Hit and Run Car Accidents in Aurora

Typically, after car accidents, drivers exchange information and render aid to each other. Hit-and-run accidents are different. Hit-and-run drivers deliberately flee the scene of a crash. By committing this selfish as well as criminal offense, they demonstrate a complete disregard for the safety of others and leave the injured party to pick up the pieces of the auto accident on their own. Hire an Aurora hit and run accident lawyer to help with your claims.

For more than 50 years, the attorneys of The Wilhite Law Firm have protected the rights of car accident victims in communities like Aurora and throughout Colorado. We know how hurtful and damaging hit-and-run accidents can be. You are not alone. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about your rights and options for seeking full and fair compensation with the help of an experienced Aurora car accident attorney.

What Are Common Causes for a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Hit-and-run accidents in Aurora often stem from reckless or careless driving. Common causes of these crashes include:

• Unlicensed drivers — Drivers without valid licenses or permits may panic and flee the accident scene to avoid legal consequences.
• Fear of liability — Uninsured or underinsured drivers may leave an accident site to avoid potential financial responsibility.
• Impaired driving — Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to various legal problems. Often, intoxicated drivers drive away from a crash to avoid the possibility of facing a drunk driving charge.
• Distracted driving — Drivers preoccupied with their phones, conversations with passengers, or other distractions can cause accidents and may bolt to try to escape responsibility.
• Excessive speed — Due to the increased impact force, speeding often leads to severe accidents. Some drivers may be too afraid to stop.

At fault drivers in hit-and-run accidents may face severe legal consequences, including both civil and criminal charges, especially if their actions were illegal or reckless.

What Injuries Can Be Caused by a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Hit-and-run accidents can result in property damage and a wide range of painful car accident injuries. Some of the injuries frequently suffered in these crashes include the following:

• Broken bones — Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis can require surgery, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, extending the recovery period.
• Head and brain injuries — Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and other forms of head trauma can cause long-term cognitive issues like memory loss and concentration problems.
• Internal injuries — Damage to vital organs like the liver, lungs, or kidneys can result in life-threatening complications and internal bleeding. Often, internal organ damage requires emergency surgery.
• Spinal cord injuries — Trauma to the spinal cord can cause partial or total paralysis, affect quality of life, and lead to extensive rehabilitation.
• Soft tissue injuries — Whiplash, torn ligaments, and muscle strains can cause persistent pain and limit mobility. Soft tissue injuries may require months of physical therapy.
• Psychological distress — Hit-and-run survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression, requiring mental health support alongside physical care.

An Aurora car accident attorney can help you determine the best course of action after getting hurt in a hit and run crash.

Why Do Drivers Flee the Scene of an Auto Accident?

Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident in Aurora is illegal under Colorado law and can result in criminal charges. Knowing why drivers flee accident scenes can provide insight into their actions and strengthen your case. Frequent reasons include:

• Shock or confusion — In some cases, drivers may not fully grasp the severity of the crash and leave the accident scene in a panic.
• Lack of insurance — Uninsured or underinsured motorists often panic, knowing they could be financially liable.
• Outstanding warrants — Drivers with existing, unrelated legal issues may flee to avoid further complications.
• Fear of arrest — Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may leave to avoid DUI charges and a potential driver’s license suspension.
• Immigration concerns — Some drivers worry about how being involved in a car accident may affect their immigration status.

What Should You Do If You Have Been in an Aurora Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Aurora area, you should take the following steps to protect your rights and help your case:

• Seek medical care — Call paramedics to the scene to evaluate potential injuries. Visit a doctor in the days following the accident to document your condition. Some injuries, like TBI, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage, are not immediately visible. So, seeing a doctor ensures your injuries are detected and treated.
• Call law enforcement — Report the accident to police officers immediately and provide as much detail as possible about the fleeing driver and vehicle. This will be included in the police report, which you can use when you file an injury claim.
• Collect evidence — Take photos of the scene, including traffic signs, your vehicle, and any visible injuries sustained, if possible, to capture the accident scene. Look around for surveillance cameras or witnesses nearby who may have seen the at-fault driver’s license plate.
• Notify your own insurance company — Inform your insurance carrier about the accident and inquire about your uninsured motorist policy coverage.
• Contact an Aurora hit and run accident attorney — Call a hit and run accident attorney in Aurora to help you pursue justice and seek maximum compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other harm, which can be difficult when dealing with a hit-and-run car crash. An experienced Aurora personal injury lawyer can deal with the insurance company while you focus on your recovery. Aurora car accident lawyers are crucial in navigating personal injury claims, conducting investigations, and handling insurance negotiations to ensure you receive fair compensation.

How Can You Recover Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Crash?

Pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run may be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Your options may include the following:

• Driver identification — If the hit-and-run driver is located, you can file a claim against the driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
• MedPay — If you purchased this type of coverage, you can use your MedPay policy to cover medical expenses up to the policy limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
• Uninsured motorist coverage — You can use your uninsured motorist (UM) policy to help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. It is essential to check your auto insurance policy concerning the availability of this coverage.
• Third-party liability — You might be able to hold a different vehicle owner or employer responsible after a hit-and-run car accident if their actions caused the hit-and-run driver to hit you.

After a serious car accident, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to navigate the complexities of insurance claims and explore further legal options for compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Car Accident Claim in Colorado?

Under Colorado’s statute of limitations, you have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim after a motor vehicle crash. Filing a claim after the statutory period passes can result in a dismissed claim and prevent you from being able to seek compensation for your losses. Some specific circumstances can alter this timeframe, including:

• Driver identification — Delays identifying the at-fault driver could affect the claims timeline.
• Minors — If the injured party is a minor, the statute of limitations for claims may extend beyond three years from the date of the accident.
• Government claims — If the accident involved a government vehicle, the deadline for you to give notice and take legal action may be shorter.

Contact an Aurora Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

It is easy and understandable to feel overwhelmed after a hit-and-run accident. The experienced and compassionate car accident lawyers from our team of hit and run accident lawyers in Aurora, Colorado at The Wilhite Law Firm are here to help you. Since 1977, our law firm has passionately defended the rights of auto accident victims in Aurora and throughout Colorado. We will be dedicated to seeking the maximum amount of compensation for you. Check out our results, hear what others say about their experience working with us, and contact us for a free consultation today to discuss your hit-and-run case. We work on a contingency fee basis. So, you will pay no legal fees unless we secure fair compensation for you.