When an at-fault driver flees the scene, it complicates the situation for victims trying to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. However, even in cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified, a skilled car accident lawyer in Denver can assist you in pursuing compensation through insurance claims or legal action.
At Boesen Law, we have decades of experience helping individuals injured due to the negligence of others across Colorado. Our legal team can assist you at every stage of your claim, guiding you through the legal landscape and pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
How a Denver Hit-and-Run Lawyer at Boesen Law Can Help
Car accidents are alarmingly frequent on Denver’s streets, as evidenced by a recent incident where a hit-and-run driver struck a family of four and fled the scene. Tragically, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported over 4,200 hit-and-run accidents in Denver in 2023 alone. These incidents often leave entire families grappling with devastating consequences.
If you’ve been involved in such an incident, at Boesen Law, we offer:
- Decades of combined experience handling hit-and-run cases: Our team leverages decades of experience in Denver, offering deep legal guidance and personalized strategies to help you seek justice and recover compensation.
- Expertise in navigating complex insurance issues: We know how to handle intricate insurance claims, ensuring you secure fair compensation even when the at-fault driver is difficult to identify.
- Commitment to securing maximum compensation, even in difficult cases: Our dedication drives us to pursue every avenue for full compensation, fighting relentlessly to help victims cover their losses in challenging hit-and-run cases.
Trusting Boesen Law to handle your case means having a team with the dedication and expertise needed to secure a favorable outcome. To see how we’ve helped others in similar situations, we invite you to review our case results or schedule a free initial consultation to discuss cases similar to yours.
How Does a Hit-and-Run Work?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver is involved in an accident and leaves the scene without fulfilling their legal responsibilities. These responsibilities typically include providing their contact and insurance information to the other party and offering assistance if someone is injured. Hit-and-run incidents are considered serious offenses. In most areas, the severity of the charge depends on the circumstances. If the accident only involves property damage, it is often classified as a misdemeanor. However, if someone is injured or killed, the offense may escalate to a felony, carrying much harsher penalties.
What Happens if You Leave the Scene of an Accident in Colorado?
Leaving the scene of an accident in Colorado carries severe legal consequences. Under C.R.S. § 42-4-1601, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury, serious injury, or death must stop at or near the scene immediately and remain until authorities arrive. Failing to do so is considered illegal, and may result in serious criminal charges.
Legal Consequences for Fleeing the Scene
Fleeing the scene of an accident in Colorado leads to:
- Property damage: Leaving after damaging property or an unoccupied vehicle is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by 10 to 90 days in jail and fines of $150 to $300.
- Non-serious injury: If the accident results in injury, it becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor, with penalties of 10 days to one year in jail and fines ranging from $300 to $1,000.
- Serious bodily injury: Causing serious injury and fleeing results in a Class 4 felony, carrying 2 to 6 years in prison and fines from $2,000 to $500,000.
- Death: If a fatality occurs, fleeing is classified as a Class 3 felony, with potential 4 to 12 years in prison and fines ranging from $3,000 to $750,000.
The legal system doesn’t look kindly on drivers who fail to stop after an accident. Beyond the criminal penalties, fleeing the scene also jeopardizes your ability to defend yourself in any civil claims arising from the accident. If you’ve been accused of leaving the scene of an accident, consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to start building a strong defense.
What Are the Penalties for a Hit-and-Run in Denver?
In Denver, the consequences for a hit-and-run depend on the severity of the incident. If the accident only results in property damage and the driver leaves the scene, it is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties for this include fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, a possible jail sentence of up to one year, and the addition of 12 points to the driver’s record. Accumulating these points could lead to a suspended license. However, if the hit-and-run involves injuries or fatalities, the charges escalate significantly and may result in felony convictions, with harsher fines, longer imprisonment, and more severe driving penalties. It’s crucial for drivers to remain at the scene and comply with legal obligations to avoid these consequences.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Denver
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, follow these steps immediately to strengthen your claim:
- Call 911 and report the accident to the Denver Police Department. They will assist in documenting the incident and starting an investigation.
- Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent and delaying medical attention can jeopardize your claim.
- Document the scene by taking photos, collecting witness statements, and noting any details about the fleeing vehicle.
- Notify your insurance company about the accident and provide them with all the information you gathered. Avoid discussing faults and other unnecessary details before speaking with a lawyer.
Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents
Common injuries resulting from hit-and-run accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
Beyond the immediate trauma, victims are left dealing with the long-term impacts on their health and well-being. These injuries can lead to extensive medical treatments, loss of income, and ongoing emotional distress.
At Boesen Law, we understand the toll that these catastrophic injuries can take on every aspect of your life. We are committed to helping you navigate the legal process, and fight for compensation to cover your medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and more.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including hit-and-run accidents) is typically two years, as per C.R.S. § 13-80-102.
However, there are exceptions. For example, cases involving minors, individuals with mental disabilities, public entities, or delayed discovery of the injury (known as the “discovery rule”) can extend or shorten this period.
Failing to file within this timeframe will result in losing your right to pursue compensation. Act quickly and consult with an attorney after the incident to understand the time limits on personal injury cases applicable to your case and ensure your claim is filed on time.
Compensation Available for Hit-and-Run Victims in Denver
The compensation you can receive after a hit-and-run depends on the accident’s severity and the impact on your life, but it commonly includes:
- Medical expenses: Covers both immediate and long-term medical care, including medical bills, rehabilitation, surgeries, and future healthcare required.
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings: Compensation for missed work and lost future earning potential if injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensates for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident, impacting your long-term well-being.
- Property damage: Compensates for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any damaged personal property.
- Punitive damages: In cases of gross negligence or malicious intent, this punishes the fleeing driver for reckless behavior and deters similar future actions.
Even if the at-fault driver isn’t identified, victims can still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or other legal avenues. Consulting with an experienced attorney ensures you understand your claim’s potential value and the available paths toward compensation.
Proving Fault in a Hit-and-Run Accident Case
To prove a hit-and-run, our team at Boesen Law conducts thorough investigations that allow us to use available evidence to link the responsible party’s actions directly to your injuries. Some pieces of evidence we prioritize include:
- Eyewitness testimony: Statements from people who saw the accident provide critical information about the fleeing vehicle or driver.
- Surveillance footage: Cameras from nearby businesses, homes, or traffic lights can capture footage of the accident or the fleeing vehicle.
- Forensic evidence: We can analyze paint, debris, or tire marks left at the scene to identify the type of vehicle involved.
Gathering and presenting this evidence compellingly is key to building a strong case. With decades of experience preparing robust defenses, you can rest assured that working with our experienced attorneys will increase your likelihood of a successful claim.
What Is the Cost of a Hit-and-Run Ticket in Colorado?
The penalties in Colorado for a hit-and-run involving property damage or an unattended vehicle can range from a fine of $150 to $300. Failing to report an accident or provide notice to the owner of the damaged property is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense. In addition to the fine, individuals found guilty may face jail time, ranging from 10 to 90 days, depending on the circumstances. It’s important to remember that leaving the scene of an accident without proper notification is a serious offense and can result in significant legal consequences.
Contact Our Denver Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today – Free Consultation at Boesen Law
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Denver, don’t face the challenges of recovery alone. Boesen Law’s team is ready to provide the legal support you need to navigate all aspects of your case.
Plus, we don’t charge you anything unless we successfully secure compensation. We offer free consultations to assess your situation, give you an estimate of your claim’s potential value, and outline all available compensation avenues. Contact us today to schedule yours!
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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