If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run car accident in Denver, you know how disorienting and frustrating it can be. The idea that another driver can cause damage and injury and then flee the scene is unsettling.
At Levine Law, we understand victims’ challenges in these situations and are here to help you navigate the legal process. As a hit and run car accident lawyer in Denver, we fight to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents in Colorado
In Colorado, a hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene without providing their contact information or assisting injured parties. This behavior is not only unethical but also illegal.
According to Colorado law, drivers involved in accidents are required to stop, render aid, and exchange information. Failing to do so is considered a crime, and the penalties can vary based on the severity of the injuries involved, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Colorado Hit-and-Run Laws
Under Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 42-4-1601, any driver involved in an accident that results in injury or death must stop at the scene. Failing to do so can lead to severe consequences:
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: If the accident caused property damage, fleeing the scene is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
- Class 4 Felony: If someone was injured in the hit-and-run, the fleeing driver could face a Class 4 felony, resulting in up to six years in prison and fines as high as $500,000.
- Class 3 Felony: If the accident resulted in death, the hit-and-run driver could face a Class 3 felony, with prison sentences ranging from 4 to 12 years and fines reaching up to $750,000.
These laws deter drivers from abandoning their responsibilities and ensure victims have a legal pathway to hold them accountable. However, even if the driver is not caught, you may still be entitled to compensation through other means, such as your insurance policy.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are in a hit-and-run accident, your actions immediately after the incident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Stay at the Scene: Even if the other driver fled, remain at the scene and report the accident to law enforcement.
- Gather Information: Remember as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Any witnesses should also be asked to provide statements or contact information.
- Document the Scene: Take photographs of your car, any injuries, and the accident scene. This will be valuable evidence for your case.
- Contact a Denver Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorney: We’ll guide you through the next steps to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Find Out How Much Your Case in Worth
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How We Can Help You
As a top-rated car accident attorney in Denver, our team at Levine Law has extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases. We know how to conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and advocate for our clients. We understand how difficult it is to deal with an accident, especially when the at-fault party is unknown, but you don’t have to face this alone.
Filing a Claim Through Your Insurance
Even if the other driver isn’t caught, we can help you seek compensation through uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. In Colorado, UM coverage is designed to compensate drivers who are injured by uninsured or underinsured motorists — including those involved in hit-and-run accidents.
This coverage can help you recover damages for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
We will work closely with your insurance provider to ensure that they fulfill their obligations under your policy. Unfortunately, challenges can arise even when dealing with your own insurance company. Insurers may attempt to minimize your claim, delay payments, or dispute the extent of your injuries. Having an experienced car wreck lawyer near me can make a significant difference.
Investigating the Hit-and-Run Driver
While you focus on your recovery, our Denver injury lawyer team will launch an investigation to try and identify the driver who fled the scene. We work with law enforcement, analyze traffic camera footage, gather witness testimony, and review any available evidence to locate the responsible party.
If the driver is identified, we can file a personal injury claim directly against them to seek full compensation for your injuries. This includes not only the financial losses you’ve suffered but also the emotional and psychological toll that a hit-and-run can have on you and your family.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover?
Every hit-and-run accident is unique, but generally, victims can recover compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical treatments, and medication expenses.
- Lost Income: If you’ve been unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and any potential future earnings you may lose due to long-term or permanent disabilities.
- Pain and Suffering: Hit-and-run accidents can have a lasting impact on your mental and emotional health. We will help you pursue compensation for the trauma, anxiety, and stress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: You may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property.
Why Choose Us?
At Levine Law, we have a proven track record of success in helping clients involved in hit-and-run accidents. Our team is passionate about holding negligent drivers accountable and helping our clients rebuild their lives.
- Experience: With decades of experience as Denver hit and run car accident attorneys, we understand the nuances of Colorado’s laws and how to pursue justice for our clients effectively.
- Client-Centered Approach: We believe in treating every client with respect and compassion. We take the time to listen to your story and tailor our legal strategies to fit your unique needs.
- Aggressive Representation: Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny hit-and-run claims. Our legal team will fight aggressively on your behalf to ensure that your rights are protected.
- No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we successfully recover your compensation.
Contact Levine Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait to take legal action. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can build your case. As your top-rated car accident attorney in Denver, we are committed to securing the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, or fill out our online form to get started. Let us help you get the justice you deserve.
