Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Denver Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
What Is Considered a Hit and Run in Denver, Colorado?
- Remain where they are. Drivers should stay at the scene of the accident, and if able, move their vehicle off to the side of the road so as to not obstruct traffic.
- Exchange personal information and insurance information with the other driver or drivers involved.
- Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident and call emergency services if needed.
- First and last name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Imprisonment: Offenders will generally receive a prison sentence between 4 and 12 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.
- Fines: Drivers who flee the scene after a fatality could face fines up to $750,000.
- Parole: A mandatory parole sentence of 5 years.
- Vehicular homicide
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Hit and Run Accidents in Denver
Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of a Car Accident?
- Offenders may feel as if they did not do substantial damage to the other vehicle, so rather than sticking around to exchange information, they leave in hopes that the victim simply doesn’t bother to find them or gives up on their pursuit.
- Drivers will often flee the scene of an accident if they do not possess the sufficient insurance coverage to deal with the repercussions. Many drivers will either drive without insurance due to pure negligence or possibly because they were unable to afford it.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may also cause a driver to leave the scene. Drivers involved in an accident while impaired may flee in order to avoid possible DUI charges.
What Damages are Available After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
- Medical expenses: Economic damages cover your hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, future medical costs, and more after a hit-and-run accident.
- Lost wages: Wage replacement is available for victims who were unable to return to work for an extended period of time due to their injuries from the accident.
- Property damage: You could receive compensation for repairs or replacement needed for your damaged property, most notably your vehicle. Personal property that was damaged or destroyed in the accident can also be recovered.
- Pain and suffering: Even after recovering from an injury, victims may live with chronic pain for the rest of their lives, not to mention the emotional distress and mental anguish caused by a traumatic car accident.
- Loss of enjoyment for life: If your injuries have left you unable to enjoy or participate in the same hobbies or activities you did before your accident, you may be eligible for additional compensation.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: UM/UIM coverage aims to compensate victims of hit-and-run accidents for their bodily injuries. Hit-and-run accidents are typically covered under UM/UIM insurance since there is no other party to hold liable and no other insurance company involved. Not all drivers are required to purchase UM/UIM coverage, though all auto insurers in the state of Colorado are required to offer it.
- Collision coverage: Since UM/UIM does not cover property damage in an accident, victims can rely on their collision coverage to pay for the cost of their damaged vehicle. Collision coverage should cover the repairs or replacement needed for your car after a hit-and-run accident.
- Health insurance: If your damages were to exceed your auto insurance limit, your health insurance may be able to cover medical expenses for bodily injuries.
How Can an Attorney Help With Your Hit-and-Run Accident Case?
Contact Fiedler Trial Lawyers Today for Expert Legal Support
Frequently Asked Questions
An experienced hit and run accident attorney in Denver has access to resources and strategies to help identify the driver who fled the scene. This may include reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and working with law enforcement to uncover evidence. Additionally, an attorney can subpoena records, such as those from nearby businesses or cell phone companies, to strengthen your case and locate the responsible party.
When reporting a hit and run accident to your insurance company, it is important to provide accurate and detailed information about the incident. This includes the time, location, description of the other vehicle (if known), and any photos or videos from the scene. However, it’s best to avoid making statements about fault or accepting any settlements without first consulting an experienced hit and run attorney, who can guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.
Determining whether you have a strong case after a hit and run accident depends on several factors, including the available evidence, the severity of your injuries, and your insurance coverage. At Fiedler Law, we evaluate your case during a free consultation to assess its merits and discuss your legal options. If you’ve been in a hit and run accident, contact us today to get the answers and support you need.
Additional Information in Denver, Colorado
- Colorado General Assembly - HB17-1277: Increased Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents: Provides detailed information about Colorado House Bill 17-1277, which increased penalties for drivers involved in hit and run accidents. The legislation aims to improve road safety and hold drivers accountable by enforcing stricter punishments, including fines and potential imprisonment.
- Colorado Department of Transportation - Best Practices for Traffic Crash Reporting: Provides guidance on best practices for reporting traffic crashes in Colorado, including important steps to take after an accident. It also emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting for improving road safety and supporting investigations, particularly in hit and run cases.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents - Key Statistics and Insights: Provides an in-depth analysis of hit-and-run accidents across the U.S. It includes statistics on fatal hit-and-run crashes, contributing factors, and recommendations to improve road safety and reduce incidents.
More Frequently
Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured in an accident, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights
- Dial 911 – Emergency Services. Get checked out by emergency responders, even if you think injuries are minor, you should always get evaluated. If the accident involved a motor vehicle, file a report with the police This documentation could be important later on.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to vehicles or property. Collect contact information from witnesses and others involved in the accident READ MORE…
When involved in a personal injury claim, the process can be very intimidating. Many individuals facing this situation are often dealing with life-altering injuries, high medical bills, financial hardships and find themselves feeling very vulnerable.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer can be beneficial in a variety of situations, particularly when you have sustained significant injuries or damages due to someone else’s negligenceREAD MORE…
After being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering if you actually need to hire a personal injury lawyer. You would want to consult with an attorney, because in most cases, there will be an opposing party in your case that will be working against you. Choosing the right personal injury lawyer for your case is important to ensure you receive the best possible representation and outcome. Hiring a Denver Personal injury lawyer that specializes in that area of law is crucial, to ensure that you are getting proper representation, and your case is in good hands. Having an experienced lawyer like FIEDLER Trial Lawyers is helpful and provides powerful representation.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right lawyer:READ MORE…
The cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer can vary depending on the lawyer and the specifics of your case. However, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Here’s how the contingency fee structure typically works and other potential costs to consider:
Contingency Fees: Percentage of Recovery: If the lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, they will take a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount you receive if you win your case. This percentage is typically around 33% to 40% but can vary depending on the lawyer and the jurisdiction.
No Win, No Fee: If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you for legal fees. However, there may still be other costs you could be responsible for (discussed below).RAED MORE…
In a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to several types of compensation, also known as damages, to address the losses and injuries you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. The types of compensation typically fall into three main categories: economic, non-economic, and, in some cases, punitive damages. Here’s an overview of each:
Economic Damages: These damages are intended to compensate you for actual financial losses resulting from the injury:
Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any other necessary medical treatment. READ MORE…
The value of a personal injury case can vary greatly depending on several factors unique to your situation. Since each case is different, there is no standard formula to calculate the exact value. However, here are some key factors that generally affect the worth of a personal injury case:
Severity of Injuries: The more serious and long-lasting your injuries, the higher the potential value of your case. This includes considering whether your injuries result in permanent disability or disfigurement.
Medical Expenses: Your case will take into account all medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical costs related to your injury.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The case can include compensation for lost income due to time off work and any future loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.READ MORE…
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