Are hit-and-run accidents happening more often in Colorado?

Obviously, no one wants to be involved in a car accident. However, when an at-fault driver flees the scene of an accident, the experience can be chaotic for victims who are left to deal with the consequences of another party’s reckless behavior. In Colorado, it is illegal for drivers to leave the scene of a crash involving other vehicles and/or people. Unfortunately, despite this, some people still panic and flee the scene. 

An uptick in hit-and-run crashes 

Colorado State Patrol officers say they saw an increase in the number of hit-and-run crashes across the state in the first quarter of this year. According to reports from the Colorado State Patrol, there has been a 22% increase in the number of hit-and-run accidents so far in 2023, which includes incidents involving property. Data indicated that there were 729 hit-and-runs during the first three months of 2023 compared to 596 during the same period last year. 

Officers advise anyone who hits a vehicle, person or piece of property to stay on the scene and avoid panicking. The ramifications of leaving the scene of an accident out of fear are far worse than the consequences of staying. If a person causes an accident, officers said they should check to see if anyone is injured then call 911 to report the accident, but never flee the scene. 

Help for accident victims 

Although they can be more stressful, a hit-and-run accident should be treated as any other car accident. For those in Colorado who have been injured in hit-and-run car accidents, it is understandable to be confused about what to do in the aftermath. Luckily, victims can get help by speaking with an experienced attorney who can assist them in filing a claim to seek the damages to which they are entitled.