Hit and Run Accidents

When an accident occurs, all involved parties are expected to remain at the crash, exchange contact and insurance information, report it to law enforcement, and wait for law enforcement to arrive. Unfortunately, many at-fault drivers leave the scene due to having insufficient insurance, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, driving while intoxicated, or the fear of the consequences of their actions. This is commonly known as a hit and run accident.



Leaving the scene of a car accident is a crime. A person that is at fault for the accident and flees the scene could be charged with a misdemeanor, including a possible felony, depending on the extent of injuries and damages. Criminal penalties may include fines, court costs, court-ordered restitution, and possible jail time. As a victim of this type of crime, you have the right to bring a civil claim for compensation.

What to do after a hit and run accident in Denver?

Call 911: If you are ever the victim of such an accident in Denver, Colorado, then the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. By calling first responders right after the accident, you ensure your health and well-being and prevent worsening injuries.

Gather information: Without proper information about the at-fault driver, police officers might not be able to find them. It is, therefore, essential to write down everything you remember from the accident. The driver's description, the car's color, make, model, and any part of the license plate are valuable information that can help law enforcement find the culprit. Also, take pictures of the damage to your car and any posts, poles, guardrails, or other property damage. Take down as many notes, as soon as possible, to put together the narrative of exactly what happened during the crash.



Ask for witnesses and document their names, addresses, and phone numbers of all willing participants. Take note of any potential recordings of the accident from surrounding shops and businesses to help verify the situation. All of this will help support your version of the event and can possibly jog your memory. Report the accident to both the police and your insurance company by providing them with all the relevant information.

Visit your doctor: Going to the hospital for an in-depth check-up will help you get appropriate medical documentation. Your current and visible injuries are just as important as your long-term and invisible injuries. New Paragraph

Common injuries

The severity of the damages and injuries caused by hit and runs is often dependent on the vehicles’ type and size, the driving speed, weather conditions, etc. However, specific injuries are prevalent and include: 

• Broken bones
• Brain trauma
• Loss of limbs
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Wrongful death
  

What can a hit and run lawyer do for you?

Colorado is an at-fault state, meaning that in Colorado, the person responsible for the losses, including both property damages and medical bills, is the one at fault. In other words, the person who caused the accident is financially accountable for all damages.

But in the case of a hit and run accident, if the at-fault party is not found, finding compensation requires a particular coverage type.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage is insurance coverage for drivers in accidents where the at-fault party has no insurance. If you have this type of insurance, then your own insurance company will cover the damages. Uninsured Motorist Coverage, although optional in Colorado, is very important coverage to have on your policy to protect you from a hit and run driver or a driver with no automobile insurance.

Having an experienced Denver hit and run lawyer by your side is crucial, as they can provide you with assistance and legal support during your negotiations with your insurance company or the at-fault party.

With our years of experience in hit and run accidents, we at Lapham Law can help you get compensation for your injuries and property damages and ensure that all your needs are covered. In fact, with the right documentation and legal support, you can receive compensation for:

Economic damages: These include all current and future expenses associated with the accident. There are your medical bills, physical therapy costs, car repairs, and even lost wages and/or lost potential future income.

Non-economic damages: These are the damages that cannot be priced and often include pain and suffering, loss of activities and lifestyle, loss of family relationships, inconvenience, mental injuries, and emotional anguish.

Don't hesitate to call us at 303.815.1587 or request a free consultation with an experienced hit and run lawyer in Colorado.

And because we handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, you will owe us nothing until we recover money on your behalf.