Hit-and-Run Car Accidents in Boulder

If another motorist crashed into you and fled the scene, you have a right to be angry. You should not have to deal with the aftermath of someone else’s careless actions, especially when their actions put you in danger or created a longer gap between your injuries and treatment. An experienced Boulder car accident attorney can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for the damages you sustained.

Call (720) 863-6006 today for a no-obligation consultation.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Colorado law requires all drivers to report motor vehicle accidents they are involved in that result in injury, death, or property damage to their local law enforcement agency. Drivers are also required by law to give their name, address, and the vehicle’s registration number, show their driver’s license upon request, and render aid to anyone injured in the accident.

A hit-and-run accident occurs when one of the involved drivers leaves the scene of the accident before fulfilling these legal requirements. While a hit-and-run is a crime, many irresponsible drivers are never identified, leaving accident victims wondering who will pay their damages.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Crash

While a hit-and-run crash can come as a terrible surprise, try to stay calm and take the following steps to protect your health, safety, and legal rights:

• Pull over: Get your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid any secondary crashes. Activate your hazard lights.
• Report the accident: Call 911 and inform the dispatcher that you were injured in a hit-and-run accident. Give the operator any description you have of the at-fault driver and their vehicle. Request an ambulance.
• Gather evidence: If it’s safe to do so, take pictures or video of the accident scene. Document the road conditions, nearby traffic lights and street signs, the damage to your vehicle, any skid marks or debris in the roadway, and your injuries. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. They may be able to provide additional details to the police that can help locate the fleeing driver.
• Seek medical attention: It’s common after a hit-and-run crash for accident victims to experience a surge of adrenaline that can mask pain and other symptoms of injury. Seek immediate medical attention to ensure that your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented.
• Consult an attorney: Call to request a free case review with an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process.

Colorado’s At-Fault Car Accident Rules

Like most states, Colorado is an at-fault state for car accidents. The driver at fault for the accident is responsible for paying for the damages they cause. This is usually done by filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy.

Colorado’s minimum liability insurance amounts are:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $15,000 for property damage per accident

These are just the minimums. Many drivers choose to have more coverage to protect their personal assets.

After a hit-and-run accident, your lawyer and the police will try to identify the at-fault driver. You may have gotten a glimpse of a partial license plate, witnesses may have seen where they fled to, or surveillance footage may help identify the at-fault driver. If they can be located, you can file a claim with their insurance provider.

What Happens If the Other Driver Isn’t Caught?

Insurance companies in Colorado must offer drivers uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage when they purchase auto insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage provides coverage if the at-fault driver has no insurance. It can also apply to cases involving hit-and-run drivers. Underinsured motorist coverage applies when your damages exceed the amount of the insured’s coverage.

You may be able to make a claim with your own policy for this coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney in Boulder can help you with this process, ensuring the insurance company does not take advantage of you.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run

Follow these steps to protect your legal rights after a hit-and-run accident in Boulder, Colorado:

• Call the police. Give them the driver’s and vehicle’s description.
• Remain at the scene of the accident.
• Seek medical attention immediately.
• Document your injuries (such as a brain injury or spinal injury) and the accident scene.
• Ask witnesses for their information.
• Cooperate with the police investigation.
• Contact an experienced car accident attorney.

Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents

At Daniels & Scriven, P.C., our Boulder accident attorneys have over 40 years of experience helping the injured. Some of the common reasons we discover are involved in hit-and-run crashes include:

• Impaired driving: Drivers who know they have been doing drugs or drinking and driving may try to escape criminal liability by fleeing the scene.
• Uninsured drivers: Drivers who are driving without insurance may flee the scene because they don’t want to be held civilly liable for the damages they caused.
• Unlicensed drivers: Drivers may not have a license or may have a suspended license. Again, the driver knows they are not supposed to be on the road in this condition and wants to escape liability.
• Outstanding warrants: The driver may know they have a warrant out for their arrest and don’t want to be taken in by responding law enforcement officers.
• Immigration issues: Undocumented drivers may try to avoid detection by not reporting the accident or interacting with law enforcement.
• Fear: Young drivers or others may simply be afraid of being responsible for an accident and leave the scene out of fear.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to locate the at-fault driver or file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage. An experienced attorney can help with this process.

Contact Daniels & Scriven, P.C. for a Free Consultation

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, a Boulder car accident lawyer from Daniels & Scriven, P.C. can help. Call us at (720) 903-4770 to schedule your free consultation.