What Do I Do if I’m the Victim of a Hit and Run?

If you were the victim of a hit and run accident, you should immediately call local police to the accident scene and seek medical attention if necessary. You should also report the accident to your insurance company. From there, consider hiring a lawyer to help you seek the compensation you need and deserve.

The aftermath of any car accident can be stressful. If the other involved driver fled the scene, recovering damages can be even more challenging. However, you do not have to go through the process alone. A Denver hit and run accident lawyer can explain what to do if you are the victim of a hit and run, including your options for financial recovery. Many law firms will review your claim for free, negotiate with your insurance company, and fight for compensation.

A Police Report Is a Valuable Piece of Evidence in a Hit and Run Accident Case

A police report is mandatory in Colorado if the accident caused property damage, injuries, or a fatality. In the case of a hit and run, a police report can be an important tool in your pursuit of compensation. It will include:

• Details about the accident and its cause
• Witness statements and contact details
• Descriptions of your car and its damage
• Information about readily apparent injuries
• Narratives from the investigating officer

The police report can also include details and descriptions from witnesses and bystanders about the at-fault driver who fled. It may also contain descriptions of any debris or other identifying factors left at the accident scene. Plus, most insurance companies require a police report when making a claim.

Additional Evidence That Can Support Your Hit and Run Accident Claim

Like all insurance companies, yours will request proof of the accident’s causes and contributing factors. In addition to the police report, you can collect evidence at the scene that supports your claim.

A primary benefit of hiring a car accident lawyer is their ability to build your car accident claim if your injuries prevent you from doing so. A strong evidence collection can include:

• Physical evidence: Glass, paint transfer, and other parts of the fleeing vehicle that may lead to its identification
• Photos and videos: Dashcam, traffic cam, and smartphone images of the accident and its aftermath 
• Witness statements: Testimony from accident eyewitnesses and relevant experts (such as medical, financial, and accident reconstruction professionals)
• Forensic test results: Tests and analyses of paint scrapings, vehicle inspections, and other evidence

Rather than tax you or your family with evidence collection, your personal injury lawyer can bring a pool of resources to your insurance claim, including investigators who know how to build a comprehensive case file. 

Document the Financial Impact of Your Hit and Run Accident in Detail

When a driver flees the scene, you may not know where to turn for compensation. According to the Colorado General Assembly, uninsured motorist coverage is optional in the state, as is comprehensive and collision insurance coverage. If your car is being financed, the lender might require collision coverage. 

Either option will allow you to turn to your insurance provider for compensation after a hit and run accident. Recoverable car accident damages can include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Past and future lost wages
• Loss of future earning potential
• Vehicle damage or destruction
• Impairment or disfigurement
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Wrongful death damages, if applicable

Bring a complete copy of your auto insurance policy to the personal injury attorney handling your claim. They will handle communication and claim filing for you, so you can focus on getting better.

File Your Colorado Car Accident Lawsuit Within the Allotted Time

An experienced car accident lawyer is far more likely to resolve your car accident claim with a settlement than a trial. However, filing a lawsuit can protect your right to go to court if it becomes necessary to recover fair compensation.

According to CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101, you generally have three years to file your car accident lawsuit. CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102 generally gives you two years to file your lawsuit if the accident resulted in a fatality. Your hit and run accident attorney will clarify the filing deadline and the consequences of non-compliance. They can also file your personal injury lawsuit on time.

The Benefits of Hiring a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer to Handle Your Claim

Settling a car accident claim without a lawyer can be risky. It could lead to a speedy settlement that does not accurately compensate you or expose you to bad faith insurance tactics. When a lawyer represents you, they can:

• Deal with the insurance adjuster
• Handle all verbal, written, and virtual communication
• Investigate to identify the at-fault driver
• Meet all required notification and filing deadlines
• Locate and interview lay and expert witnesses
• Negotiate for the best possible financial outcome for you

Your car accident attorney will also review your insurance policy in detail, provide you with ongoing updates on your case, and keep your best interests at the forefront of your claim.

It Costs Nothing Out of Your Pocket to Hire a Colorado Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer after a car accident is typically risk-free. Most Colorado hit and run car accident attorneys will accept your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they recover damages for you. You will not pay any upfront or out-of-pocket costs, large retainers, or hourly attorney’s fees. If you do not win compensation, you will not owe any fees. 

Get a Free Hit and Run Accident Consultation With a Matlin Injury Law Team Member

Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be stressful. When our personal injury law firm handles your claim, we will take all the hard work off your shoulders and develop a personalized legal plan for you.

Learn more about what to do if you are the victim of a hit and run and how hard we will go to bat for you. Contact our team at Matlin Injury Law to get started with a free initial consultation.