What to Do After a Hit-and-Run in Colorado (Even If the Driver Isn’t Found)

No matter if you’re walking, running, biking, or driving, you could be the victim of a hit-and-run injury at the fault of a negligent driver. Pedestrians are most at risk and account for 62% of hit-and-run deaths, but motor vehicle drivers, car passengers, and bicyclists are also common victims. 

Suffering an accident can feel scary and overwhelming, especially if the party at fault is not identified. You might be comforted to know that hit-and-run accidents are a crime under Colorado law, and you can still receive compensation without knowing the identity of the guilty party. If you’ve suffered an accident where the driver flees the scene, Bowman Law’s highly-rated attorneys are prepared to advocate for your rights and fight for justice.

Risk Is on the Rise

Hit-and-runs are growing more common, so there’s no better time to be aware of your risk and the Colorado laws in place for your protection. Recent data from Colorado State Patrol showed a 22% increase in hit-and-run accidents in the first quarter of 2023. This reflects a general trend of climbing accidents where the driver flees and victims are left injured or worse.

Hit-and-run accidents occur for a variety of reasons, but the striking driver is typically intoxicated, impaired, or distracted in some way. This puts almost every commuter at greater risk, including motor vehicle drivers, vehicle passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Our expert group of attorneys is ready to help, no matter if you’ve suffered a motor vehicle accident, bike accident, pedestrian accident, or motorcycle accident because of someone else’s negligence. 

Hit-and-Run Cases in Colorado 

Hit-and-runs are a serious crime, and Colorado state law treats these cases as such. Colorado codifies and defines hit-and-runs at C.R.S. § 42-4-1601 and C.R.S. § 42-4-1603. The law is clear: drivers must stop or return to a scene if they’ve been in an accident and must provide identification and registration information to the victim so all parties can be held accountable. 

If you’ve been hurt in an accident and the driver flees the scene, Colorado’s hit-and-run investigation process is focused on safety and justice. First, the local police and state patrol work on gathering evidence at the scene and interviewing any witnesses. Then, they begin collecting information to identify the driver who has fled in an effort to prove the case. 

It’s best if you don’t try and handle your situation without legal guidance; a compassionate attorney ensures you maintain your rights throughout the legal process and fight for any compensation or damages you are owed. Plus, if the driver at fault is not found, expert attorneys at Bowman Law are ready to guide you through the paperwork, insurance claims, and other legal considerations so you can earn the compensation and expenses you deserve.

Understanding the law is crucial to helping you find justice. When you are confident in your rights as a pedestrian, biker, driver, or vehicle passenger, you can file a hit-and-run claim with confidence and find a trusted lawyer who will support you through the process.  

Read More: Want to Stay Up-to-Date With Colorado Driving Laws? Read the 2025 Updates

Hit-and-Run Victim Steps: What to Know

Whether you’re on two wheels, two feet, or in a moving car, suffering an accident can be overwhelming and upsetting. The situation can be especially stressful when you haven’t found the party at fault. Regardless of your case, it is critical that you follow certain steps after the accident to best help your case and preserve your rights. These are explored in more depth in our recent Colorado Hit-and-Run Accidents blog, but after an accident, you should:  

• Check for Injuries: Safety is the most important element, so be sure to check yourself and others for signs of harm.
• Call 911: Calling emergency responders to the scene is critical so they can assess injuries, identify any other existing hazards, and collect relevant information.
• Adhere to Law Enforcement Instructions: Listen to officers’ direction because they are at the scene to ensure everyone’s safety, direct traffic, and collect important information about the accident. 
• Obtain Witness Information: Speak to bystanders, as they can play a key role in recounting what happened to law enforcement and emergency personnel.
• Take Photographs: Documenting the damage with visual evidence will support your case and help future legal counsel in fighting for justice.
• File a Police Report: Whatever you do, don’t forget to obtain the report number associated with your accident and request a copy of the police report for your records. 
• Consult an Attorney: Reach out to legal counsel so you don’t have to manage the stress and complexities of hit-and-run accidents by yourself.

Read More: You’ve Identified the Driver Who Hit You and Fled: Why File a Personal Injury Claim?

What If the Driver Is Never Found?

When you don’t know the party at fault for your sustained injuries, you can rest assured that Bowman Law’s personal injury lawyers are still prepared to help. When the guilty party of your hit-and-run accident is not identified, it is critical to relay as much helpful information to others helping your case. After seeking legal advice, you should be sure to share as much information as you can about the scene with the following supportive parties:

• Law enforcement and medical personnel
• Witnesses of the accident 
• Your personal injury attorney
• Your insurance (with your lawyer’s guidance)

Bowman Law attorneys are in your corner, even when you don’t have all the answers. 

The Hit-and-Run Accident Legal Help for You

We know that as a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you want compassionate, knowledgeable support as you manage your legal situation in the Colorado legal system. At Bowman Law, we provide the expert guidance you need to build your case, file a hit-and-run claim, and seek justice, whether you know the responsible party or not. 

If you’ve been injured, we are fully committed to your justice and recovery and are ready to help. Call us at 720-863-6904 or send us a message to schedule a free case evaluation.