Hit-And-Run Accidents
Understanding legal consequences & victim impact of hit & runs
Hit-and-run accidents are a devastating, everyday reality across the United States, including Colorado. In accordance with Colorado law, hit and run is defined as leaving the scene of an accident without providing information and assistance to the other party involved. As one can imagine, such accidents can have severe legal consequences. These may involve criminal charges and civil lawsuits, depending on the particular circumstances of each case. Hit-and-run victims may suffer damage to their vehicles, injuries, medical expenses, and/or psychological trauma, and be unsure where to turn for help.
Hit & run fatalities are over 2,500 per year
Hit-and-run accidents are still happening all too frequently. Regrettably, many drivers responsible for car accidents resulting in injuries, property damage, and even fatalities choose to flee the scene. Presumably, they do so to evade accountability rather than adhere to ethical and legal obligations and face the consequences of their actions.
Whatever the reason, the tragic outcome is that victims are left in a state of uncertainty, grappling with the question of who will assume the financial burdens arising from their accident when the identity of the at-fault driver remains unknown.
What is considered a hit & run?
A hit-and-run accident is defined under applicable state law in Colorado (CRS § 42-4-1601) as a situation where a driver involved in an accident fails to stop at the scene of the accident or fails to provide their name, address, and registration number of their vehicle to the other parties involved in the accident.
More specifically, in the event of a traffic accident resulting in vehicle or personal damage, the law requires any motorist involved to halt and remain at the scene of the accident immediately. They must then proceed to exchange essential details with all parties involved, as well as contact the police to report the incident and request their presence at the scene.
Common types of hit and run accidents
Hit-and-run accidents can span a variety of accident and injury types.
Need help determining if you’ve been a victim of a hit and run accident?
Attended vehicle
Unattended vehicle
Property damage
Common questions about car accidents
Failing to fulfill the Colorado driver’s legal obligations can result in criminal charges and civil liability, with moderate to severe consequences for the hit-and-run driver. These vary according to the gravity of the accident and whether anyone was injured or killed.
In general, hit-and-run charges are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies, with the severity of the charge depending on the extent of the damage and injuries. Therefore, a hit-and-run offense is classified as a misdemeanor traffic offense if the accident caused only minor property damage and no injuries and is punishable by fines, jail time, and the suspension of the driver’s license. For a first-time offender, a misdemeanor hit-and-run offense can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. For subsequent offenses, the penalties can be even more severe, including higher fines and longer jail sentences.
In contrast, a hit-and-run offense is classified as a felony if the accident has caused severe bodily injury or death. Such an offense is punishable by fines, lengthy prison sentences, and the revocation of the driver’s license.
If a hit-and-run accident causes serious bodily injury, the penalties can include a fine of up to $500,000 and up to six years in prison. If the accident results in a death, the penalties can be even more severe, including a fine of up to $750,000 and up to 12 years in prison.
“Serious bodily injury” means injury that involves, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, a substantial risk of death or serious permanent disfigurement. It also involves a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body, as well as breaks, fractures, and burns of the second or third degree.
Hit-and-run accidents are not limited to legal penalties. They can cause physical and emotional trauma to the victims involved and can have long-lasting effects on their lives. Therefore, all drivers should be aware of the laws and act responsibly on the road.
In view of this reality, car accident laws, including those involving hit-and-run cases, are designed to protect victims of accidents and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable for their actions. In Colorado, if you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident and you sustain personal injuries or property damage, you may be able to seek compensation for a range of damages, including economic and non-economic ones.
Damages can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain & suffering
- Punitive damages
Protect your legal rights in cases of hit and run accidents
If you or someone close to you has been hurt in a hit-and-run accident, remember that you still have legal rights in cases of hit-and-run accidents. There may be avenues to pursue compensation for the losses you have suffered. To explore your options thoroughly, the best course of action would be to seek the guidance of a skilled car accident attorney with a proven track record in handling injury claims involving hit-and-run incidents within our state to help you throughout a challenging process.
Ross Ziev and his team at Legal Help in Colorado are regarded as one of Denver’s leading car crash attorneys and experienced lawyers for hit-and-run incidents. We specialize in representing personal injury victims, handling negotiations with insurance companies, and providing representation in court.
Knowledgeable. Compassionate. Dedicated.
We are your personal injury team.
Available 24/7 to take your call: (720) 743-3682