When a hit and run accident occurs, can injured victims in Colorado recover money if the at-fault driver gets away? As with many legal answers, it depends. This post discusses how to pursue a personal injury claim if you're the victim of a hit and run accident. 

Unfortunately, we get far too many potential clients contact us after they've been hurt by a hit and run driver. Most assume that if the police can't find the person who hit them, they're out of luck when trying to make an injury claim.

Police Investigating a Hit and Run Accident

Assuming the police never find the other driver, the only potential source of recovery is through your own uninsured/underinsured (UIM) policy. Which is another reason we strongly recommend purchasing as much UIM coverage you can. See here for an explanation of the types of insurance policies available to Colorado drivers.

If you are injured in a hit and run accident and the other driver is never found, your claim qualifies for uninsured bodily injury coverage via your own policy. The other driver is uninsured for all intents and purposes, so that policy should apply. However, your personal injury lawyer will need to work to gather documentation to provide the insurance company to prove the injuries were caused by a hit and run. Normally, that's accomplished by sending the police report and a summary of all attempts to locate the hit and run driver. 

If you're involved in a hit and run accident in Colorado, contact the police from the scene. They will complete a traffic accident report and gather details of the other vehicle so they can attempt to find them. Also, you'll want to photograph the damage on your vehicle from the scene or as soon as possible. Unfortunately, hit and run drivers aren't always found so protecting yourself and your family with a large UIM policy is essential. 

An experienced Colorado personal injury attorney can advise and assist when making a hit and run UIM claim. If you have any questions, please contact Kane Trial Law in Castle Rock at 303-919-7777 for a free consultation.