Colorado Considers Increased Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

The Colorado legislature is considering proposals to increase the consequences for hit-and-run drivers.

2011-08-06

August 06, 2011 (Press-News.org) Hit-and-run accidents are appalling and shameful. It's bad enough to carelessly run into someone. But it's even worse to leave the scene without checking on the health and safety of the people in the other vehicle.

The Colorado legislature is looking to crack down on such cowardice. Colorado lawmakers are working with victims of hit-and-run car accidents to develop specific proposals for bills that would toughen the consequences for leaving the scene of an accident.

Consequences for Hit-and-Runs

Under present law, jail time is not mandatory for hit-and-run convictions. One proposal for strengthening the law could be to make such jail time mandatory when someone losses his or her license after a hit-and-run.

The increased punishment could help deter hit-and-run accidents in the future. People would think twice about leaving the scene, knowing it could result in a trip to jail.

Another possible proposal is to give victims of hit-and-run accidents more input into the type of community service those convicted of hit-and-run must perform.

Why it Matters

Hit-and-run victims and their families are banding together to make the case for strengthening Colorado law. They are telling legislators their stories.

Tim Abo, 26, is one of the victims speaking out. He was in a coma and spent nearly three months in the hospital after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while walking in Denver last October. Since then, many more hit-and-runs have occurred.

In a TV interview, Tim's brother Rodney said that drivers who crash into others need to take responsibility for their actions. "[I]f you're not going to take ownership, we'll do something about it," he said. "We're going to set the laws, we're going to go out and do our part about getting bills changed."

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

It doesn't matter whether the accident involved a pedestrian or another vehicle. Someone who leaves the scene needs to be held accountable.

One way of doing that, in addition to penalties issued by the state, is through a personal injury lawsuit. Contact a Colorado car accident lawyer to discuss your specific case.

Article provided by James L. Finegan, P.C.
Visit us at www.fineganlaw.com

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Colorado Considers Increased Consequences for Hit-and-Run Drivers

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