A hit-and-run car accident in Colorado can be more difficult to recover from than a typical crash. Without the other driver remaining at the scene and exchanging information with you, you may not know where to turn for insurance coverage. Our experienced team of Denver personal injury lawyers share steps that you can take in this stressful situation to protect yourself and get the justice you deserve.
Prioritize Your Safety
Your top priority after any type of motor vehicle collision should be ensuring your safety. Pull your vehicle over in a safe place and try to remain calm to assess the situation. Do not attempt to chase down the hit-and-run driver. Turn your hazard lights on to prevent further collisions. Seek medical attention for any injuries immediately.
Call the Police
Always contact law enforcement after a hit-and-run accident. Fleeing the scene of a car accident is against the law in Colorado. Report the crime to the police, who should send an officer to the scene to investigate. The officer can write an official accident report that you can use for your insurance claim.
The police will also begin an investigation to hopefully identify and find the at-fault driver. Many hit-and-run cases are eventually solved. Stay in touch with the police and continue following up on the investigation after your accident. If they identify the hit-and-run driver, you can use his or her car insurance to pay for your damages.
Gather What Information You Can
While the details of the car accident are still fresh in your mind, write down as much information as you can about the crash. This may include:
- A description of the driver or any passengers
- The color of the vehicle
- The vehicle’s make and model
- Partial license plate numbers
- Any discerning vehicle markings, such as scratches or bumper stickers
- The direction the vehicle was traveling
Any information you can collect can be helpful for the police investigation of the hit-and-run. When you file a car insurance claim, the insurer may also request these details.
Take Photos
If possible, take pictures of your damaged vehicle and the accident scene as a whole. Be sure to capture any important details or evidence, such as pieces of the vehicle that struck you or markings on the road. Look around the area to check for any cameras that may have captured the hit-and-run accident on tape, as well. Nearby businesses, homes and intersections may have cameras that could help you identify the other driver.
Speak to Witnesses
Speak to eyewitnesses and gather their contact information before you leave the scene. Witnesses may have important information that can help with the investigation, such as a better description of the other driver and vehicle. Other drivers nearby may also have dashboard cameras that caught the accident on tape.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your own car insurance company without delay to notify them of the crash. Ask if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance on your policy, as this type of coverage will pay for an accident caused by a hit-and-run driver. If not, you may have other forms of insurance available to cover your medical bills and property repairs, such as medical payment insurance, collision coverage or comprehensive insurance.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
You still have legal options as a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Colorado. Contact a Denver car accident attorney to discuss your case and get assistance with the recovery process. Your attorney can negotiate with your own car insurance company or someone else’s to seek maximum financial compensation for your losses – with or without the identity of the hit-and-run driver. Request a free consultation if you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident for more information at (720) 515-3191.
