Pedestrian accidents can be devastating. And, when a hit-and-run driver is involved, the entire situation becomes more complex. If you were recently injured while traveling as a pedestrian, you may feel confused and unsure how to seek compensation for your injuries if the responsible driver fled the scene without providing any information.
If you only suffered minor injuries, the driver could be charged with a misdemeanor, resulting in $300 to $1,000 in fines, jail time of 10 days to a year and a suspended driver’s license. However, if one sustains serious injuries or dies, the hit-and-run becomes a felony, with stricter penalties, including imprisonment of up to 12 years and fines of up to $750,000.
Colorado’s laws on pedestrian hit-and-runs
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, it is essential to understand the statute of limitations. These are strict deadlines for filing a legal compensation claim.
In most cases, the limitation for hit-and-run accidents is three years from the accident date. So, you have up to three years to file a lawsuit or seek compensation for damages related to the accident. You may be barred from pursuing compensation if you miss this deadline. If the hit-and-run incident did not involve a motor vehicle or the driver was working for a governmental entity, the timeline for filing could be much shorter.
However, the complexity of hit-and-run cases can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint when the statute of limitations begins. This is common if the responsible driver is not immediately identified. In such situations, it is essential to seek legal help from an experienced and well respected injury attorney in your community to understand how the law applies to your case.
In cases where the driver is never found, your best option may be to file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If you lack UM coverage, you could qualify for compensation through the Crime Victim Compensation Fund, which helps victims of crimes, including hit-and-runs.
You may feel overwhelmed by the legal and financial steps necessary to protect your rights in the wake of a hit-and-run accident. Seeking legal assistance during this time is crucial, as you may need help to understand the legal system, file claims and recover the compensation you deserve. When involved in a pedestrian hit-and-run, don’t wait to take action. Proper legal support can impact the outcome of your case.