Hit-and-run accidents have been on the rise in Denver, Colorado.
Most recently, a fatal accident involving a hit-and-run vehicle happened on Sunday (8/18). A pickup truck crashed into a car in front of it on East 46th Ave. and Chamber Road. Instead of stopping and exchanging driving information, the pickup truck driver fled the scene and triggered a medina alert from the Denver Police.
As a result, one driver died, and another was injured and sent to the hospital.
In Colorado it is a felony offense to leave the scene of an accident which causes serious bodily injury or death. However, situations like this could happen to anyone and are on the rise in Denver. According to Fox31, hit-and-runs involving vehicles and pedestrians have increased by almost 70 percent over the previous six years.
If you are a victim of hit-and-run accidents, you may be facing severe consequences in the recovery process. Our hit-and-run victim attorney can discuss the recovery options and specific complications with you. Request a free consultation here – call 855.637.1268 to speak to an attorney right away.
Hit and Run Colorado Laws
According to Colorado Statute 42-4-1601, C.R.S., after a traffic accident, involved parties are required to remain at the scene and exchange drive documents (insurance and contact info). If anyone is injured in an accident, the drivers of the vehicles are required, where practical to render any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance.
Penalties for this illegal behavior can result in serious legal consequences.
What is a hit-and-run?
A hit-and-run in Colorado means a driver intentionally leaves the scene after hitting another vehicle, a person, or property, without providing reasonable assistance or correct insurance and contact information.
Hit and Run Accident – Parked Car
That means even if you hit a parked and unoccupied car or other types of property, the law requires you to notify the owner or driver of that car (or other property). You are also required to provide your contact and insurance information to that owner.
Added Complications to Getting Compensations for Hit-and-Run Victims
Tracking down the hit-and-run driver
After a hit-and-run accident, local police and authorities will try to track down the fled driver. However, there is a chance that the hit-an-run driver may never be found or identified. While it is challenging, it is essential to gather as much evidence and witnesses as possible to help identify a hit-and-run driver. If you are discussing a hit-and-run accident with an attorney, be sure to ask questions about their investigation team who can help piece together evidence.
Franklin D. Azar & Associates is the largest personal injury law firm in Colorado. Our legal team has the resources to help you track down the at-fault driver (if possible) and build your claim for damages to recover as much as possible. If the driver is identified, we will help you pursue a claim.
Call for help right away
Additionally, leaving an injured person after an accident could mean life or death for that victim. If you witnessed someone that is injured in a hit and run, call for an ambulance and seek help right away.
If you are injured (even if you think the injuries are minor) after a hit-and-run accident, seek immediate medical care.
Gather evidence and document everything
If possible, try to gather as much evidence as you can from the scene. Here is an article about taking pictures of a car accident and gathering statement and contacts from witnesses. You will also want to call 911 and file a police report right away.
Hit and Run Insurance
In the event a hit-and-run driver cannot be found or identified, we can help you recover from other insurance, such as medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).
The process of a hit-and-run case is complicated and may last a long time. When you pursue compensation from your insurance company, you may face delays caused by their investigation to find the at-fault driver. There are various legal status and issues that you will want to understand to determine the scope of your potential recovery. An experienced automobile attorney can provide crucial guidance and support throughout the complex process of pursuing a hit-and-run case and seeking compensation for your damages.
Pursuing a hit-and-run case and compensation is best handled by an experienced hit and run attorney and a legal team with appropriate resources. Give us a call, and our attorneys will walk you through all the questions and issues related to the Colorado car accident and your insurance policy. We will help evaluate your situation and make sure to help you recover the most compensation for damages.
The hit-and-run pickup truck driver was found after a few hours through Halo surveillance cameras and witnesses. The Denver police charged him for vehicle for vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Victim Attorney at Franklin D. Azar & Associates
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries or financial loss as a result of a hit-and-run accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Over the past 30 years, Franklin D. Azar & Associates has represented victims in some of the most complicated and serious personal injury and wrongful death cases arising from hit-and-run accidents.
Our proven track record and expertise have allowed us to grow into the largest personal-injury law firm in Colorado, with offices in Denver, Greenwood Village, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo. If you’ve been injured in a bus, car, truck, or motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us at (303) 900-5595 or contact us here for a free consultation and no-obligation evaluation of your case.
