Colorado laws require any driver who is involved in an accident to remain at the scene to render aid where necessary. However, some drivers decide to leave accident scenes for various reasons. Hit-and-run accidents can make it challenging for injured victims to recover damages, but not impossible. Police in Denver asked witnesses to a recent accident to come forward with information that might help to identify the at-fault driver.
Reportedly, shortly after 9 p.m. on a recent Friday, a vehicle driver disregarded a stop sign in Denver. After smashing into a motorcyclist, the driver continued on his way without stopping to render aid or wait for law enforcement authorities. The motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, and Metro Denver Crime Stoppers is seeking information about the accident.
Just because the driver that caused an accident remains at large does not mean the victim cannot recover damages. Injured victims may not realize that their auto insurance or homeowners’ policies might provide coverage. A driver who flees the accident scene may be treated as an uninsured driver. If the injured victim has uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist auto insurance coverage, that may result in compensation for medical expenses and other losses.
However, insurance companies may not automatically offer such compensation. Although law enforcement catches up with most hit-and run drivers, many victims of hit-and-run accidents in Colorado seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney. A lawyer who has experience in leveraging all insurance sources might be able to secure compensation to cover damages. However, the amount of compensation available will depend on the limits of the person’s UM/UIM insurance coverage.
Source: 9news.com, “Denver Police search for info in Alameda Ave. hit-and-run“, Alexander Kirk, Feb. 12, 2018
