How To Fight Back After a Serious Hit-and-Run in Denver
A serious hit-and-run car accident can leave victims feeling helpless and angry. In Colorado, these crashes are not rare. In fact, hit-and-run crashes in Denver and across the state have been a growing concern.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run, you are not powerless. Here’s how you can fight back and protect your rights.
Steps To Take After a Hit-And-Run Accident
Take these steps as soon as possible to get the medical care you need and begin the process of recovering money for your financial and personal losses.
1. Call 911 and Report the Accident
Call 911 if you were seriously hurt so police and emergency responders can get to the scene. The responding officer will complete an accident report. If you have enough information about the suspect, police may attempt to find the at-fault driver.
2. Get Medical Treatment
Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get medical care as soon as possible. You may have injuries you don’t realize yet. Brain injuries and internal bleeding are two examples of serious trauma that may be missed initially. Be sure you follow your doctor’s instructions and complete any treatment plan that’s ordered.
2. Gather Any Available Evidence
If you are able, try to:
- Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, and any damage
- Look for any witnesses and get their contact information
- Note any details about the fleeing vehicle or driver and write them down as soon as you can
This information may help find the at-fault driver who fled the scene or document what happened for an insurance claim.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know about the crash as soon as you are able. Your own coverage may be your best option for compensation, even if the at-fault driver is identified.
5. Report The Accident To the Police if Necessary
To qualify for compensation through Colorado’s Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) program, you must report the hit-and-run within 72 hours, unless you are unable to do so. If police did not respond to your accident, you can report the crash afterward.
Options for Recovering Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
After a hit-and-run in Colorado, recovering compensation can be challenging, but there are options. Review your auto insurance policy after the accident to see what type of coverage you have.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Colorado drivers are encouraged, though not required, to carry uninsured motorist coverage. UM insurance typically covers:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Non-economic damages like physical and psychological pain and suffering
Most drivers have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which is required by law in Colorado unless waived in writing.
If you were injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist, you are still covered by your auto insurance policy’s UM/UIM coverage.
Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage
If you have MedPay as part of your auto insurance policy, it can help cover your medical expenses. This coverage can also work with your health insurance to cover deductibles and copays.
This type of coverage is optional, with coverage usually starting at $5,000.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays for property damage to your car after a collision. It’s typically optional, but often required by lenders when a vehicle is financed.
Health Insurance
If you don’t have Medical Payments or UM/UIM coverage, health insurance is likely your best option to pay for your immediate and ongoing medical care. Your health insurance can also help cover treatment costs after MedPay benefits are exhausted.
Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) Program
Colorado’s Crime Victim Compensation (CVC) program can provide financial help to hit-and-run victims. Administered by each judicial district’s district attorney’s office, this program may cover:
- Medical bills
- Mental health costs
- Outpatient treatment
- Home health or homemaker services
- Damaged medical devices or prosthetics, including eyeglasses
- Lost wages (up to a limit)
- Loss of support to dependents
This program is generally a payer of last resort, meaning you must first apply for other sources of compensation, like private insurance and Medicaid.
Why You Should Consider Legal Help
Navigating the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming, especially when you are not sure where to turn to pay for your losses. Even with coverage through your own insurance policy, the insurance adjuster may minimize the severity of your injuries and undervalue your claim.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you look into your legal options that could allow you to recover additional compensation. Reach out for a free consultation today.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver car accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
Find us with our Geocoordinates: 39.75208145814397, -105.00017355026108
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
