clear responsibilities on all drivers involved in an accident. These requirements must be followed regardless of who caused the incident. These rules exist to preserve public order, ensure that anyone injured receives help quickly, and that any damages are appropriately addressed. Staying at the scene and fulfilling these duties also helps protect drivers legally and financially, primarily when insurance companies investigate the event.

Hitting an Occupied Vehicle

Collisions involving a vehicle with a driver or passengers call for immediate action:

• Stop your vehicle at or near the crash site without blocking traffic.
• Share your name, address, and vehicle registration with the other party.
• Show your driver’s license upon request.
• Call for emergency services and offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured.

Failure to do so can lead to charges under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1601.

When Someone Gets Injured

Accidents involving injuries come with stricter responsibilities. Drivers must stay at the scene and complete all legal duties. Departing—even briefly—can result in felony charges. The law considers a broad range of injuries, including those that aren’t immediately obvious, like internal bleeding or concussions. 

Under Colorado law, any bodily injury triggers a heightened duty to act, no matter how seemingly minor. Aid can include calling for paramedics, helping someone exit a vehicle safely, or staying with them until help arrives.

Hitting Property or an Unattended Vehicle

Accidents involving parked cars, fences, or mailboxes carry obligations of their own:

• Make a reasonable effort to find the property owner.
• If unsuccessful, leave a visible note with your name, contact information, and a description of what happened.
• File a police report if the damage exceeds a legally set threshold.

These requirements are outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1602

Penalties

The penalties for hit-and-run offenses in Colorado vary based on the severity of the incident.

Hitting an Unoccupied Vehicle or Causing Property Damage

This is generally charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, which can lead to:

• A fine of up to $300
• Jail time up to 90 days
• DMV violations are added to your driving record.

Even though this is the least severe category, it can still raise insurance premiums and affect job applications where driving records are reviewed.

Hit and Run Causing a Non-Serious Injury

When minor injuries are involved, the charge escalates to a Class 1 misdemeanor traffic offense:

• Jail time of up to one year
• Fines as high as $1,000
• Court-ordered restitution for the injured individual.

Courts may also require community service or driving education programs. A conviction here typically becomes part of your permanent criminal record.

Hit and Run Causing Serious Bodily Injury

This type of offense becomes a Class 4 felony:

• Two to six years in prison
• Fines reaching $500,000
• Suspension or revocation of driving privileges

Additional consequences may include probation, long-term driver’s license suspension, and mandatory restitution to victims. Prior offenses or aggravating factors can influence sentencing.

Hit and Run Causing Death

The most serious charge is a Class 3 felony, with consequences that may include:

• Four to twelve years in prison
• Fines up to $750,000
• Permanent license revocation

In these cases, prosecutors take an aggressive approach, often seeking the maximum penalties. Sentencing hearings can be emotionally charged, particularly when the victim’s family is involved.

Other Consequences

A hit-and-run conviction can affect your life well beyond the courtroom:

• Sharp increases in insurance rates or denial of coverage.
• Exposure to civil lawsuits for damages.
• Difficulty finding employment, especially for driving-related roles.
• Professional license suspension or revocation.
• Complications with immigration status in some instances.

Civil lawsuits can be filed in tandem with criminal charges, leaving defendants exposed to significant financial judgments that may exceed their insurance policy limits. Background checks for jobs, housing, or loans may also reflect these charges.

Defenses

Depending on the facts, several defenses may apply:

• Unaware of the accident: The driver did not realize an impact occurred.
• Medical emergency: Leaving was necessary to receive urgent care.
• Mistaken identity: Someone else was behind the wheel.
• Wrong vehicle: Law enforcement pursued the wrong party based on poor evidence.

In Colorado, dashcam footage, GPS data, and witness statements can be essential in building a defense. Timely legal intervention can preserve these pieces of evidence before they are lost.

Statute of Limitations

In Colorado, prosecutors have a limited window to file charges:

• Misdemeanor charges: up to 18 months
• Felony charges: up to 3 years

Filing at the end of the statute window can complicate prosecution and defense. Witnesses may become unavailable, and key evidence could be lost or deteriorate. In some situations, the statute may pause (toll) if the accused leaves the state or cannot be located.

What Are the Police Looking for in Hit-and-Run Investigations?

When a hit-and-run is reported, law enforcement immediately begins gathering evidence to identify the driver and determine the cause of the incident. In Denver and throughout Colorado, investigations often rely on a combination of physical evidence, technology, and witness accounts.

Police typically start by inspecting damage to the abandoned vehicle or property and looking for trace evidence that can be matched to a suspect’s vehicle, such as paint transfer, debris, or broken parts. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, residential doorbell cameras, and traffic signal recordings is also used to track vehicle movement before and after the crash.

An Experienced Attorney Helping You Beat Hit-and-Run Charges

Legal trouble under Colorado hit and run laws doesn’t go away on its own. Dormer Harpring represents people throughout the city who need smart, determined help navigating the road ahead. Our firm has helped clients resolve hit-and-run charges with reduced penalties, dismissals, or negotiated outcomes that protect their future. Call us at (303) 647-9990 to schedule a confidential consultation today. We’re ready to talk strategy—and help you protect your name.