Hit and Run Car Accidents in Fort Collins

From snowstorms to potholes to distracted drivers, motorists in Colorado face many potential risks when they get behind the wheel. One risk that no one should have to face, though, is the hit-and-run driver. When at-fault drivers flee the scene of a crash, their victims often see their hopes of recovering compensation for their injuries start to disappear, too.

Have you been hurt in a hit-and-run car accident in Fort Collins? Don’t lose hope. The experienced car collision attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you pursue justice. We’re ready to fight hard for the money you need for your medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and more. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can provide the advocacy you deserve at this challenging time.

What Are the Most Common Reasons for Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Drivers flee the scene of accidents for various reasons, none of which excuse their illegal behavior.

Common reasons for hit and run accidents in Fort Collins include:

• Fear of consequences – Some drivers panic and run because they fear legal repercussions, especially if they have outstanding warrants or other issues.
• Intoxication – Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs may flee to avoid DUI charges.
• Lack of insurance – Uninsured motorists often flee to avoid financial responsibility for accidents they cannot afford.

What Makes Hit-and-Run Accidents Different Than Other Types of Car Accidents?

Regardless of the reasons, fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run is a crime. Colorado law requires drivers involved in collisions involving injury or property damage to remain at the scene, provide aid as necessary, and exchange their names, addresses, and vehicle registration numbers. Depending on the accident’s severity, it can be a felony to flee the scene after a collision.

Why is it so important that drivers remain at the scene of an accident? In Colorado, a motorist at fault for causing an accident is financially responsible for its consequences. A driver who flees the scene of a crash leaves their victims with few options when it comes to paying for medical bills and vehicle repairs and offsetting the cost of lost wages – not to mention the intangible effects of their pain and suffering.

If police can find the at-fault driver who fled the scene, accident victims can file insurance claims or lawsuits against that driver. Otherwise, those victims may have to seek alternate sources of compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage in their own insurance policies. Because of the level of investigation involved, potential criminal charges, and need to find other compensation options, hit-and-run collisions in Fort Collins tend to be far more complicated than a regular car crash. It may be necessary to enlist the help of a lawyer to help you pursue any money.

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Take these steps after a hit-and-run accident to protect yourself and your rights:

• Alert the police to the hit-and-run accident if you have not done so already.
• Provide authorities with details about the fleeing vehicle, such as its make, model, color, license plate, and direction of travel.
• Write down everything you remember about the incident while it is fresh in your mind.
• Contact your insurance company to report the accident.
• Reach out to a Fort Collins hit-and-run accident lawyer for guidance on your next steps.

How Can I Pursue Compensation for My Injuries If the Hit-and-Run Driver Cannot Be Found?

Even if authorities cannot locate the hit-and-run driver, you may still have options for compensation. These include:

• Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage – This optional coverage can help pay for your medical bills and other losses. You likely have this coverage in your policy unless you waived it in writing.
• Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance – This type of insurance can help cover medical expenses resulting from a hit-and-run accident, regardless of who was at fault. Though typically optional in Colorado, MedPay can be helpful for drivers who want additional accident protection.
• Health insurance – Your health insurance can cover your medical expenses, although it is subject to deductibles and other limitations.
• Colorado Crime Victim Compensation program – This state fund may provide you with further assistance in certain circumstances. However, it is a last resort after insurance coverage has been exhausted.

A skilled Fort Collins lawyer can help you explore all available avenues for compensation after a hit-and-run accident.

What Compensation Can I Receive in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Depending on whether you pursue a claim against the hit-and-run driver or your own insurance policy, you could be entitled to compensation for your:

• Current and future medical costs related to your injuries
• Income lost due to time off work for recovery and medical appointments
• Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
• Costs to repair or replace your vehicle

The value of your car accident case depends on the circumstances of the accident and the available insurance coverage. An experienced Fort Collins lawyer can explore every option for compensation to maximize your recovery in a hit and run claim.

Does Colorado Have a Time Limit for Filing a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim?

Colorado has a statute of limitations for filing car accident claims. Generally, you have three years from the accident date to initiate legal action against an at-fault driver. This deadline may be extended to account for the time the driver spent evading authorities, though.

However, your deadline for filing a claim with your own UM coverage may be much tighter. You should consult with a Fort Collins hit-and-run accident lawyer as soon as possible to avoid missing any important deadlines that could affect your right to compensation.

Contact a Fort Collins Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

Have you been injured in a hit-and-run car accident in Fort Collins? If so, you do not have to embark on your journey toward recovery alone. The experienced attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you pursue fair compensation for what happened. We understand what is at stake and will do everything in our power to help you get your life back on track. Contact us today for a free consultation.