Hit & Run Car Accidents in Colorado – What Are Your Options?
A hit-and-run car accident is a severe offense that has dire consequences. As a victim of such an incident, you’ll want to be well taken care of. You’ll want compensation so that you can obtain automotive repairs, medical care, and survival funds. The problem is that you can’t get much information if the hit-and-run driver leaves the scene.
There are some things you can do, however. These are some tips you can use if you ever find yourself in the middle of a hit-and-run incident:
Write Down All the Information You Can
The first thing you can do if you get involved in a hit-and-run accident is to write down or record as much information as possible. You might be fortunate enough to get the driver’s license plate or a least part of it. Try to remember details about the vehicle, such as the color, make, and model.
Perhaps you have a dashcam installed that may have recorded some of the information you need. The authorities may be able to locate the culprit if you have some of this very important information. They’ll have a team of specialists who will try to put the piece of the puzzle together.
Speak to the Witnesses
You may have been fortunate enough to have witnessed on the scene who saw what happened. They can be very helpful in establishing a case on the person who ran into your vehicle and left. They may be willing to offer statements at a later time if the police catch up with the person who caused the accident. Their statements will be helpful, even if they don’t agree to come to court in person.
Complete a Police Report
The next thing you’ll need to do is file a police report. You’ll need to give your account of the incident so that the police can begin a thorough investigation. Provide them with any information you have about the individual who left the scene.
They may be able to track down this person with the details you gave them. They will also write a police report so that you can get in touch with your insurance company about what happened. This post-accident form will come in very handy when you talk to your insurance company about the incident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You’ll need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You may have coverage on your policy for hit-and-run incidents. The type of insurance you might have is underinsured motorist insurance. It covers some of the medical bills and property damages for people who were injured by someone who did not have the appropriate amount of insurance.
Give your insurance provider all the details of the incident as well as the police report or accident form. They will perform an investigation to figure out what happened. Hopefully, your insurance will provide you with some coverage so that you can heal and return back to life the way it was.
Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney
You can also consult with a Denver personal injury attorney. A personal injury is an injury that occurs because of someone else’s neglect. Car accidents have at least one guilty party. Sometimes, there are two guilty parties. Other times, accidents occur because of manufacturer defects. A personal injury attorney can help you in any of those situations.
You can file a lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver if the authorities catch up with that person. There are two types of compensation you may receive if you file through a personal injury attorney. Compensatory damages pay for your medical bills, lost work wages, automotive repairs, and the like.
Punitive damages are additional funds that the accused party may have to pay if the judge rules in your favor. The extra funds are necessary to deter the offending party from repeating the behaviors.
A Colorado personal injury attorney can assist you if you believe a manufacturer defect caused your incident as well. It will be worth it for you to schedule an appointment to speak to this person as you may be eligible for contingency representation. You won’t know if you’re eligible for help until you seek it
Handle Your Hit-And-Run With Care
Now you know what to do if you ever experience a hit-and-run incident. It’s an unfortunate incident that might happen if another driver is intoxicated or afraid to face the consequences of his or her actions. You don’t have to let it wreak havoc on your life, however. Take one or several of the steps above to handle your case accordingly.
Don’t forget to reach out to a personal injury lawyer for an initial consultation. You might find out that your case more than qualifies for quality representation.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Law Firm Today For Help
For more information please contact Zaner Harden Law, LLP to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver car accident lawyer.
Zaner Harden Law, LLP
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120. Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
