Driver Sentenced After Boulder Hit-and-Run Injures Cyclist

A man has pleaded guilty to a hit-and-run crash in Boulder that occurred in March this year, leaving a cyclist severely injured. The suspect, Dustin Kelsey, was identified and arrested following the crash and jailed on several charges. In a plea agreement, Kelsey pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident causing serious bodily injury and was sentenced to 1 year of probation and 20 community service hours. Two other charges against him were dismissed.

Between January 2022 and January 2023 there was a 35% increase in reported hit-and-run crashes in the state of Colorado. If a driver leaves the scene of an accident and is later identified, it can lead to multiple charges. Victims of hit-and-run car accidents in Boulder not only have to face recovery and numerous expenses, but are left to deal with unanswered questions regarding their accident.
At Levine Law, our hit-and-run crash attorneys understand the pain and frustration injury victims go through in Boulder. Contact us at (303) 951-4810 for a free case review so we can handle your case while you can focus on rest and recovery in the aftermath of your accident.

Possible Compensation in a Boulder Hit-and-Run Accident

Drivers are supposed to stop and provide assistance if involved in a car accident. When a driver flees the scene of an accident they caused, it creates unnecessary problems for the injured party. If found after leaving the scene of a crash, the at fault driver can be criminally charged and face a lawsuit in regards to the hit-and-run accident. 

As tempting as it is to follow a hit-and-run driver from the scene of the accident, it is incredibly important to stay where you are and call 911 and wait for police assistance.

 While you may not feel the extent of your injuries at the time, it’s possible you could be more injured than you realise. Seeking medical care and filing a police report to document the accident helps your case when you decide to file a Boulder hit-and-run claim. Levine Law hit-and-run crash attorneys know how to guide injury victims through the relevant steps to secure fair compensation in the aftermath of a hit-and-run inflicted injury. 

Medical Expenses After a Boulder Hit-and-Run Crash

Medical costs are often the largest part of a personal injury claim. Emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy can place a tremendous financial strain on victims and their loved ones. Even if health insurance covers some of these costs, co-pays and out-of-pocket bills add up quickly.

Ongoing Treatment and Rehabilitation Costs

Victims of hit-and-run collisions frequently require long-term medical care. Rehabilitation programs, follow-up visits with specialists, and therapy sessions can last months or even years. These future medical expenses must be calculated into any settlement or judgment so that victims are not left paying for treatment related to injuries caused by the crash.

Assistive Devices and Home Modifications

Severe injuries may require victims to rely on assistive devices such as wheelchairs or mobility aids. In some cases, homes need to be modified with ramps, wider doorways, or accessible bathrooms. These costs are part of medical-related damages and are recoverable in a Boulder hit-and-run accident claim.

Lost Wages and Income Following a Hit-and-Run

Many victims are unable to return to work immediately after a serious accident. Lost wages create significant financial stress, especially when families rely on a single income. Compensation claims allow victims to recover wages lost during their recovery period.

Loss of Future Earning Capacity

When an injury permanently limits a victim’s ability to work, compensation may include loss of future earnings. This type of damage takes into account the career path the victim was on before the crash and the opportunities they can no longer pursue. Attorneys often work with financial experts to project the long-term economic impact of a disabling injury.

Job Retraining and Career Adjustments

Some victims may eventually return to the workforce but in a different capacity. Job retraining and vocational rehabilitation programs are costly, but they may be necessary to help victims rebuild their careers. These expenses can also be factored into a Boulder hit-and-run accident claim.

Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress

Not all damages are financial. Victims of hit-and-run accidents experience emotional distress and a reduced quality of life that deserve recognition in a claim. Courts recognize the human impact of these injuries, even if they are not easily measured with receipts or bills.

Psychological Effects of a Hit-and-Run

Being abandoned at the scene of an accident can intensify the trauma of a crash. Victims often deal with anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress as they process the fact that the driver chose to flee instead of helping. Emotional harm is real and compensable under Colorado law.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

When victims cannot return to the activities they once loved, their quality of life diminishes. Whether it is being unable to cycle, hike, or participate in family traditions, these losses can be included in a claim for non-economic damages.

Punitive Damages in Boulder Hit-and-Run Cases

Punitive damages may apply in cases where the driver’s actions were reckless or showed willful disregard for the safety of others. Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a serious offense, and courts may award punitive damages to punish the driver and deter similar conduct.

Circumstances Where Punitive Damages Apply

While not awarded in every case, punitive damages may be considered when the driver’s conduct was particularly egregious. A driver who knowingly struck someone and fled to avoid responsibility may be held accountable through this additional category of compensation.

How Punitive Damages Differ From Other Damages

Unlike medical bills or lost wages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim directly for losses. Instead, they serve as a financial penalty against the wrongdoer. Even though the purpose is different, punitive damages can significantly increase the total recovery in a Boulder hit-and-run accident case.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Boulder Hit-and-Run Claims

Securing full compensation requires more than filing paperwork. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and without an experienced attorney, victims risk accepting far less than they deserve.

The Role of an Attorney in Maximizing Compensation

An attorney investigates the crash, tracks down potential sources of recovery, and ensures that every category of damages is included in the claim. Legal representation levels the playing field against insurance companies that are motivated to settle cases for as little as possible.

How Levine Law Helps Hit-and-Run Victims in Boulder

At Levine Law, our Boulder hit-and-run accident attorneys know how to fight for every dollar clients deserve. We guide victims through medical claims, lost wage recovery, and negotiations for non-economic damages. By pursuing all available forms of compensation, we help clients focus on healing while we handle the legal battle.

What to Do After a Boulder Hit-and-Run Accident

Knowing what steps to take after a hit-and-run accident in Boulder can protect your health, strengthen your legal claim, and improve your chances of recovering fair compensation. Victims are often left facing numerous challenges after a collision, but taking the right actions as soon as possible can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case.

Call Law Enforcement Immediately

The first and most important step after a Boulder hit-and-run accident is to contact the police. Filing an official report ensures the crash is documented and that law enforcement can begin investigating.

Why a Police Report Matters

An accident report provides details about the scene, potential witnesses, and any evidence collected. Without this record, it becomes harder to prove your case later. Insurance companies often rely on the report to confirm that the incident happened.

How Officers Investigate a Hit-and-Run

Police officers may look for debris, paint transfers, or surveillance footage to identify the fleeing driver. They also take witness statements and may issue alerts to the community if the driver’s vehicle description is known.

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, it is important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away.

Documenting Injuries for Your Claim

Medical records create a clear link between the accident and your injuries. This documentation is vital when pursuing a claim, especially if the at-fault driver is later identified or if your own insurance coverage is used.

Following Through With Treatment

Consistently attending medical appointments not only aids recovery but also demonstrates that you are taking your health seriously. Gaps in treatment can be used by insurance companies to argue that injuries are not as severe as claimed.

Collect Evidence at the Scene

If you are physically able, gathering evidence at the crash site can help strengthen your future claim. This may include photographs, witness information, and descriptions of the fleeing vehicle.

The Importance of Photographs and Videos

Pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, and injuries can capture details that may be lost once the scene is cleared. These images often serve as powerful evidence later in negotiations or court.

Recording Witness Statements

Witnesses may have seen the direction the fleeing driver went or captured identifying details. Collecting their names and contact information allows your attorney to follow up and strengthen your case.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Reporting the hit-and-run to your insurer is another critical step. Insurance policies typically require prompt notice of an accident, and failure to report can affect coverage.

Using Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In cases where the driver is not located, uninsured motorist coverage may help cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. This type of coverage is designed for situations exactly like hit-and-run crashes.

Avoiding Mistakes When Talking to Insurance Adjusters

Insurance representatives may try to minimize your claim or push for a quick settlement. Having an attorney handle communications ensures that you do not say anything that could harm your case.

Contact a Boulder Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

The final and most important step is to reach out to an experienced attorney. Hit-and-run accidents present unique challenges, and legal representation is key to protecting your rights.

How an Attorney Strengthens Your Case

A lawyer investigates the crash, works with medical providers, and negotiates with insurance companies. They also track down potential sources of compensation and ensure that claims are filed within the required deadlines.

How the Right Lawyer Can Help in Your Boulder Hit-and-Run

A hit-and-run accident in Boulder leaves victims facing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Having the right lawyer on your side makes a significant difference in how your case is handled and the outcome you achieve. An experienced attorney provides both legal knowledge and practical guidance, helping you take control of a difficult situation and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Investigating the Boulder Hit-and-Run Accident

One of the first steps an attorney takes is conducting a detailed investigation of the crash. While law enforcement may also investigate, an attorney works directly for you, making sure every piece of evidence is uncovered and preserved.

Gathering Evidence From the Scene

Lawyers know how to track down evidence that may otherwise be overlooked. This includes reviewing photographs, locating witnesses, and examining vehicle damage. Even small details can play a major role in proving your claim.

Using Experts to Strengthen the Case

Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to explain how the crash occurred and the extent of your injuries. These expert insights help establish both liability and the value of your damages in a hit-and-run case.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are not focused on your recovery. Their goal is to minimize payouts, and without a lawyer, you may find yourself pressured into accepting less than your claim is worth.

Negotiating Fair Settlements

An experienced Boulder hit-and-run accident lawyer understands the tactics insurers use to reduce compensation. By negotiating on your behalf, an attorney ensures that all of your damages are taken into account, including long-term medical needs and emotional distress.

Protecting You From Unfair Practices

Insurance adjusters may try to dispute your injuries or argue that coverage is limited. With an attorney handling communications, you are protected from these tactics and can focus on your recovery without added stress.

Maximizing Compensation for Victims

Recovering from a hit-and-run accident involves more than paying hospital bills. The right lawyer calculates the full scope of your losses, including economic and non-economic damages, so you are not left struggling in the future.

Evaluating Long-Term Financial Impact

Attorneys consider not only immediate medical bills but also lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the cost of rehabilitation. These calculations are essential to making sure your settlement reflects the true impact of the accident.

Seeking Compensation for Pain and Suffering

A claim is not complete without recognition of the emotional and physical pain caused by the crash. Lawyers emphasize the human toll of a hit-and-run, ensuring your suffering is included in the final resolution of the case.

Guiding You Through the Legal Process

The legal process can feel overwhelming for victims already dealing with injuries and uncertainty. A lawyer provides step-by-step guidance so you always know what to expect.

Meeting Deadlines and Filing Requirements

Every case has strict deadlines that must be met to protect your rights. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the ability to recover compensation. Attorneys keep track of these requirements and ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.

Explaining Each Stage of the Case

From the initial claim through settlement negotiations or trial, a lawyer explains the process in clear terms. This transparency allows victims to make informed decisions without feeling confused or left in the dark.

Providing Support and Advocacy

Beyond legal representation, the right lawyer serves as an advocate and source of support for victims of Boulder hit-and-run accidents. Knowing that you have someone fighting for your rights can ease the burden during recovery.

Standing Up for Your Best Interests

When you hire an attorney, you gain a partner who prioritizes your needs over the interests of insurers or the at-fault driver. This advocacy ensures that your case is pursued with determination and care.

How Levine Law Helps Boulder Hit-and-Run Victims

At Levine Law, our attorneys know the challenges victims face after a driver flees the scene. We take immediate action to build a strong case, handle insurance negotiations, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Our team is committed to protecting your rights so you can focus on healing.

Contact a Boulder Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today

The aftermath of a hit-and-run accident in Boulder can leave you with more questions than answers. You may be facing painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and the frustration of knowing the driver who caused your suffering chose to flee instead of taking responsibility. During this difficult time, having the right legal support can make all the difference.

At Levine Law, our Boulder hit-and-run accident attorneys understand the toll these crashes take on victims and their families. We have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you need to comfortably move forward. From investigating the crash to dealing with insurance companies and presenting your case in court if necessary, we stand by your side every step of the way.

If you were injured in a Boulder hit-and-run accident, do not wait to seek legal help. Call Levine Law today at (303) 951-4810 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. We are ready to listen to your story, protect your rights, and fight for the justice you deserve.