Motor vehicle accidents can have far-reaching consequences, often resulting in personal injuries, vehicle damage, and property loss. When a hit-and-run accident occurs, the aftermath can also bring a great deal of inconvenience, stress, and frustration. These incidents leave victims scrambling to gather information and evidence to identify the responsible party. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents often complicate the process of securing compensation, especially when the at-fault driver cannot be immediately found.
Victims of hit-and-run accidents often face challenges when trying to recover damages, particularly when dealing with their own insurance company. Insurance providers may attempt to minimize payouts or create obstacles for victims seeking compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. In some hit-and-run cases, victims may suffer severe head trauma, requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. These circumstances can add a significant financial burden, emphasizing the need for experienced legal support to navigate the complexities of insurance disputes.
The situation can become even more complicated when a hit-and-run accident occurs on private property. In such cases, questions of premises liability may arise, potentially involving property owners in the legal process. Establishing fault and determining the liable parties can be a difficult task, requiring thorough investigation and legal expertise. Additionally, motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable in hit-and-run accidents, often resulting in severe injuries. These accidents can lead to extensive medical treatment and long-term disability, making it critical for victims to pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Given the complexities involved in hit-and-run accidents, having a skilled attorney is vital to protect the victim's rights and secure the compensation they deserve. An attorney can assist in dealing with insurance companies, investigating the circumstances of the accident, and identifying potential claims against any liable parties. By providing comprehensive legal support, we aim to alleviate the stress and uncertainty that often accompany these challenging situations.
If the driver responsible for the accident flees the scene, it can add to the distress of the event, as there is no person at whom you can direct your claims for damages. As a result, you have no way to receive compensation for medical bills, car defects, and pain and suffering.
If you or a family member were involved in a hit and run accident, Bell & Pollock P.C. could help, even if law enforcement never apprehends the responsible person. We can provide you with legal solutions to cover your damage, even if the negligent driver is absent.
A hit-and-run accident is one where one of the involved parties flees the scene after the incident in an attempt to avoid responsibility. In almost all hit-and-run cases, the party who flees the scene is the one responsible for the accident. However, a person may also try to get away if they want to avoid prosecution for another misconduct, such as the possession of contraband.
There are different hit-and-run scenarios:
In the above scenarios, the driver who played a prominent role in the accident failed to provide the required information. According to Colorado Law, any person who is involved in a road accident must provide the following to the other parties:
If a person doesn’t stop to present the above information, they make themselves guilty of hit-and-run and may face a criminal charges and civil suit.
If you were involved in a road accident, you might suffer from injuries and shock, which makes it difficult to take immediate action. However, by taking a few critical steps, you can increase the chances of a successful criminal prosecution and civil claim.
The first step is to seek immediate medical attention, even if there are no apparent injuries. If you are not able to call an ambulance, ask a bystander to do so.
Then, contact the police so they can start the process of finding the offender. Police will also begin preparing a report.
After contacting the authorities, try to remember the details of the incident. Information such as the make, color, model, and license plate of the vehicle that hit you can help law information to find and apprehend the offender. Try to get the contact details of eyewitnesses who may have the information you need for a successful case.
As the victim of a hit-and-run, you may be tempted to chase after the vehicle and apprehend them yourself. However, you may make yourself guilty of a traffic offense or another felony in the process. Additionally, trying to find the offender is also not as important as receiving emergency medical attention.
When a person is in control of a vehicle and an accident happens because of negligence or a lack of care, that person is liable for the accident and responsible for any damages. For example, if person A suffers losses because of person B’s negligent driving, B is responsible for the compensation.
The problem with hit-and-run incidents is that the identity of the potential defendant is unknown, and there is no person against whom you can pursue claims for damages and injuries. The fact that the offending party is absent doesn’t mean that you become liable.
When law enforcement finds the negligent party, you will be able to proceed with a civil action like you would in the case of a typical road accident. However, the offender may face a criminal charge because they left the scene.
A car accident can have far-reaching consequences, with injuries being the most debilitating. Damage to your car can also result in repair costs and inconvenience, especially if its condition no longer allows for everyday use.
Typical car accident injuries include:
If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of someone else’s negligent driving, you could claim for your medical expenses. An injury can also affect your ability to work and earn an income. In the case where you are no longer able to care for yourself and your dependents, you may also be able to claim for loss of income.
If the accident resulted in death, the victim’s family might successfully pursue compensation for loss of income and the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.
After a hit-and-run, you should pursue compensation to alleviate the financial toll on you and your family. You may also need compensation for intangible damages, such as loss of quality of life, loss of consortium, and pain and suffering.
Don’t allow another person’s negligence to impact your well-being. Bell & Pollock P.C. will help you go through the process of claiming compensation from the negligent driver or insurance company.
When law enforcement establishes the identity and other information on the person who caused the accident, you can initiate a personal injury lawsuit against them, or you can negotiate a settlement with their insurance company.
The settlement amount you can expect to claim depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the incident and the damages you suffered. In cases where the plaintiff suffered severe personal injuries and extensive damage to their vehicle, they can claim thousands of dollars from the defendant.
There are many different types of damages in a car accident claim, including:
Before filing a claim, your attorney at Bell & Pollock will help you determine an appropriate compensation amount as a remedy for the damages you suffered as a result of the accident.
When the police find the person who caused the accident, you can press criminal charges against them and file a civil claim for damages. In the state of Colorado, there is a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so you can still file a lawsuit for three years after the incident occurred.
Filing a civil claim requires an extensive legal knowledge, evidence in the form of pictures and documentation, and thorough preparation. Having a skilled attorney like Bell & Pollock on your side will increase your chances of filing a successful claim.
Ideally, you should also have adequate insurance coverage, so you don’t entirely depend on the outcome of the case.
If you were involved in a hit and run, insurance is crucial to, at least, pay for your medical expenses and restore your means of transportation. Having sound insurance coverage is particularly critical if the driver who is responsible for the accident is unidentified
Your insurance policy should be sufficient to cover some of the damages you incurred as a result of the accident. However, you can expect your insurance company to try and minimize these payments.
If you are the victim of a hit and run accident, Bell & Pollock can provide you with all the legal resources you need to file a successful claim for damages. Our legal solutions include a thorough investigation to gather evidence. Such an investigation involves collaborating with, among others, accident reconstruction and medical experts.
As your lawyers, we will also communicate and negotiate with insurance claims adjusters and the defendant on your behalf to maximize compensation. Additionally, we will also dispute your claim and represent your interests if the case goes before the court.
