A hit-and-run accident turns a bad situation into something even worse. You’re hurt, your car is damaged, and the driver who hit you is long gone. Sadly, these kinds of accidents happen more often than people think, especially along busy corridors like I-70, I-25, or around high-traffic areas such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Downtown Denver. When the other driver flees, it can feel like you’re left with more questions than answers. At the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya, we help you get the care and compensation you need to move forward.

Colorado Hit-and-Run Laws and Penalties 

Under Colorado law, it’s a serious offense to leave the scene of a car accident. State statute C.R.S. § 42-4-1601 requires drivers involved in crashes, especially those involving injury or death, to stop, provide their information, and offer aid when necessary.

Failing to do so can lead to:

  • Misdemeanor charges for property damage
  • Felony charges when injuries or fatalities are involved
  • Fines, license suspension, and even prison time

Law enforcement treats these cases seriously. Even if the at-fault driver is not caught immediately, there are still ways to pursue justice through your own insurance and legal support.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run 

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, your first priority is your health, but what you do next also matters.

Here’s what we recommend:

  • Call 911 and seek medical attention
  • Write down anything you remember about the vehicle or driver
  • Look around for witnesses and ask for their contact details
  • Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage
  • Check nearby homes or businesses for security cameras
  • File a police report as soon as possible
  • Contact your insurance provider, but be cautious with recorded statements

The sooner you take these steps, the better your chances of building a strong case, even when the driver can’t be found.

Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Colorado

When the at-fault driver leaves the scene and can’t be identified, your own insurance policy might be the next place to turn. Colorado law requires insurance companies to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage as part of every auto policy.

UM coverage can help pay for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other accident-related losses

Even though you’re filing a claim with your own provider, it doesn’t always mean the process will be easy. Insurance companies often push back. We can deal with them on your behalf and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

How the Colorado Uninsured Motorist Statute Applies 

Colorado’s Uninsured Motorist statute (C.R.S. § 10-4-609) allows victims of hit-and-run crashes to use their UM coverage just as if the driver had no insurance. As long as the collision caused bodily injury and the at-fault driver is unknown, your policy may apply.

But you’ll still need to prove:

  • The accident happened
  • Injuries were a result of the crash
  • You took steps to report and document the event

We help you gather medical records, police reports, and witness statements to support your claim and protect your rights under this statute.

Common Injuries After a Hit-and-Run Crash 

Injuries from hit-and-run accidents can be severe, especially since drivers who flee often leave behind victims without aid.

Common injuries include:

These injuries can take months or even years to heal fully. You deserve support not only for your physical recovery but also for the financial impact these injuries bring.

Why Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Matters 

When you’re recovering from a hit-and-run, the last thing you need is a legal fight with an insurance company. We’ve seen how insurers downplay injuries or try to deny coverage when the at-fault driver disappears.

We’ll take care of:

  • Collecting evidence
  • Speaking with witnesses
  • Working with investigators
  • Handling communication with the insurance company

We fight for full compensation—no lowball offers and no shortcuts. And we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Let us do the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.

Contact Our Experienced Denver Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run in the Denver metro area—whether near I-70, in Aurora, or heading to a concert at Red Rocks—you don’t have to handle it alone. Call the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya today for a free consultation. We’re ready to help.