Colorado Springs Hit & Run Accident Attorney
Injured? Call The Law Firm of Ted Bills Today!
No one is ever prepared for a car accident—let alone one where the other driver flees the scene—but the unfortunate reality is that hit and run accidents continue to occur at a staggering rate throughout the United States. It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident before exchanging information, but some drivers fear more immediate consequences, like a DUI arrest or a citation for driving without proof of insurance. While the police may launch a criminal investigation to find the at-fault driver, where does that leave the victim? In most cases, they are caught between a rock and a hard place.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a hit and run accident, it is important to understand that you are not alone. With the help of a Colorado Springs hit and run accident lawyer from The Law Firm of Ted Bills, you can take steps to recover the level of compensation that you deserve. Whether that includes aiding the police in finding the at-fault driver or filing an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your insurance company, our firm is prepared to do whatever is necessary. Securing compensation after a hit and run can be particularly complicated, so we encourage you to let us handle the heavy lifting.
Contact our office online today to get started towards filing a claim.
Colorado Hit & Run / Leaving the Scene of an Accident Laws
Under Colorado Revised Statutes 42-4-1601, it is a crime to leave the scene of an accident even if the crash is minor and nobody is injured. In the case of serious injury or death, a hit-and-run is a felony. Misdemeanor hit and run can carry penalties up to 10 days in jail, fines, and the possible revocation of your driver's license. Fleeing the scene of an accident in which someone has died can be punishable by up to 12 years in prison.
Drivers who are involved in an accident in Colorado are obligated to do the following:
- Remain at the scene of the accident unless they are leaving to lawfully report the accident, they are badly injured and need immediate medical attention, or they need to move a small distance to get to safety
- Provide reasonable assistance to all injured parties
- Provide insurance and contact information to all involved drivers
Drivers who hit unattended vehicles or property are still required to stop and either locate and notify the owner or leave a securely-attached note with their name, address, and insurance information. Failure to report an accident or provide notice is a class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $300. Courts will also award victims of hit-and-run accidents restitution for losses related to damages such as medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages.
Injuries Caused by Hit and Run Accidents
A hit and run accident can cause a variety of serious injuries. In fact, facing the consequences for causing these injuries is one of the main reasons why an at-fault driver may choose to flee the scene of an accident. Injuries will vary in severity and type depending on the circumstances of the accident, though even accidents that seem relatively minor on the surface can cause long-lasting injury.
A person can suffer a variety of injuries in a hit and run accident, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Brain damage
- Whiplash
- Facial lacerations
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Neck injuries
- Burn injuries
- Back injuries
What Compensation Can I Recover?
As you may have already discovered, medical bills can pile up quickly after a serious accident. In some cases, this financial strain can also be magnified by your inability to return to work. For this reason, moving quickly to retain the help of a Colorado Springs hit and run accident attorney may be in your best interests. Dealing with the insurance company can prove to be a difficult task, especially if the at-fault driver is still at large, so you will need an aggressive legal advocate in your corner.
Our firm can help you pursue compensation from your insurance for the following losses:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Damaged property
If a loved one has unfortunately passed away due to injuries sustained in a hit and run collision, additional damages for funeral costs, lost future income, loss of personal relationships, and emotional distress can be sought by filing a wrongful death claim. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your claim, our firm is prepared to do everything possible to help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve for your injuries.
We Have Recovered Millions – Contact Us Today
Nobody should have to live with the aftermath of a hit and run accident on their own. With more than 20 years of experience, Lead Attorney Ted Bills understands how to manage even the most difficult of cases. For this reason, you can trust that your future will be in good hands when you turn to our firm for help. Either way you choose to get in touch, we encourage you to do so quickly. Time is of the essence after a hit and run, so there is no better time to take the first step than now.