Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling shaken, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. When the at-fault driver flees the scene, many accident victims assume they have no way to recover compensation for their injuries or vehicle damage. Fortunately, that is not always the case. Even when the responsible driver cannot be identified, you may still have legal options available under Colorado law.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Denver, understanding how compensation works and what steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting your health and financial future.

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision and leaves the scene without stopping to provide required information or assistance. In Colorado, drivers are legally required to stop after an accident, exchange information, and render aid when injuries are involved. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, especially when someone is hurt.

Hit-and-run accidents can involve:

• Vehicle-to-vehicle collisions
• Pedestrians or bicyclists struck by a car
• Parked vehicles that are damaged without notice

No matter the circumstances, fleeing the scene does not eliminate the driver’s responsibility for the crash. The challenge is figuring out how to pursue compensation when the driver cannot be located.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident

What you do in the moments following a hit-and-run accident can affect your ability to recover compensation later. Your first priority should always be your safety and medical well-being.

If possible, you should:

• Call 911 and report the accident immediately
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Provide police with as many details as possible about the fleeing vehicle
• Take photos or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
• Gather contact information from any witnesses

A police report is especially important in hit-and-run cases. Insurance companies often require proof that the accident was reported before they will consider paying certain benefits.

Can You Recover Compensation Without Finding the Other Driver?

Yes, in many cases you can still pursue compensation even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified. The most common source of recovery comes from your own insurance policy through uninsured motorist coverage.

Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Unless you specifically rejected this coverage in writing, you may have protection that applies in hit-and-run situations.

Uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for:

• Medical expenses related to the accident
• Lost wages if you miss work due to injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care for ongoing injuries

This coverage essentially steps into the place of the at-fault driver when no insurance is available.

What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Eventually Found?

If law enforcement identifies the hit-and-run driver, you may be able to pursue a claim directly against their insurance company. In some cases, a personal injury lawsuit may also be an option, depending on the circumstances and the severity of your injuries.

Even if the driver is found, insurance companies may still dispute fault or minimize the value of your claim. Evidence such as surveillance footage, traffic cameras, witness statements, and vehicle damage analysis can play an important role in proving what happened.

Challenges Unique to Hit-and-Run Claims

Hit-and-run cases often come with additional challenges compared to typical car accident claims. Insurance companies tend to scrutinize these claims closely, especially when uninsured motorist coverage is involved.

Common issues that arise include:

• Disputes over whether the accident actually involved another vehicle
• Arguments that injuries were not caused by the crash
• Delays caused by incomplete police reports or missing evidence

Because you are effectively dealing with your own insurance company, it is easy to assume they are on your side. In reality, insurers still have a financial interest in paying as little as possible.

How Colorado Law Affects Hit-and-Run Claims

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident, and you may be barred from recovery if you are found 50 percent or more responsible.

In hit-and-run cases, insurers sometimes attempt to shift blame onto the injured person, especially when the other driver is not present to provide their version of events. Clear documentation, consistent medical records, and strong evidence are key to countering these arguments.

There are also strict time limits for filing claims and lawsuits. Colorado’s statute of limitations generally allows three years to file a car accident lawsuit, but insurance claims often have much shorter deadlines written into the policy.

Why Legal Guidance Matters After a Hit-and-Run

Hit-and-run accident claims are rarely straightforward. Determining available coverage, gathering evidence, and dealing with insurance adjusters can quickly become overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries.

Working with experienced Denver auto accident attorneys can help ensure that:

• All potential sources of compensation are identified
• Evidence is preserved and properly presented
• Insurance company tactics are addressed effectively
• Deadlines are met and paperwork is completed correctly

An attorney can also evaluate whether additional parties may share responsibility, such as employers, vehicle owners, or government entities in rare cases involving road hazards.

What Compensation May Be Available

The compensation available after a hit-and-run accident depends on factors such as injury severity, available insurance coverage, and long-term impact on your life. Claims may include damages for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and non-economic losses like pain and emotional distress.

Every case is different, which is why there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much a hit-and-run claim is worth. A thorough review of your situation is necessary to understand what compensation may be available.

Taking the Next Step After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Denver

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you are not without options. Even when the at-fault driver is never found, Colorado law and insurance coverage may still provide a path to financial recovery.

At Bell & Pollock, we help accident victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. If you have questions about a hit-and-run accident or are unsure how to deal with the insurance company, we encourage you to reach out to us. Contact us to discuss your case and learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.