The Denver metro area has been described as having a hit and run epidemic.
During the first eleven months of 2014 (January-November) 446 hit and run accidents occurred in the three Denver metro cities of Aurora, Lakewood, and Denver. Sources estimate that equates to approximately 1.3 injuries a day. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation ("CODOT"), more than half of fatal hit and run accidents in 2014 were alcohol related.
A hit and run accident occurs when the driver of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident and fails to stop at the scene as required by C.R.S.§ 42-4-1601. A driver involved in an accident must stop if the following occurs:
• Property damage;
• Injury to a person; and/or
• Death to a person
A hit and run accident can involve:
• Two moving vehicles (i.e. two cars, one car and one motorcycle, etc.)
• One moving vehicle and one parked vehicle
• One moving vehicle and a pedestrian
• One moving vehicle and a cyclist
• One moving vehicle and property (i.e. livestock)
Colorado law enforcement has been cracking down on perpetrators of hit and runs. Last year, legislators created a program called the Medina Alert. The Medina Alert functions similar to an Amber Alert. Essentially, the public is notified when an individual is seriously injured during a hit and run accident. The public is encouraged to be on the lookout for the person and vehicle described in the alert and contact law enforcement. A Medina Alert led to the successful, prompt apprehension of a suspect in an October 2015 hit and run accident involving a pedestrian.
Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be a frightening, hurtful, and confusing experience. It can be unclear how to proceed following the accident. If you are a victim of a hit and run, you should take the following steps:
1. Be Safe: When involved in any type of accident your first priority is safety.
• If you have suffered any physical injury seek medical attention immediately.
• Resist the urge to chase the hit and run driver. Do not chase the driver. Chasing the driver will lead to reckless driving and/or another accident. Contact the police immediately and file an accident report.
2. Stay Calm: Remaining calm may be difficult; however, you must remain calm and gather information about the hit and run driver immediately. You want to observe the license plate number and the vehicle make, model, and color.
3. Look for Witnesses: If any witnesses are at the scene, you want to collect their names and numbers, if possible. This information is should be provided to the police officer making the accident report.
4. Recall the Location
5. Take Pictures: If safe and feasible, take photos of your vehicle and the location of the accident. This information may be useful to the police and the insurance company when investigating the accident.
After a hit and run accident, it is important to contact and experience attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can assist in locating insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries and damages and losses; including property damage, medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If the hit and run driver cannot be located or does not have automobile insurance, your own automobile insurance may be used to compensate you for your losses. Having a skilled advocate can make all the difference in your case.
During the first eleven months of 2014 (January-November) 446 hit and run accidents occurred in the three Denver metro cities of Aurora, Lakewood, and Denver. Sources estimate that equates to approximately 1.3 injuries a day. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation ("CODOT"), more than half of fatal hit and run accidents in 2014 were alcohol related.
A hit and run accident occurs when the driver of a motor vehicle is involved in an accident and fails to stop at the scene as required by C.R.S.§ 42-4-1601. A driver involved in an accident must stop if the following occurs:
• Property damage;
• Injury to a person; and/or
• Death to a person
A hit and run accident can involve:
• Two moving vehicles (i.e. two cars, one car and one motorcycle, etc.)
• One moving vehicle and one parked vehicle
• One moving vehicle and a pedestrian
• One moving vehicle and a cyclist
• One moving vehicle and property (i.e. livestock)
Colorado law enforcement has been cracking down on perpetrators of hit and runs. Last year, legislators created a program called the Medina Alert. The Medina Alert functions similar to an Amber Alert. Essentially, the public is notified when an individual is seriously injured during a hit and run accident. The public is encouraged to be on the lookout for the person and vehicle described in the alert and contact law enforcement. A Medina Alert led to the successful, prompt apprehension of a suspect in an October 2015 hit and run accident involving a pedestrian.
Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be a frightening, hurtful, and confusing experience. It can be unclear how to proceed following the accident. If you are a victim of a hit and run, you should take the following steps:
1. Be Safe: When involved in any type of accident your first priority is safety.
• If you have suffered any physical injury seek medical attention immediately.
• Resist the urge to chase the hit and run driver. Do not chase the driver. Chasing the driver will lead to reckless driving and/or another accident. Contact the police immediately and file an accident report.
2. Stay Calm: Remaining calm may be difficult; however, you must remain calm and gather information about the hit and run driver immediately. You want to observe the license plate number and the vehicle make, model, and color.
3. Look for Witnesses: If any witnesses are at the scene, you want to collect their names and numbers, if possible. This information is should be provided to the police officer making the accident report.
4. Recall the Location
5. Take Pictures: If safe and feasible, take photos of your vehicle and the location of the accident. This information may be useful to the police and the insurance company when investigating the accident.
After a hit and run accident, it is important to contact and experience attorney immediately. An experienced attorney can assist in locating insurance coverage to compensate you for your injuries and damages and losses; including property damage, medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If the hit and run driver cannot be located or does not have automobile insurance, your own automobile insurance may be used to compensate you for your losses. Having a skilled advocate can make all the difference in your case.
Jennifer Donaldson serves as a personal injury attorney for victims of hit and run accidents. She works diligently to ensure these victims are made whole again after the traumatic experience of a hit and run accident. Jennifer Donaldson is designated as AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell for exceptional ethical standards and legal ability. She seeks justice for victims throughout Denver, Boulder, Aurora and surroundings areas of Colorado.
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