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Don’t give up if the at-fault driver leaves the scene

by | Jan 19, 2017 | Car Accidents

One of the things we advise people to do if they are involved in a car accident is to get the names and contact information of all other drivers and witnesses of the incident. That information can become important if you suffer from injuries or damages and need to file a lawsuit or claim for compensation. But what do you do if someone leaves the accident scene — especially if that person is the at-fault driver?

This scenario actually occurred in a recent Colorado crash. Authorities note that the accident occurred in the early morning hours of Jan. 15. The driver of a Ford pickup was reportedly traveling fast down a roadway and entered into an intersection despite having a red light.

Once the truck entered the intersection, it hit a Volkswagen that was traveling across the intersection. That then caused the Volkswagen to slam into a Hyundai, which was also traveling across the intersection. The pickup truck driver did not remain on the scene, and seven other people involved in the accident had to be treated by medical providers. Two of those people were being treated for serious injuries.

In such a case, it can be disconcerting to know that someone caused your pain and damage, but that you don’t know who they are to seek compensation from the individual. Luckily in this case, the police were able to discover who the driver was and found him later that day. He was arrested and charged with leaving the accident scene and vehicular homicide.

Even if the police didn’t find this individual, those in the accident might have had options. If you are hit by someone who leaves the accident scene, don’t be afraid to talk to a lawyer about what your options for seeking compensation might be.

Source: Fox31 Denver, “Driver arrested after running from 3-car crash that left 7 hurt in Colorado Springs,” Anica Padilla, Jan. 15, 2017