Breckenridge Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
Helping the Victims of Hit and Run Accidents in Colorado
Colorado has a high percentage of hit and run accidents each year that cause severe or fatal injuries. The driver who caused the accident has fled the scene, leaving you without the option to file a claim against his or her auto insurance. So, what do you do now?
If you were injured by a negligent party in a hit and run accident in Breckenridge, reach out to us at Whitaker & Penix, LLC. Our experienced Breckenridge car accident attorneys can go over your accident in a free phone consultation and explain how to recover compensation in a civil claim. If you choose to let us represent you, we will use all our knowledge, experience, and skills to advocate for the highest possible award in your personal injury claim. Call us today at (970) 465-2819 to learn how.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run accident refers to a vehicle collision in which at least one vehicle flees the scene without providing personal information or calling for help from police and EMTs. Hit and run accidents include crashes with:
- Other vehicles;
- Pedestrians;
- Motorcycles;
- Bicycles;
- Parked vehicles;
- Homes and private property; and
- Commercial property.
The challenge of a hit and run accident is that the responsible driver has fled and cannot provide insurance information and take responsibility for the accident. An injured person may feel helpless and believe they will have to cover their own medical bills, but in fact, your own auto insurance can come into play in these cases.
Hit and Run Accidents: Statistics
A recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety provided some chilling statistics on hit and run collisions in the US and California:
- In the most recent year statistics are available, there were over 737,100 hit and run collisions throughout the USA
- Those 737,100 collisions resulted in over 138,000 injuries and almost 2,000 fatalities
- Nearly 65% of fatalities in a hit and run accident are pedestrians and bicyclists
- One of five pedestrian deaths are the result of a hit and run
- Hit and run deaths in the US have increased an average of 7.2% per year since 2009
- Less than 7% of hit and run drivers are found and arrested by the LAPD
What to Do if You’ve Suffered a Hit and Run
If you or a loved one are the victim of a hit and run, there are several steps you should take as soon as possible:
Stay calm and perform any immediate first aid: After any accident, the most important thing is always to remain as calm as possible and take care of urgent medical danger as much as possible. Nothing is more important than your life and the lives of your passengers.
Call 911: As soon as possible, call 911 and get an ambulance and police officer to the scene. You will need to file a police report with the officer, providing the officer with as much information as possible so they can apprehend the driver. A partial or full license plate number, the color of the vehicle, make and model of the vehicle, and any other details you noticed can help. A police report will also be an important part of filing your claim for compensation.
Take notes and photos: Take photos of the scene, including the damage to your vehicle, bicycle, or property. Spot any witnesses and speak to them to get their contact information and anything they observed about the accident.
Report the accident to your insurance company: You are legally obligated to report the accident to your insurance agency within 30 days, so do so as soon as possible.
Contact an attorney: Recovering compensation after a hit and run can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible. An experienced Colorado auto accident attorney will perform a full review of your insurance policy and work with you to explore all possible avenues to recover the compensation you deserve.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Your Right to Compensation
If the driver cannot be identified, the best way for you to recover compensation is through uninsured motorist coverage. Under state law, you must be offered this option and sign a waiver if you decline. Uninsured motorist coverage means that your insurance company will cover the collision regardless of whether the responsible driver flees or has no auto insurance.
Contact Us Today
Our team at Whitaker & Penix, LLC bring years of experience providing personal, compassionate, and aggressive legal assistance to accident victims. Our cases are taken on contingency, so you won’t owe any legal fees until we win your case. Contact us today at (970) 465-2819 to schedule a free consultation.