What To Do In A Hit & Run Accident
You may be surprised to learn that most hit and run accidents are solved. If you’re the victim of a hit and run, there are things that you can do to get the compensation that you deserve and hold the offender accountable for their actions. However, you need to take action. Don’t be a victim twice. Our Denver car accident lawyers tell you what to do after a hit and run.
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What to Do in a Hit and Run Accident
In a hit and run accident, gather as much information as you can about the other driver. Try to identify the color, make, and model of the vehicle. See if you can get a look at the driver. If you can see any portion of the license plate, write it down as soon as possible. Call the police to conduct an investigation. You can also conduct your own investigation with the help of an experienced attorney.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
Here are the steps that you should take after a hit and run accident:
- Gather as much information as you can about the driver – Any look at the driver may be helpful. If you can get any description of the driver, it can help you solve the hit and run accident.
- Try to get license information – Just like any information about the driver is helpful, any license information that you can get is useful after a hit and run accident. Even a partial license plate can give you a lot to go on. Don’t expect yourself to remember later on. If you don’t have something to write with, text or email the information to yourself.
- Note the make, model, and color of the vehicle – Vehicle information may be a helpful tool to solve the hit and run. The police can search for vehicle owners in your area based on a partial description. In addition, vehicle information can help members of the public try to help solve the hit and run.
- Call the police – Even if the other side flees the scene of the accident, you still have an obligation to report the accident to the police. In fact, the faster you call the police, the higher chance they have of solving the hit and run. The police can be on the lookout for vehicles with damage that might fit the description. They can also conduct an accident investigation and look for other information available at the scene.
- Look for witnesses – Nearby witnesses may have seen the vehicle, the driver or the license plate. If people are standing around, ask them what they saw. Write down any information that they can provide. Be sure to get contact information for each person that you talk to. You can canvass the neighborhood for additional witnesses.
- Check for cameras – Businesses, private residences, and government entities may all have cameras that can help you solve your hit and run. Go door to door and ask about surveillance cameras. You can expand your search to neighboring blocks and streets to see what vehicles may have been driving through at the time of the hit and run.
- Determine where the other vehicle may be damaged – As you work to solve your hit and run, keep in mind that the other car may have damage. If you can identify the most likely location of vehicle damage, you can ask the police to be on the lookout for similarly damaged vehicles. The police can also research whether vehicles matching the description have appeared for repairs at nearby body shops.
- Publicize the hit and run accident and ask for tips – The community may help you solve your hit and run. Publicity may spark public interest and lead witnesses to come forward. Both you and the police can ask the public for help in solving your hit and run crash.
- Contact the insurance company – Your insurance may cover your accident damages and losses. You may have elected for uninsured or underinsured protection to cover the circumstances of a hit and run. Review your coverage with your attorney for hit and run accidents, and demand appropriate compensation based on your applicable insurance coverage.
What Is Considered a Hit and Run Accident
A hit and run accident is considered any accident where the driver doesn’t remain on the scene and comply with their obligation to notify law enforcement. All states require drivers to notify law enforcement in all but the most minor accidents. If a driver leaves the scene of the accident before they’ve met the requirements under state law, they are considered guilty of a hit and run.
How Long After a Hit and Run Accident Can You Be Charged in Colorado?
You can be charged for up to one year after a misdemeanor hit and run in Colorado. A misdemeanor hit and run is an offense in which no bodily injury occurs. You can be charged for up to three years if the accident causes bodily injury. Once you’re charged, the allegations remain outstanding until they’re addressed even if you fail to show up in court.
Contact Our Denver Hit and Run Attorneys
Are you the victim of a hit and run? Let our attorneys for hit and run accidents in Denver guide you through what to do. Our attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your hit and run accident.
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Written and Legally Reviewed By: Kyle Bachus
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Kyle is a member of the Colorado Bar associations and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association for more than twenty years in total. Over the years, Kyle has achieved justice for many clients. He has served on numerous committees and repeatedly won recognition from his peers at both the state and national level. He is proud of the role he has played in the passage of state and national legislation to protect consumers and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer.
