Everything you need to know about Car Accidents like Hit and Runs

Motor vehicle accidents occur every day. By law, people in car accidents must stop at the scene of the accident. Motorists are required to exchange contact and insurance information with the other people involved. If anyone is injured, they must remain at the scene and wait for the police. If the amount of property damage meets or exceeds their state’s minimum reporting threshold, they must also remain at the scene.

Everything you need to know about Car Accidents like Hit and Runs

Hit-and-run accidents occur when the motorist causing the car accident flees the scene. On average, there are over 680,000 hit-and-run accidents in the United States every year. In 2016, hit-and-run accidents caused 2,049 deaths, with pedestrians and bicyclists accounting for over 60 percent of those killed in hit-and-run collisions. Read on to learn more about hit-and-run accidents, applicable motor vehicle laws, and resources you can use if you’re affected by a hit-and-run crash.

Motorists who leave the scene of an MVA can face criminal charges

Drivers who cause motor vehicle crashes may face charges for negligence. They can also face charges for leaving the scene of the accident.

Like all criminal charges, there is a statute of limitations that applies to hit-and-run charges. A hit-and-run driver causing minor damage but no injuries can face misdemeanor charges. Under Colorado law, hit-and-run drivers causing property damage can face class two misdemeanor charges. If found guilty, their punishment could be a fine of up to $300 and up to 30 days in jail. A hit-and-run driver may spend years in jail if they flee the scene after causing serious injuries or death.

Car crashes cause more than physical injuries

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after traumatic events. People with this mental health condition can experience traumatic memories and nightmares following the incident that caused their PTSD. They may also experience symptoms when exposed to triggers. Almost 40 percent of car crash victims develop PTSD. Pursue treatment for injuries immediately, and if necessary, see a counselor who can help you cope with PTSD or anxiety stemming from your accident.

Victims of a hit-and-run can pursue a lawsuit

Lawyers are highly educated legal experts. After they earn a bachelor’s degree, they must earn a Juris Doctor degree and pass the bar exam to receive their law license. Lawyers choose a legal specialization that determines what type of cases they handle. Personal injury attorneys work for law firms that represent accident victims.

Suppose you’ve been injured in a car accident in the Denver area. Contact accident lawyers in Denver. Whether you were in a pedestrian accident, struck by a motorcycle while riding a bicycle, or rear-ended by another motor vehicle, personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation so you can determine if you have grounds to pursue a lawsuit. Personal injury lawyers with years of experience handling car accident cases know about relevant case law they can use to prepare a case against the at-fault party.

Your personal injury attorney will fight for you to receive fair compensation for pain and suffering and reimbursement for medical bills stemming from your accident. Your attorney can also help you file short-term or long-term disability applications and negotiate settlements with the responsible party’s insurance company.

You can check the driver’s criminal record online

Thanks to the internet, you have 24 hour arrest record access. Once you learn the driver’s name, you can search their name to confirm they’ve been charged for your accident. Learning the responsible party’s been charged can provide peace of mind as you recover from your accident. You can also use online arrest records to research their criminal history and learn if they have previous charges for driving under the influence of alcohol. It’s a good idea to let your attorney know if the driver has prior convictions for motor vehicle crimes so they can determine if that information can strengthen your personal injury case.

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Multiple hit-and-runs occur daily. Hit-and-run accidents can cause property damage or serious injuries, or death. Victims of hit-and-run accidents can pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault party.