If you’ve been injured in an accident where the at-fault driver fled the scene, our Colorado Springs Hit-and-Run Accidents Attorneys can help you identify the driver, or file a claim against your own insurance provider.
There are around 250 hit-and-run crashes per month in Colorado and it seems to be increasing.
These cases are often complicated, as you’ll need to try to identify the driver and, if you can’t, decide on the best route of action. Time is of the essence in these cases, as evidence can quickly be trashed.
We welcome you to contact our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.
Why Hire a Colorado Springs Hit-and-Run Accidents Attorneys?
To Locate the Other Driver
Hit-and-run accidents involve a driver who fled the scene, making it hard to know who to file a claim against.
Our Colorado Springs hit-and-run accident attorneys have significant resources and expertise to track them down. Through intense investigations and evidence, we’ll attempt to find out who caused your accident.
From CCTV and dashcam footage to witness statements we’ll work hard to find out who it was.
To Gain Settlements When The Driver Can’t Be Found
In some cases, the driver just can’t be found. We understand that can cause panic over who to file a claim against. And often, even if the driver is found, they don’t have insurance coverage to claim against.
In these cases, we’ll advise you on the optimal next steps, from lawsuits to filing against your own policy (read on to find out more).
To Win The Maximum Possible Settlement
If you were not at-fault for your accident, you deserve to be compensated for your damages. This must be a sufficient figure. If it’s not, you will be left to pay out of your own pocket for ongoing medical costs, lost wages and other expenses.
Our Colorado Springs hit-and-run accident attorneys will determine the true cost of your damages and negotiate to win the maximum possible settlement.
We Communicate on Your Behalf
Insurance companies are for-profit. Sadly, they don’t care about your suffering. They just want to minimize their expenses.
We will communicate on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t get manipulated or bullied into low-ball offers or denials. From paperwork to phone calls, we’ll handle it all so you can focus on recovery.
How to File a Claim for a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Victims of car accidents in Colorado Springs can file personal injury claims against the at-fault party’s insurance company. This is because Colorado is an ‘at-fault’ state for car accident injuries.
The complication with hit-and-run accidents is that the driver is often not found.
- Identify the at-fault driver.
- Prove the drunk driver was at-fault via investigations and evidence.
- Negotiate a better settlement.
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company isn’t providing sufficient settlement.
- Or; file a claim against your own insurance company, if the driver can’t be located or is uninsured.
What to Do If You Can’t Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver?
If our efforts to identify the hit-and-run driver are unsuccessful (as can be the case if there is no video footage or witnesses), then you will have to take alternate routes to gain a settlement.
Typically the most successful option is to file a claim against your own insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
In Colorado, insurance companies must offer this coverage to pay for accident-related expenses caused by hit-and-run drivers.
You are required to carry this type of coverage in the same amount as the bodily injury limits purchased. Other insurance coverage is usually available too, including collision coverage and medical payments coverage.
What to Do If The Hit-and-Run Driver Was Uninsured?
It’s common for hit-and-run drivers in Colorado Springs to be uninsured or underinsured. That’s often the reason they try to escape in the first place.
If this is the case with your accident, you can file a claim against your own insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Or you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver directly (if they have been identified). This option is usually less successful than filing against your own insurer, as the at-fault driver likely won’t have the funds or personal assets to pay for your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Driver Injury Claim in Colorado Springs?
- Colorado Springs’ statute of limitations law defines that personal injury claims for a motor vehicle accident can be made within 3 years from the date of the car accident.
- However, if the at-fault party was the state of Colorado, a city or a county (such as El Paso) then you only have 180 days to file a claim, and 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
- It’s advised to make your claim as soon as possible, to prevent delays causing you to miss the deadline.
What Damages Can I Win For My Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident caused in Colorado Springs, you may be able to recover damages including:
Economic Damages:
Damages with a monetary value attached.
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Treatment costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- In-Home Care Expenses
- Medical equipment costs
- Transportation expenses
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Depression
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Long-Term Disability
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Colorado Springs?
The steps you take after a hit-and-run accident can have a big impact on the success of your case. Our Colorado Springs hit-and-run attorneys advise the following:
- Receive medical attention: Your health is the priority. Never skip on medical attention, we can work to get these expenses recovered later. You should also return to a doctor, as injuries such as brain injuries and whiplash may appear days or even weeks later.
- Take accident scene evidence: If you are in a condition to do so, try to take photos and videos of the crash scene. Anything from car bodywork debris to tire marks may be helpful in:
- Identifying the at-fault driver
- Proving the accident was their fault
- Keep expense receipts and bills: Please retain all evidence of your related expenses, such as medical bills and travel receipts.
- Gain medical evidence: Visiting a doctor is also critical in proving the value of your damages. We advise that you keep all doctor’s notes, injury photographs and a journal of your experience.
- Contact a Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyer: We highly advise that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence in hit-and-run cases, and we will be able to guide you through the process.
Colorado Springs Hit-and-Run Laws
In Colorado, it is illegal for a driver to leave the scene of an accident if someone has been injured.
Colorado Statute 42-4-1601 states:
“The driver of any vehicle directly involved in an accident resulting in injury to, serious bodily injury to, or death of any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of such accident and help the injured person.”
Common Types of Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accident Claims
Our Colorado Springs hit-and-run accident lawyers have successfully helped victims of the following injuries:
- Amputation
- Back, shoulder, and neck injury
- Brain Injury
- Burn Injury
- Burns
- Catastrophic injury
- Chest injury
- Crushing injury
- Eye injury
- Fractures and broken bones
- Head injury, including concussion
- Paralysis
- Sprains and strains
- Scarring & Disfigurement
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
Hire Colorado Springs Hit-and-Run Accidents Attorneys
Free Consultations
If you or a loved one are an accident victim, our Colorado Springs hit-and-run accident attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit to recover the maximum possible settlement.
Even if you were less than 50% at fault, you may still have the chance to win a settlement.
Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas are award-winning Personal Injury Attorneys with vast experience, a proven track record, a strong reputation and impressive resources. We believe we provide the strongest chance of winning the maximum possible settlement to rebuild your life.
