Accident alert status is declared when the conditions are so severe that the police simply cannot respond to every accident. This is usually the result of weather conditions, including snow storms. Generally, this means that you do not need to wait for police to arrive after an accident if there are no injuries and all vehicles can drive away. You still have to file an accident report within 24 hours, and drivers need to exchange their information before leaving the scene. Each jurisdiction is different and one department may be on accident alert when the neighboring department is not.
Colorado Accident Alert Rules
Under normal conditions, you must call law enforcement and wait for an officer to arrive before you can leave the scene of an accident. During accident alert status, you do not need to do this for minor fender benders. There are just too many accidents for police to respond to, so they must prioritize their efforts. You can file a counter report or report the accident online instead, during an accident alert, if the following conditions exist:
- There are no injuries
- All vehicles are drivable
- No drugs or alcohol are involved
This is not carte blanche for hit and run. You still have to exchange name, address, phone, registration, and insurance information. And, you must file a report within 24 hours.
In Denver, you must call “911” and find out if an officer will be sent to your accident or if you can leave.
If you have been injured in a Denver area accident our Denver accident attorneys are here to help.
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