Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a very confusing and stressful experience. A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without providing contact information or helping anyone who might be injured. In Colorado, these accidents are taken very seriously, and knowing how to protect your rights is very important. Acting quickly and carefully after such an event can help you recover compensation for your damages and ensure that justice is served. At, Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey , we are here to guide you through the legal process and help you navigate the complexities of your case.
Understanding What a Hit-and-Run Means
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver causes damage to another person’s car, property, or body and leaves the scene without identifying themselves or helping. This can occur in various ways, such as a driver hitting your parked car, causing a collision at an intersection, or even striking a pedestrian and fleeing. Colorado law makes it mandatory for drivers to stay at the scene of an accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, especially if injuries are involved. It is crucial to know your rights and what steps to take when such an incident occurs.
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Free Consultation Download PDFWhat to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
After being involved in a hit-and-run, the first thing to focus on is safety. If you or anyone else has been injured, seek medical attention immediately. Calling 911 ensures that emergency responders arrive to assist and that a police report is made. The report will be very important for documenting the details of the accident. Try to gather as much information as you can about the fleeing vehicle, such as its color, make, model, or license plate number. If there are witnesses, speak to them and ask for their contact information. Witness statements can provide valuable support when seeking compensation for your damages.
Taking photos of the accident scene is another important step. Document any damage to your vehicle, injuries, and skid marks on the road. This evidence can be crucial in proving what happened during the accident. Avoid chasing the fleeing driver. Doing so could put you in danger and may complicate your case. Instead, stay at the scene and focus on gathering as much information as you can.
Reporting the Accident to Law Enforcement
Reporting a hit-and-run accident to law enforcement is a legal requirement in Colorado. When you report the incident, provide all the details you remember about the fleeing vehicle and the accident. Police officers can investigate the scene, review surveillance footage from nearby cameras, and track down the responsible driver. A police report also serves as official documentation of the incident, which is essential when filing a claim with your insurance company or pursuing legal action. Cooperating fully with law enforcement is critical for ensuring your rights are protected.
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Mark Hanchey has been excellent. I spoke with him last minute before my court date. He still showed up to court with me and was very caring and helped me before I had even officially hired him. I felt like he cared about me and my case. He knows his craft very well and you can tell that the judge and other attorneys respect him when he is in court. He is also very kind. I recommend him to anyone. An excellent attorney.
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Filing an Insurance Claim
In a hit-and-run situation, filing an insurance claim is a necessary step to recover your losses. If the driver who fled the scene is not found, you can rely on your own insurance coverage to help pay for damages. Colorado drivers are encouraged to carry uninsured motorist coverage, which helps cover costs when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Collision coverage is another option that may assist with vehicle repairs or replacement. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident to report the incident and begin the claims process. Provide them with the police report and any evidence you have collected to support your claim.
Legal Rights and Compensation
Being the victim of a hit-and-run can leave you with medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress. Colorado law allows victims of hit-and-run accidents to seek compensation for these losses. If the driver who fled is found, you can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against them. The at-fault driver may be held accountable for their negligence and any damages they caused. If the driver is not located, you can still explore other legal options to recover compensation, such as using your own insurance coverage or seeking assistance from crime victim compensation programs.
Challenges of Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run cases can be challenging for several reasons. Identifying the responsible driver is often difficult, especially if there were no witnesses or clear evidence. Additionally, dealing with insurance companies can be a frustrating process, as they may try to minimize your claim or deny coverage. This is why having a strong understanding of your rights and the legal options available to you is essential. Seeking help from a legal professional who has handled similar cases can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.
How to Protect Yourself Against Hit-and-Runs
Taking steps to protect yourself before an accident occurs is just as important as knowing what to do afterward. Ensuring that you have sufficient insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist and collision coverage, can provide a safety net in case of a hit-and-run. Being aware of your surroundings while driving and parking in well-lit, populated areas can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of such incidents. Installing a dash camera in your vehicle is another helpful tool, as it can capture footage of an accident and assist in identifying the fleeing driver.
Why Legal Support is Important
Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be overwhelming. From filing police reports to dealing with insurance companies and pursuing legal action, the process involves many steps that can be difficult to handle alone. Having legal representation can help you understand your rights and the compensation you deserve. A legal team can also investigate the incident thoroughly, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Seeking legal help ensures that your interests are protected every step of the way.
Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable
When the driver responsible for a hit-and-run is identified, holding them accountable is a crucial step in seeking justice. In Colorado, leaving the scene of an accident is not only a violation of traffic laws but also a criminal offense that can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and imprisonment. By pursuing legal action, victims can ensure that the at-fault party faces the consequences of their reckless behavior. Legal accountability also helps highlight the importance of safe and responsible driving in the community. Victims of hit-and-run accidents should remember that they have the right to demand compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering. Working with an experienced legal team can make it easier to navigate this process and achieve the best possible outcome.
The Importance of Acting Quickly
Time is an important factor when dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. Evidence at the scene, such as tire marks or camera footage, may only be available for a limited time. Witness memories can fade, making it harder to build a strong case. Additionally, Colorado law imposes deadlines for filing claims and lawsuits, so acting promptly is critical to protecting your rights. Reaching out to legal professionals without delay can help ensure that every necessary step is taken to preserve evidence, meet deadlines, and strengthen your case.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run accident, taking action quickly is vital. Contact the Law Firm of Mark S. Hanchey for compassionate and dedicated assistance. Our team is committed to helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.