Jail sentence for Colorado driver in hit-and-run accident

Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in Denver. The story of a driver who was recently sentenced for doing just that illustrates the devastating effect it can have on a victim and the victim’s family.

The hit-and-run accident occurred last summer when the driver, a woman in her late forties, struck a 12-year-old boy at an intersection. The child suffered head injuries including a concussion and a fractured skull when his head struck the passenger-side mirror. He also suffered bruising of one of his lungs, but he did survive the accident.

The driver left the scene of the accident, but was later identified and questioned by police. She claimed to have no memory of the incident, but later pleaded guilty to one charge in court. She received a jail sentence of 30 days and two years of probation.

It is fortunate when police are able to gather enough evidence, often provided by witnesses who come forward, to identify a hit-and-run driver. Not only does it allow criminal charges to hold the driver accountable, but it allows for the possibility of a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages from that driver. Head injuries in particular can require intensive, long-term treatment, and the associated medical bills can threaten a family’s financial security.

A personal injury professional can often help families who are facing a hit-and-run situation or a case where a negligent driver has no insurance coverage. The complications that arise in these scenarios should not be a barrier to victims and their families exercising what legal rights they do have to seek compensation.

Category:

• Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Accidents