A hit and run accident occurs every minute on U.S. roads and nearly 65% of all hit and run accident victims are pedestrians or cyclists. Sadly, a 2018 AAA study found that hit and run accidents are on the rise across the United States In fact, in 2016 alone, the most recent year for statistics, there were 2,049 deaths from hit and run accidents, a 60% increase from 2009. Why are hit and run accidents increasing?
Currently, Colorado law states that anyone who is involved in an accident must stay on the accident scene and lend aid. Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime. If found guilty, drivers can not only face a hit and run penalty but can also face serious consequences, including loss of their license and prison time. Victims of hit and run accidents, however, face far more serious consequences – most notably death.
Further Reading: 2017 Saw a Troubling Increase in Trucking Accident Fatalities
When drivers fail to remain on the scene of the accident and lend aid, injured victims do not receive the emergency medical treatment they need quickly. As such, their injuries can worsen and become life-threatening in a matter of minutes. Even a delay of 10 minutes in calling 911 could have disastrous and deadly consequences.
If a driver is involved in an accident, they have a responsibility to take the following steps:
-Stay at the scene of the accident
-Assist the injured
-Call 911 for help
-Be visible to other drivers if possible
-Communicate with police and emergency officials that arrive at the scene
Why are Hit and Run accidents on the Rise?
Researchers are not sure exactly why there has been a rise in hit and run accidents in the last decade. Some believe that it may have something to do with the increase in distracted driving. Others believe that pedestrians texting while walking has caused an increase. A large majority of individuals who flee the scene of an accident do so out of fear. They may be afraid to get arrested because they’re driving drunk or they may be afraid of the liabilities that come from being involved in a serious accident. No matter what the reason, however, hit and run accidents are illegal.
Contact our Arvada Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit and run vehicle accident in Arvada, Northglenn, Thornton, or anywhere in Northern Colorado, you need an experienced hit and run accident lawyer on your side immediately. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our lawyers have the experience and resources needed to tackle these complex cases. Contact us at (303) 423-1770 or (866) 385-3505.
Our hit and run car accidents lawyers have extensive experience representing injured accident victims in Broomfield, Arvada, Superior, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Brighton, Commerce City, Northglenn, Westminster, Thornton, Longmont, and throughout Colorado.
