A hit-and-run is a tragic occurrence that happens on the streets and roads of Denver all too often. Not only does a victim and their family need to physically and emotionally heal in the wake of such an incident, but there’s also the added stress and anxiety of finding the perpetrator who committed the act.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we never rest until the individual who committed a hit-and-run is brought to justice. Denver chooses the firm of Dulin McQuinn Young because of our compassionate legal counseling and careful attention to the nuances in each of our clients’ cases. We work closely with you to get you the maximum possible compensation you deserve.
Contact us to schedule your free, no-obligation case review for your Denver motor vehicle accident case. Our Denver hit-and-run accident lawyers will give you their honest opinion of your case and help you determine what to do next.
Denver Hit-and-Run Accident Scenarios
A hit-and-run accident happens when a driver collides with a pedestrian, a vehicle, a bicyclist, or someone else’s property causing injuries or damage. Then, that driver leaves the accident scene instead of contacting the local authorities for help or notifying the absent property owner.
Drivers who flee the scene of injury accidents typically do so out of fear. They may be driving:
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
- On probation for previous drunk driving convictions;
- Uninsured; or
- With an outstanding warrant.
Other drivers may simply panic under stress and choose to run reflexively. However, fleeing the scene of an accident is against Colorado state law and the duty of care drivers owe to fellow motorists.
Colorado Motorist Duties
Every state has different definitions of a hit-and-run and the degree of penalty these actions carry.
In Colorado, under CO Rev Stat 42-4-1603, motorists must fulfill their obligations to all people involved in an accident after one occurs.
These duties include:
- Sharing their name, address, and vehicle registration
- Sharing their driver’s license if asked
- Assisting with medical treatment of those injured (if applicable)
If an individual does not perform their duties and causes a hit and run, they are violating Colorado law.
Penalties for Hit And Run Accidents In Denver
It is possible that a single hit-and-run case can have both criminal and civil penalties.
Criminal Penalties
The severity of the charges depends upon how devastating the accident is. The more harm the victim experiences, the more extensive the punishment.
- Property Damage Only (No Injuries): Class 2 traffic misdemeanor with a possible penalty of 90 days jail time and/or $300 fine.
- Injury: Class 1 misdemeanor with a possible penalty of 18 months in jail and/or $5,000 fine.
- Serious Bodily Injury: Class 4 felony with a possible penalty of 6 years in prison and/or $500,000 fine.
- Death: Class 3 felony with a possible penalty of 12 years in prison and/or $750,000 fine.
Civil Penalties
Hit-and-run victims or their families can sue in Colorado civil court to recoup medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Additionally, more time is added to the clock to sue for hit-and-run cases. Victims and their families have three years to file a case if the incident only resulted in injuries, not death.
If the incident is classified as vehicular homicide, an individual has four years to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Denver.
Compensation for a Denver Hit and Run Accident
Filing a timely civil claim for a hit-and-run accident is imperative. Claims filed outside of the Colorado statute of limitations are excluded from any monetary recovery.
Once an at-fault driver is identified in a hit and run accident, an accident victim can seek both economic and non-economic compensatory damages for their losses. Economic damages are those damages with fixed, billable costs.
Economic damages include but are not limited to:
- Current and future medical expenses;
- Physical and occupational therapy;
- Nursing care;
- Lost wages and benefits;
- Loss of future earning capacity;
- Home and vehicle modifications; and
- Mental health counseling.
Non-economic damages are personal, subjective losses, often labeled pain and suffering. These may be:
- Physical and mental trauma;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Permanent disfigurement; and
- Loss of consortium or companionship.
There is no set amount of damages for a hit-and-run accident in Denver.
What Factors Affect Damage Amounts in a Denver Hit and Run Accident
Every Denver hit-and-run accident is weighed according to its circumstances when factoring in damages. While no one can predict an exact claim payout, the following affect a final compensation award:
- The severity of the victim’s injuries;
- The victim’s prognosis for recovery;
- Whether the victim can return to work after the accident;
- The total medical costs;
- Whether there are future medical expenses; and
- The total amount of property loss.
Protect your ability to recover accident-related compensation by seeking medical and legal help after a hit-and-run accident.
What to Do If You are the Victim of a Denver Hit and Run Accident
If you or your loved one are the victim of a Denver hit-and-run accident, there are steps to take to protect your health and legal rights. Always seek immediate police and medical assistance for your injuries, then do the following if able:
- Find out when and where to get a copy of the police report;
- Take pictures of the accident scene, any damages, and your injuries;
- Follow up on any emergency treatment with your primary care doctor;
- Attend any accident care treatment that is recommended;
- Take down contact information for any witnesses; and
- Contact an experienced car crash attorney or pedestrian injury lawyer.
If you are unable to write down information or take photos at the accident scene, ask a friend or family member to do so on your behalf.
Reach out to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Evidence gathering is vital in a hit-and-run accident claim, and your attorney will want to begin building your case right away.
Our Denver Hit and Run Accident Lawyers Will Not Rest Until Justice Is Served
A hit-and-run is an awful ordeal for any family. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Our Denver hit-and-run lawyers are experienced in settling and litigating hit-and-run accidents in Colorado.
With millions in successful trial verdicts and settlements throughout our careers, we’re proud of the justice we bring on behalf of Coloradans like you.
So get started with the trial-proven, seasoned attorneys at Dulin McQuinn Young today. Request your free consultation, and our Denver hit-and-run attorneys will contact you in 24 hours to schedule your case review.