What Should I Do if I Am a Victim of a Hit-And-Run Car Accident?

 Posted on January 31, 2026 in Car Accident

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run car accident, your first priority is your safety. Knowing what to do right away can help protect your health and strengthen any insurance or legal claim you may file later.

Hit-and-run crashes happen more often than many people realize. According to recent data, about one in every 250 licensed drivers in the United States experiences a hit-and-run crash, with most of these incidents causing property damage and many resulting in injuries. A Larimer County, CO car accident lawyer can explain your legal options.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit-And-Run Crash in Colorado?

After a hit-and-run accident, the first thing you should take care of is your safety. If you are able, move yourself and others out of traffic and into a safe place. Check for injuries and call for medical help if it is needed.

As soon as you can, call the police. In Colorado, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or property damage must stop and share information with other drivers. Leaving the scene of a crash can lead to criminal charges under Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1601. A police report creates an official record of what happened, which can be vital when working with insurance companies or pursuing other avenues of compensation.

What Information Should I Try To Collect at the Scene?

Even if the other driver is gone, there may still be useful evidence at the scene.

Helpful details to gather include:

• Photos of your vehicle, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding area

• The exact time and location of the crash

• Any information from eyewitnesses, including their names and contact details

• Nearby traffic cameras or security cameras that may have captured the incident

Do not chase the other driver. Your safety is most important, and police are trained to investigate and locate drivers who flee.

Why Is Reporting a Hit-And-Run to Police So Important in Colorado?

Reporting the crash to the police right away helps start the formal investigation. An official crash report shows that you did not leave the scene and that you acted responsibly. Insurance companies often require this report before they will consider uninsured motorist or hit-and-run claims.

Delaying the police report can raise questions later, even if you were not at fault. Prompt reporting gives you a strong record to support your claim.

Can My Insurance Help After a Hit-And-Run in Colorado?

In many hit-and-run cases, your own insurance could be the main source of recovery. Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to help when an at-fault driver cannot be found.

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 10-4-609, uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by a hit-and-run driver. Your insurance company may still investigate the crash, which makes reliable documentation and timely reporting even more important.

Even though you are filing with your own insurer, disputes can still happen. Insurance companies may challenge elements of your claim, such as whether the collision truly happened as reported or when your injuries began.

What if I Did Not Go to the Hospital Right After an Accident in Colorado?

Some injuries do not show symptoms immediately. Pain, stiffness, dizziness, or headaches may appear hours or even days after the crash.

If you notice symptoms after leaving the scene, seek medical care as soon as possible. Medical records help show a connection between your injuries and the hit-and-run crash. Missed or delayed treatment can make insurance claims harder, even when injuries are real.

When Should I Talk to a Lawyer After a Hit-And-Run in Colorado?

You should consider speaking with a lawyer if you were injured, if the driver was not found, or if your insurance company is disputing aspects of your claim. Hit-and-run cases often involve complex insurance issues and strict reporting requirements.

A lawyer can review your coverage, communicate with insurers on your behalf, and help determine the best path forward.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Fort Collins, CO Car Accident Attorney

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we help injured people understand their rights and take the right next steps with confidence. Attorney Hoggatt is a member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and the Workers’ Compensation Education Association, bringing deep experience to every case.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run crash and need help, contact our Larimer County, CO car accident lawyer by calling 970-225-2190 to schedule your free consultation today. Se Habla Español.