Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO, Helping Those Who Have Been Injured by Irresponsible Drivers

Any car accident can be a scary and anxiety-filled situation. It becomes even worse if the other party disappears without taking responsibility for their actions, leaving you to deal with the consequences on your own, possibly endangering your health by not helping you after you’ve been seriously injured. Under Colorado law, any car accident that causes damage or injury must be reported to the police. This applies whether the driver has hit another vehicle, an object such as a mailbox or a road sign, a person, or in some places, an animal. Additionally, it is the driver’s legal responsibility to stop and render aid to victims if able and to provide contact and insurance information to anyone else involved.

Hit and Run Accident Attorneys in Denver, CO, Helping Those Who Have Been Injured by Irresponsible Drivers

Any vehicle accident can be a scary and anxiety-filled situation. It becomes even worse if the other party disappears without taking responsibility for their actions, leaving you to deal with the consequences on your own, possibly endangering your health by not helping you after you’ve been seriously injured. Under Colorado law, any car accident that causes damage or injury must be reported to the police. This applies whether the driver has hit another vehicle, an object such as a mailbox or a road sign, a person, or in some places, an animal. Additionally, it is the driver’s legal responsibility to stop and render aid to victims if they are able to and to provide contact and insurance information with the other people involved. If someone fails to meet these obligations, even if they were not the at-fault driver, it is considered a hit-and-run accident. The only exceptions to these rules are if the driver had to leave the scene of the accident due to a serious injury and needed medical attention, in which case another passenger in the vehicle should report the incident, or if they had to go somewhere to call emergency services. However, once you make the call, you must return to the place where the accident occurred.

Why Do Hit and Run Accidents Occur?

Most everyone knows that they should stay at the scene of an accident and try to help victims if they can, so why would a driver choose to flee? In some cases, it’s an impulsive reaction born out of fear or panic, and the fleeing driver soon regrets his or her decisions and may turn himself or herself in. But there are other reasons a driver may flee the scene of an accident, including:

• Not having car insurance or fearing that your premiums will increase.
• Driving while underage.
• Transporting stolen goods or contraband.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Driving a borrowed, rented, or stolen vehicle.
• Not having a valid driver’s license.
• Having multiple traffic violations on your record.

While it is an unlikely scenario, it is possible that a driver may not realize that they have hit another vehicle or person because they were too distracted or preoccupied . Not noticing the accident is much more likely in “near miss” situations, where a driver causes an accident through reckless driving, but suffers no damage to their own vehicle. These types of hit-and-run drivers can be especially difficult to track down, unless there is video evidence or witnesses, and proving their involvement in the accident can be tricky. In any type of hit-and-run accident in Denver, it is crucial to retain the services of a personal injury attorney who can help investigate your case and assist you with the steps necessary to recover compensation.

What to Do After a Hit and Run Accident?

The minutes after an accident can be very disorienting, especially after a hit-and-run accident. There may not be anyone around to help you after the driver has fled. It is essential to remain as calm as possible during this time and do the following to benefit both your health and your case:

• Get medical attention: If you or your loved ones have been injured, getting medical treatment should be your priority. Call 911 if anyone has serious injuries. Even if you feel fine, seek medical evaluation after the accident, as there could be injuries you haven’t noticed due to the high levels of adrenaline in your body.
• Contacting the police: You should report the accident if the other driver left the scene. Officers will arrive and file a police report about the accident. Be clear and direct when telling the police about the accident and your injuries. Do not argue about fault or make accusations.
• Gather information from witnesses: In a hit-and-run accident, every detail will be helpful in tracking down the other driver. Eyewitnesses can provide valuable information, so be sure to get their names, addresses, and phone numbers when possible.
• Take photos: Take photos from many angles. While the police will likely photograph the scene, you may be able to capture something they missed.
• Write down details: As soon as you can, write down everything you remember about the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include descriptions of the vehicle and driver, the license plate number, the direction in which they fled, and any other details you remember. This information can be helpful to the investigation.
• Call a Hit and Run Accident Attorney: Since hit and run accidents can be complex, it is critical to have an attorney with you throughout the entire process. They will help you deal with the insurance company and ensure that you have the best chance of obtaining full compensation for your injuries.

You or your loved ones should not attempt to follow or track a hit-and-run driver after your accident. They may be fleeing due to a criminal motive or may not be thinking clearly due to panic, which could put you in danger. It could also delay necessary medical treatment for your injuries, which could make them worse. Additionally, it could interfere with the police investigation of the accident. In short, it is best to focus on ensuring your safety and well-being and leave the investigation to the police officers and your attorney.

What Are Your Options for Compensation After a Hit and Run Accident?

Your options for filing a claim for your damages depend on whether the hit-and-run accident driver can be identified. If you are arrested or turned in, not only will you face criminal charges and a possible suspension of your driver’s license, but you may also be able to file a hit-and-run claim with your insurance company to recover damages. If the police are unable to identify the at-fault driver, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurer if you have uninsured motorist coverage . However, not everyone has this type of coverage, so it’s important to review your insurance policy to see if this option is available to you. In either case, a hit-and-run accident attorney can be an important ally in your recovery. They will negotiate with insurance companies and help you get the settlement you deserve. Although every hit-and-run accident is unique, common losses that may be covered include:

• Economic Losses: Property damage, medical bills, lost wages and more may be part of your compensation.
• Non-economic losses: These are less tangible damages you experienced as a result of your hit-and-run accident, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent disfigurement, or loss of quality of life.

In a court situation, a judge might also assess punitive damages if the driver’s actions were reckless or demonstrated a disregard for the welfare of others. In hit-and-run cases, especially those where the driver failed to stop to help the accident victims, punitive damages are likely to be considered due to the lack of responsibility assumed by the driver.

Why Hire an Attorney for Your Hit and Run Case?

Hit and run cases can be incredibly complicated to litigate because the at-fault driver may try to argue that they cannot be definitively identified as the person involved in the accident . This adds an additional layer to an already complicated car accident case. Even your own insurance company may try to avoid paying you a fair amount of compensation if they cannot track down the perpetrator of your accident. A skilled Denver hit and run attorney from Genco Injury Attorneys can be a formidable ally in your fight. We will work to ensure that you get the fair compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation with a compassionate accident attorney who is ready to go to work for you: 303-500-1376 .