If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, you are required by Colorado law to remain at the scene of the crash until certain steps are complete. You may be required to exchange information with other people involved in the accident and to report the accident to law enforcement authorities. If there is an injury or death, it is important to call for medical attention. Pedestrian accidents in particular are likely to result in serious injury or death, so collecting information from all involved drivers and witnesses at the scene is critical.
While most drivers do stay at the scene of an accident for the appropriate amount of time, sometimes a driver will choose to flee as quickly as possible. If an at-fault driver leaves the scene without providing information and rendering assistance, it can be difficult to track them down and hold them responsible for the damages they have caused. However, even if the driver is not found, there may still be ways to receive compensation for the damages you suffered.
When an accident occurs, victims and their families may file a civil lawsuit against a driver who was negligent. The negligent driver’s insurance company will be obligated to pay any damages, up to the liability limits of the policy. If the driver fled the scene, and the victim has uninsured motorist coverage on their own policy, the victim can file a claim against that coverage and recover damages for which the negligent driver is liable.
There are experienced lawyers ready to assist victims of pedestrian accidents, including hit-and-run accidents. The law firm of James L. Finegan PC has the knowledge and experience to handle these difficult cases.