A hit-and-run crash happens when one driver leaves the scene without stopping to share their information or help the other person involved. Itโs a situation that brings stress, confusion, and a lot of questionsโfast.
These cases can feel overwhelming, especially if the other driver disappears and there are no immediate witnesses.
In Colorado, hit-and-run accidents are taken seriously. State law requires all drivers involved in an accident to remain at the scene, even if the damage seems small.
If someone gets hurt or property is damaged, leaving the area without reporting the incident is a crime. Still, it happens more than youโd think.
If youโve just experienced something like this, you might be wondering what to do first. Acting quickly can make a real difference, especially when it comes to dealing with police reports, insurance companies, and medical care.
Report the Incident Immediately
The first and most important step is to call the police. Even if you think the damage is small, reporting the incident gives you an official record.
This helps in several ways. It confirms that you didnโt leave the scene. It creates a legal paper trail. And it helps officers look for the other driver based on what you can tell them.
Try to give as much detail as you canโmake, model, color of the vehicle, and which way it was headed. The more specific you are, the better chance authorities have of finding the driver.
In Colorado, filing a police report is not optional in these cases. Youโre required to report an accident that involves injury, death, or property damage.
Skipping this step could work against you later if you decide to file a claim or take legal action.
After making the report, itโs helpful to speak with a Colorado car accident law firm that understands how these cases play out under state law.
These firms help gather evidence, guide communication with insurance companies, and advise on next steps if the other driver remains unidentified.
Having legal guidance early can help prevent mistakes and avoid added stress during a time thatโs already hard to deal with.
Gather Evidence if You Can
If youโre safe and not seriously hurt, try to collect whatever evidence is still available. Photos go a long wayโsnapshots of the damage to your car, any debris on the ground, skid marks, and the overall scene. Include wide shots to show the location and close-ups to show details.
Talk to any witnesses who may have seen what happened. Ask for their name and contact info. If they caught something on camera, like dashcam footage or a phone video, ask if theyโre willing to share it.
These pieces of evidence can help support your claim and give investigators more to work with.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel fine right after the crash, itโs still a good idea to get checked out. Some injuries take hours or even days to show symptoms.
Whiplash, internal bruising, and concussions can start with only mild discomfort but turn serious without warning.
Seeing a doctor right away also helps your case later. Medical records connect your injuries to the crash, which becomes important when filing a claim.
Be honest about your symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. If you wait too long, it can be harder to prove that the accident caused your condition.
In big cities, where hospitals and urgent care clinics are widely available, you wonโt need to travel far to get looked at.
Most places accept walk-ins for accident-related injuries. Bring your ID and any basic insurance info if available.
If you don’t have coverage or are waiting on a claim to process, let the medical staff know. Theyโre used to working with injury-related cases and can guide you on billing.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Once youโve contacted the police and taken care of your health, call your insurance company. This step should come sooner rather than later.
Be ready with the date, time, location of the accident, and a summary of what happened. Keep your answers short and factual.
In hit-and-run cases, your uninsured motorist coverage may apply. This coverage can help with medical bills, repairs, and sometimes lost wages, depending on your policy.
Even if you didnโt catch the other driverโs information, your insurance may still offer help under this part of your plan.
Be careful with your words. Avoid saying anything that sounds like you could be at fault. Donโt downplay your injuries or agree to a quick settlement without reviewing the full impact of the crash. If your policy includes medical coverage, ask how it applies to hit-and-run cases.
Keep a record of your claim number, the adjusterโs name, and the date of your report. Youโll likely need to follow up, so having everything written down will save time and confusion later.
Track All Expenses and Communications
Start a folderโphysical or digitalโwhere you keep every document related to the accident. Include medical bills, car repair estimates, rental car receipts, and any photos youโve taken. If your job requires time off due to injuries, track that too.
Also, save texts, voicemails, and emails between you and the insurance company or anyone else involved in your case.
If you speak to someone by phone, write down their name, the date, and what was discussed. This kind of documentation helps if questions come up down the road.
Itโs easy to forget details once days or weeks pass, so having everything in one place helps you stay organized. If your case becomes more complex, having a clear paper trail will support your side.
Getting hit by someone who flees the scene is more than frustratingโitโs a legal mess. But taking quick, steady action makes a difference.
Reporting the crash, gathering evidence, getting medical care, and staying organized all protect your rights.
You donโt have to do everything alone, but the steps you take in those first hours matter more than you think. Stay calm, stay focused, and take care of what you can control.
