Denver Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

Denver Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

Experiencing injuries during a crash becomes especially frightening when the driver who caused it leaves without staying behind. Those moments leave you isolated and injured, with no clear idea of what steps to take next. The combined effects of a hit-and-run accident take a significant emotional toll on victims, who must also deal with escalating medical costs and unresolved legal issues. If you’ve been struck by a driver who fled the scene, a Denver hit-and-run lawyer can help you pursue justice and compensation.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, all drivers involved in a car accident are required to stop, exchange information, and report the crash to the police. When a driver leaves the scene without doing so, it becomes a criminal offense. This is especially true when someone is injured. Hit-and-run accidents often involve:

• Fearful drivers who panic and run
• Drivers without insurance
• Impaired or distracted drivers
• Individuals with outstanding warrants or suspended licenses

A driver fleeing the scene after an accident in Colorado must pay criminal penalties and accept civil liability for any and all harm resulting from their actions. Civil liability covers property damage and medical expenses, along with lost wages and pain and suffering, among other damages. Our legal team can enforce driver accountability throughout criminal proceedings that are still in progress.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Denver

If you’ve been involved in a fleeing scene accident in Colorado, the actions you take immediately afterward can protect your health and your claim:

• If necessary, call 911 to request emergency medical assistance.
• Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor.
• Report the hit-and-run to the Denver Police Department.
• Document any details you recall about the driver who fled or their vehicle.
• Capture pictures of the accident location, any resulting damage, and any injuries sustained.
• Get medical assistance for any symptoms, no matter how insignificant they appear.
• Let law enforcement take charge of investigating the driver and avoid trying to track them down.
• Contact a Denver car accident attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and explore your options.

Understanding Colorado’s Statute of Limitations

Time is critical after a hit-and-run accident. The Colorado law sets a two-year time limit for filing personal injury claims starting from the date the incident occurs. In cases involving injuries from motor vehicle accidents, claimants usually have three years to submit their claims.

Your legal timeline becomes complicated when there are delays in finding the responsible driver or insurance coverage gaps emerge. Immediate consultation with a Denver hit-and-run attorney improves your ability to maintain evidence and safeguard your legal rights.

What if the Driver Is Never Found?

Not all hit-and-run drivers are identified. Your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage allows you to file a claim against your own policy when the responsible driver cannot be identified.

Colorado makes UM/UIM coverage optional, even though numerous drivers maintain it unknowingly. Your attorney can help you review your policy, handle the insurance company, and negotiate for the maximum recovery available. This coverage lets you make a claim on your personal policy when the responsible driver:

• Can’t be located
• Is identified but uninsured
• Has insufficient coverage for your injuries

How a Denver Hit-and-Run Attorney Can Help

Fleeing scene accidents in Colorado often involve both civil and criminal proceedings. While prosecutors handle criminal charges, a personal injury lawyer focuses on helping you recover damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Vehicle repair costs
• Pain and suffering

Your attorney can coordinate with law enforcement, gather witness statements, handle all legal filings, and pursue recovery through insurance or litigation, depending on which method maximizes your potential for a just result.

FAQs

What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Denver?

Your top concern after experiencing a hit-and-run in Denver should be ensuring your safety before receiving medical attention. Dial 911 to inform them of the crash while asking for help. Keep track of the fleeing driver’s details and vehicle information, and capture photos of the site if possible.

Once you receive medical attention, you should inform your insurance company and reach out to a personal injury lawyer in Denver to secure your rights and initiate the claims procedure.

Can I Still Receive Compensation if the Hit-and-Run Driver Isn’t Found?

Colorado law enables you to seek compensation even without knowing who the responsible driver is. Your own insurance policy allows you to file a claim if you possess uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

You can receive reimbursements for medical expenses and lost income while also obtaining compensation for additional damages. A Denver hit-and-run attorney can review your insurance coverage terms and manage negotiations to secure a fair settlement for you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Injury Claim in Colorado?

Personal injury claims in Colorado must be filed within two years according to local laws. When the injury stems from a motor vehicle accident or hit-and-run incident, the statute of limitations extends to three years. Prompt action should be taken because evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ recollections can diminish over time. A Denver hit-and-run attorney can ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and maintain your ability to receive compensation.

Will My Insurance Rates Go Up if I Use UM Coverage After a Hit-and-Run?

Your insurance premiums in Colorado will not increase when you make a UM coverage claim after a hit-and-run. Most insurance companies will let you file a UM claim without penalty because you were not to blame for the accident. You should review your insurance policy and consult with your attorney to understand how your insurer will manage this situation. Your lawyer can manage communication and ensure your rights are protected.

Talk to a Denver Hit-and-Run Lawyer Today

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Following a hit-and-run, legal proceedings may advance rapidly, and you must act fast. Reach out to Cheney Galluzzi & Howard now to book a free initial consultation with an experienced Denver hit-and-run accident attorney. You don’t pay unless we win.