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If you were recently injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Boulder, Colorado, get assistance with your legal claim from the experienced attorneys at Dormer Harpring, LLC. We can help you file a claim for this type of crash and demand the financial compensation that you and your family deserve, even if this means going to trial. We will work closely with you throughout your case for the best possible outcome. Call (303) 747-4404 today to request a free consultation.
Motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to pull over and take certain actions before they can leave, such as exchanging information with the other parties involved. Panic, confusion, intoxication and reckless driving, however, lead many drivers to flee the scene without stopping. This is a crime known as a hit-and-run.
The penalties for a hit-and-run include a fine and potential jail time. This crime may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the severity of the victims’ injuries and the driver’s prior criminal record. A civil claim against the hit-and-run driver is different from a criminal case. It is a lawsuit pursuing financial compensation for injured accident victims.
If a driver strikes you and drives away without stopping, try to remain calm. Check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If you can, move your disabled vehicle to a safe location. Then, call 911 to report the hit-and-run offense. If you saw the other vehicle at all, write down what you remember, such as the size, type and color of the vehicle or partial license plate numbers. This information can help the police track down the driver.
When the police arrive, give them your side of the story. The police will help you speak to eyewitnesses and gather statements, as well as investigate local businesses for surveillance footage of the crash. Take photographs of the scene before you leave and go to a hospital without delay. Before you initiate the claims process, schedule a consultation with a Boulder hit-and-run accident attorney for assistance.
Colorado is a fault-based insurance state. This means you have the right to file a lawsuit against the responsible party if you get hurt in a car accident. If the at-fault driver flees the scene and the cops do not catch him or her, however, you may have no choice but to turn to your own auto insurance company for coverage.
The only auto insurance that is required in Colorado is bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. You will need an additional type of insurance, known as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, to pay for a hit-and-run accident. With this type of coverage, your auto insurer will treat the hit-and-run accident as if the driver stayed at the scene but did not have insurance.
If you do not have the necessary type of coverage to pay for your bodily injuries and other losses, your only other option may be a lawsuit against someone other than the missing driver, such as the city for an unsafe roadway. An attorney from Dormer Harpring, LLC can provide a comprehensive investigation of your hit-and-run car accident so that you fully understand your rights and legal options.
Recovering compensation for a hit-and-run car accident in Boulder can be difficult. With help from the right attorney, however, your family can get the answers and information you need. Our Boulder car accident attorneys have spent years representing injured clients in all types of auto accident cases. Find out how we can help you. Request a free consultation today at (303) 747-4404 or by contacting us online.