Imagine this: you’re driving home from work on a typical Tuesday evening in Colorado Springs when BAM – someone slams into your car and takes off without even slowing down. Your heart’s racing, your car’s damaged, and you’re left sitting there wondering what the heck just happened and what you’re supposed to do next.
If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Hit-and-run accidents are becoming way too common in our city, and honestly, it’s pretty frustrating. The good news? You don’t have to handle this mess on your own, and there are some really solid lawyers here in Colorado Springs who know exactly how to deal with these situations.
Why Hit-and-Run Cases Are Getting Out of Hand
Let me be straight with you – hit-and-run accidents are on the rise, and it’s not just your imagination. Colorado State Patrol reported a 22% increase in hit-and-run cases in early 2023, and things haven’t gotten better since then. The overall accident rate in Colorado Springs continues to climb in 2025, which means more drivers are fleeing the scene when things go wrong.
What’s really getting to me is how these accidents affect the most vulnerable people on our roads. Pedestrians and cyclists get hit hard by this trend – they make up a huge chunk of hit-and-run fatalities and injuries. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s why having the right legal help matters so much.
The thing is, these cases aren’t just more frequent – they’re also more complex than your typical car accident. When someone takes off, you’re dealing with a whole different set of challenges that regular personal injury lawyers might not be equipped to handle.
What Makes Hit-and-Run Cases So Tricky
Here’s what I’ve learned about why these cases are such a pain to deal with: first off, you’re often left without knowing who hit you. That sounds obvious, but it creates this domino effect of problems that can make your head spin.
When you can’t identify the other driver, you can’t go after their insurance. Instead, you’re probably going to need to file a claim with your own insurance company under something called uninsured motorist coverage. And let me tell you, insurance companies aren’t exactly thrilled about paying out these claims.
The evidence situation gets complicated too. Without the other driver sticking around, there’s no immediate exchange of information, no chance to document their vehicle damage, and often no witnesses who got a good look at what happened. You’re basically starting from scratch when it comes to building your case.
Time becomes your enemy in these situations. Every hour that passes makes it harder to track down the person who hit you. Security cameras might get recorded over, witnesses forget details, and physical evidence at the scene disappears.
Why You Need a Lawyer Who Gets It
I can’t stress this enough – not all personal injury lawyers are created equal when it comes to hit-and-run cases. You need someone who’s dealt with this specific type of mess before and knows all the tricks.
A good hit-and-run lawyer will jump into action immediately. They’ll work with investigators to track down surveillance footage, interview witnesses while memories are fresh, and document everything at the accident scene before it gets cleaned up or changed.
They also need to be experts at dealing with insurance companies. Your own insurance company might try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether, especially if there’s any question about what happened. An experienced lawyer knows how to fight back and make sure you get what you’re entitled to under your policy.
One firm that really stands out in Colorado Springs is McCormick & Murphy P.C. These guys have been handling personal injury cases since 1995 and have recovered millions of dollars for Colorado clients. With over 60 years of combined legal experience, they know how to handle the particular problems that come with hit-and-run cases.
The Real Deal About Insurance Claims
Let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of people – dealing with insurance after a hit-and-run. This is where having uninsured motorist coverage becomes absolutely super important, and honestly, if you don’t have it, you should get it yesterday.
Here’s how it works: when the person who hit you can’t be found or doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage steps in to cover your damages. Sounds simple, right? Well, not exactly.
Insurance companies have gotten really good at finding reasons to deny or reduce these claims. They might argue that you were partially at fault, that your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, or that the accident didn’t happen the way you described it.
This is where data-driven legal strategies are making a real difference in 2025. According to a recent NHTSA report, cases that use accident statistics and traffic data to support claims are settling for 25% higher payouts. Smart lawyers are using city and county crash data to demonstrate risk patterns and strengthen their clients’ cases.
What to Do Right After a Hit-and-Run
Okay, so let’s say you’re dealing with this situation right now. Here’s what you need to do, step by step:
- Stay calm and pull over safely – I know it’s easier said than done, but getting to safety is priority number one
- Call 911 immediately – Even if you think you’re not seriously injured, you need police on the scene to document what happened
- Try to remember details about the other vehicle – License plate, make, model, color, direction they went, anything you can recall
- Look for witnesses – Get contact information from anyone who saw what happened
- Take photos of everything – Your vehicle, the accident scene, any debris, skid marks, whatever you can document
- Don’t give detailed statements to insurance companies – Beyond the basic facts, wait until you’ve talked to a lawyer
The biggest mistake I see people make is waiting too long to get legal help. You might think you can handle the insurance claim yourself, but these companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay out. You need someone on your side who knows their tactics.
Finding the Right Lawyer for Your Case
When you’re looking for a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Colorado Springs, there are some specific things you should look for. First, you want someone who’s actually handled these types of cases before. Ask them directly about their experience with hit-and-run claims and what kind of results they’ve gotten for clients.
You also want a lawyer who understands Colorado’s comparative negligence laws. This is important because insurance companies will often try to blame you for part of the accident to reduce their payout. A good lawyer knows how to fight these arguments and protect your interests.
Local experience matters too. A lawyer who knows the Colorado Springs court system, local judges, and how things work in our area can be worth their weight in gold. They’ll know which strategies work best here and how to handle things in the local legal world.
According to a 2025 ABA study, choosing the right attorney can boost your settlement by up to 35%. That’s not pocket change – it’s the difference between covering your medical bills and being stuck with debt for years.
If you’re looking for that kind of experience and local knowledge, I’d recommend checking out McCormick & Murphy P.C. Their track record speaks for itself, and they understand the unique challenges that hit-and-run victims face in Colorado Springs.
What Your Case Might Be Worth
This is always the big question, isn’t it? What’s my case actually worth? The honest answer is that it depends on a lot of factors, but I can give you some idea of what goes into the calculation.
Your medical expenses are usually the starting point – both what you’ve already paid and what you’re likely to need in the future. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, physical therapy, medication, and any ongoing treatment.
Lost wages come into play too. If you’ve missed work because of your injuries, or if your ability to earn money has been affected long-term, that’s part of your damages.
Then there’s pain and suffering, which is harder to put a number on but just as real. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and impact on your quality of life all factor into your case value.
Property damage is usually the most straightforward part – fixing or replacing your vehicle, personal items that were damaged, and any other property losses.
In hit-and-run cases, you might also be dealing with the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage. If your damages exceed those limits, a skilled lawyer might be able to find other sources of compensation or ways to maximize what you receive.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Let me share some of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen people make with hit-and-run cases, because honestly, these are totally avoidable if you know what to watch out for.
Problem #1: Waiting too long to report the accident or seek medical attention. Some people think if they’re not seriously hurt, they can just deal with it later. Bad idea. Insurance companies will use any delay as ammunition to argue that your injuries aren’t serious or aren’t related to the accident.
Solution: Get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some problems don’t show up immediately. Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours, but don’t give detailed statements without talking to a lawyer first.
Problem #2: Not preserving evidence. I’ve seen cases fall apart because important evidence disappeared while people were trying to figure out what to do next.
Solution: Document everything immediately. Take photos, get witness information, and save any physical evidence. If your phone was damaged in the accident, ask someone else to help or use a disposable camera if you have to.
Problem #3: Accepting the first settlement offer. Insurance companies often lowball initial offers, hoping you’ll take the money and go away.
Solution: Don’t accept any settlement without having a lawyer review it first. What seems like a lot of money upfront might not cover your long-term expenses, and once you accept, that’s usually it – you can’t come back for more later.
Technology and Safety Improvements Helping Victims
Here’s some good news – technology is making it easier to catch hit-and-run drivers and build stronger cases for victims. CDOT’s 2025 safety initiatives include more traffic cameras and improved signage throughout Colorado Springs, which means there’s a better chance of getting video evidence of your accident.
These cameras aren’t just helping identify fleeing drivers – they’re also providing clear documentation of how accidents happen, which can be a big help when insurance companies try to dispute your version of events.
License plate recognition technology is getting better too. Even if you only caught a partial plate number, law enforcement has better tools now to track down vehicles.
Dashboard cameras are becoming more common, and not just in your own car. Other drivers, delivery trucks, and rideshare vehicles often have cameras that might have captured your accident. A good lawyer will know how to track down this footage before it gets deleted.
The Emotional Side Nobody Talks About
Can we talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention? The emotional impact of being in a hit-and-run accident. It’s not just about the physical injuries and property damage – there’s a real psychological component that can mess with your head.
Being hit by someone who just drives away can leave you feeling violated and helpless. You might find yourself constantly looking over your shoulder while driving, or avoiding certain roads where the accident happened. Some people develop anxiety about driving at all.
This stuff is real, and it’s part of what you should be compensated for. A good lawyer will make sure the emotional and psychological impacts are included in your claim, not just the obvious physical damages.
The team at McCormick & Murphy P.C. gets this. They’re known for providing personalized, caring service that addresses not just the legal aspects of your case, but the human side too. You can reach them at (719) 389-0400 or visit their office at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
Alright, so you’ve decided to hire a lawyer – what happens next? I think it helps to know what you’re getting into, because the legal process can feel pretty overwhelming if you’ve never been through it before.
First, your lawyer will do a thorough investigation of your case. This might involve hiring private investigators, working with accident reconstruction experts, and digging through surveillance footage from businesses near the accident scene.
They’ll also handle all the communication with insurance companies, which is honestly a huge relief. These companies have tactics designed to get you to say things that hurt your case, and having a lawyer as a buffer protects you from these games.
Your lawyer will gather all your medical records and work with your doctors to document the full extent of your injuries. This includes getting opinions about future medical needs and how your injuries might affect you long-term.
Most hit-and-run cases settle out of court, but your lawyer needs to be prepared to go to trial if necessary. Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know you have a lawyer who’s willing and able to fight in court.
Special Considerations for Pedestrians and Cyclists
If you’re a pedestrian or cyclist who was hit by a fleeing driver, your situation has some unique challenges that are worth talking about. Unfortunately, you’re part of a group that’s disproportionately affected by hit-and-run accidents, and the injuries tend to be more severe.
The good news is that Colorado law provides some additional protections for pedestrians and cyclists. There are specific rules about how drivers are supposed to interact with people on foot or on bikes, and violations of these rules can strengthen your case.
Your damages might also be higher because pedestrian and cyclist injuries are often more serious than those in car-vs-car accidents. You don’t have the protection of being inside a vehicle, so broken bones, head injuries, and other serious trauma are more common.
Many law firms in Colorado Springs are developing specialized expertise in representing pedestrians and cyclists. This focused approach can make a real difference in the outcome of your case.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
Before you sign on with any lawyer, here are some questions you should definitely ask:
- How many hit-and-run cases have you handled? You want specific numbers and examples, not vague answers
- What’s your success rate with these types of cases? Look for someone with a proven track record
- How do you charge for your services? Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win
- Who will actually be working on my case? Some firms pass cases off to junior lawyers or paralegals
- How often will you update me on my case? Communication is super important, and you should know what to expect
- What do you think my case is worth? A good lawyer should be able to give you a realistic range based on their experience
Don’t be afraid to interview multiple lawyers before making your decision. This is an important choice that can affect the rest of your life, so take your time and find someone you’re comfortable with.
Taking Action After a Hit-and-Run
Look, I know dealing with a hit-and-run accident feels overwhelming. Between the physical injuries, property damage, insurance hassles, and emotional trauma, it’s a lot to handle. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
The most important thing is to act quickly. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget what they saw, and insurance companies start building their defense against your claim from day one. The sooner you get experienced legal help, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
If you’re dealing with a hit-and-run accident in Colorado Springs, I’d strongly recommend talking to the team at McCormick & Murphy P.C. With their decades of experience and track record of recovering millions for Colorado clients, they know how to handle these complex cases. You can contact them at [email protected] or call (719) 389-0400 to discuss your case.
Remember, most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting a professional opinion about your situation. Don’t let the person who hit you and ran get away with it – get the help you need to protect your rights and your future.
Your recovery is important, both physically and financially. With the right legal team on your side, you can focus on healing while they handle the fight for fair compensation. That’s exactly how it should be.
