Hit-and-run accidents are happening more often, and the consequences can be devastating. A Denver hit-and-run occurs when a driver strikes a person or vehicle and flees without stopping to provide help or information. In Colorado, these crimes are rising fast, with the Colorado State Patrol reporting a 22% increase in hit-and-run crashes in early 2023. Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of people are impacted by hit-and-run accidents.Â
For victims in Denver, a hit-and-run often means medical bills, vehicle damage, and lost income with no immediately identifiable at-fault driver available. Knowing what to do next is critical. Colorado personal injury law offers protections for hit-and-run victims, but acting quickly is essential to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.
What Is a Denver Hit-and-Run Accident?
According to Colorado law, a Denver hit-and-run accident happens when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information, provide assistance, or report the incident to authorities. Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1601 requires all drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage to stay at the scene and provide identification and insurance details.
Why Do Drivers Leave Accident Scenes?
Drivers often leave accident scenes for several predictable reasons:
- Lack of insurance coverage: Operating without valid auto insurance creates immediate legal and financial consequences
- Intoxication: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs attempt to avoid DUI charges and criminal penalties
- Outstanding warrants: Fear of arrest for unrelated offenses motivates some drivers to leave immediately
- Immigration concerns: Undocumented individuals may panic about potential deportation
- Previous criminal record: Drivers with prior convictions fear additional charges
Your Legal Rights as a Hit-and-Run Victim
Your legal rights as a hit-and-run victim under Colorado personal injury laws remain protected regardless of whether authorities locate the fleeing driver. You have the right to:
- Pursue compensation through your own insurance policy.
- Seek damages through uninsured motorist coverage.
- File claims with state victim compensation programs.
Hit-and-run laws in Colorado prioritize victim protection, ensuring you have multiple pathways to recovery even when the at-fault party cannot be identified or located.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Denver Hit-and-Run Accident
The moments following a hit-and-run accident are critical. Your actions during this time directly impact your physical recovery, legal rights, and ability to secure compensation.
- Call 911 immediately to report the incident and get emergency services on site. Provide dispatchers with your exact location, a description of the fleeing vehicle (make, model, color, license plate if visible), and the direction the driver traveled.
- Seek medical treatment promptly even if injuries are not obvious. Adrenaline masks pain and symptoms of serious conditions like traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, or spinal damage. Delayed medical care creates gaps in documentation that insurance companies exploit to deny or reduce claims.
- Collect as much evidence as possible at the scene if you can, including:
- Photograph vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Capture images of skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Record the exact location with street signs or landmarks visible
- Obtain contact information from witnesses who saw the collision or fleeing vehicle
- Note the time, weather conditions, and traffic patterns
- Document any surveillance cameras in the area
- Write down any details you remember about the fleeing vehicle.
After following these three crucial steps, get in touch with an experienced Denver car accident attorney. Navigating your injuries while trying to pursue compensation is overwhelming. Let your Denver car accident lawyer contact witnesses, collect evidence, and negotiate your settlement with the appropriate insurer.
How to Report Your Denver Hit-and-Run Accident
Filing a police report after a Denver hit-and-run accident creates an official record that protects your legal rights. Contact the Denver Police Department immediately and provide every detail you remember about the fleeing vehicle. Include information about the crash location, time, weather conditions, and any witnesses present at the scene.
Your insurance company requires notification within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. It’s crucial to understand what to do after a car accident as this can significantly impact your claim process. Provide your insurer with:
- The police report number from your official filing
- Medical invoices and treatment records
- Photographs of vehicle damage and the accident scene
- Witness contact information and statements
- A written account of the incident
Document everything accurately without speculation. Stick to facts you personally observed. Avoid guessing about the other driver’s intentions or making assumptions about why they fled. Insurance claims for Denver hit-and-run accidents depend on precise, verifiable information. False or exaggerated statements can damage your credibility and jeopardize your compensation recovery.
Insurance Coverage for Your Denver Hit-and-Run Accident
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your First Line of Defense
Uninsured motorist coverage in Colorado serves as your primary financial protection when a hit-and-run driver disappears. This coverage treats the fleeing driver as uninsured, allowing you to file a claim through your own policy. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage works similarly if the at-fault driver is later identified but lacks adequate insurance to cover your damages.
Medical Payments Coverage: Immediate Relief for Treatment Costs
Medical payments coverage benefits provide immediate relief for treatment costs regardless of fault. MedPay pays for:
- Emergency room visits and ambulance transport
- Hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation therapy and follow-up care
- Prescription medications related to crash injuries
Collision Coverage: Repairing Your Vehicle After a Hit-and-Run
Collision coverage for hit-and-run damage repairs or replaces your vehicle after a Denver hit-and-run. This coverage applies even when the responsible driver cannot be located. You’ll pay your deductible, but your insurer handles the remaining repair costs.
Health Insurance: Filling the Gaps in Auto Insurance Coverage
Health insurance is relevant when auto insurance limits are exhausted. Your health plan covers additional medical expenses, though you may face higher deductibles and copays compared to auto insurance medical benefits. Coordinate both policies to maximize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
What To Do If the At-Fault Driver Is Not Found After Your Denver Hit-and-Run Accident
When police cannot locate the fleeing driver, your uninsured motorist insurance policy is the primary avenue for recovery. This coverage treats the unknown driver as uninsured, allowing you to file a claim directly with your own insurance carrier for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The Colorado Crime Victim Compensation program provides another critical resource for compensation for Denver hit-and-run accident victims. This state-funded program assists with:
- Medical and dental treatment costs
- Mental health counseling expenses
- Lost wages during recovery
- Funeral and burial expenses in fatal cases
Eligibility requires reporting the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours and cooperating with the investigation. The program covers expenses not paid by insurance, with a maximum benefit of $30,000 per claim.
Standard insurance policies contain significant gaps. Without adequate uninsured motorist coverage, you may face out-of-pocket costs for serious injuries. Understanding these limitations before an accident occurs protects your financial security.
How to Get Fair Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Denver
If you’ve been a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Denver, there are several options for compensation available to you:
- Medical Expenses: You can claim reimbursement for medical expenses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and prescription medications.
- Lost Wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you deserve compensation for the wages you lost during that time. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for future earnings.
- Property Damage: Any damage caused to your vehicle in the accident can be claimed as part of your property damage expenses.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical and emotional pain caused by the accident can also be included in your claim as damages.
An experienced Denver car accident lawyer takes over every legal and strategic aspect of your claim so you can focus on healing. Your attorney investigates the crash, secures evidence, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to clearly prove fault and the full scope of your damages. They handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies, pushing back against low offers and aggressive tactics designed to limit payouts, especially in complex hit-and-run cases.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What immediate steps should I take after experiencing a hit-and-run accident in Denver?
Immediately call 911 to report the incident and summon emergency services. Seek prompt medical attention even if injuries aren’t obvious, as some conditions like internal bleeding may be hidden. Stay calm, ensure your safety, and gather evidence such as photos of damages, witness contacts, and vehicle details to support your case.
How do I report my Denver hit-and-run accident to the police and insurance company?
File an official police report with detailed information about the crash and the fleeing driver’s description. Notify your insurance company promptly using the police report number along with any medical invoices.
What types of insurance coverage can help after a Denver hit-and-run accident?
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverages can compensate for damages when the at-fault driver is unknown or lacks sufficient insurance. Medical Payments (MedPay) and Collision Coverage assist with medical bills and vehicle repairs. Health insurance may also cover treatment costs related to the accident.
What should I do if the at-fault driver is not found after my Denver hit-and-run accident?
Utilize Uninsured Motorist Coverage if included in your policy to recover damages. You may also explore financial assistance through Colorado’s Crime Victim Compensation program. Be aware of potential coverage limits and consider consulting legal experts to understand all available options.
Contact Us Today to Get Trusted Legal Advice
Don’t wait to protect your rights. You can speak directly with one of our firm’s trusted car accident lawyers during your free consultation. Getting legal guidance early can significantly improve your ability to recover compensation after a serious hit-and-run accident.
You deserve an advocate who understands the complexities of hit-and-run cases and knows how to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. As the experts in Denver car accident claims, we can guide you through every step of the claims process and fight for the outcome you deserve. Time matters, so do not hesitate to secure strong representation now.
