Q: Good Evening; I ran over a street light pole at night that was in traffic lanes, and my vehicle was damaged.
A Plow truck knocked over the light pole and left the scene without reporting or moving it out of traffic lanes, which would have prevented me and other drivers from running over. We all had significant damage to our vehicles. The police on duty provided a report for this incident, and I was urged by him to file a liability claim with the state for possible compensation for car repairs. I would like to get your expertise on this matter, and if this will be a shut- closed case for all drivers affected by this. Case and point will the state compensate us and not drag this out to avoid paying for vehicle damages? Also, will they include pain and suffering compensation in addition to vehicle repair costs? A short background story of this encounter: a metal street light pole was knocked over a Plow truck and the driver didn't stop or call those responsible for clearing the highway. It was reported by an onlooker that the driver continued driving, and it was what appeared to be a semi-truck
A: A Colorado attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. The police officer was correct - you could have rights there for compensation. You ask if this would be a "shut-closed" case. That depends on the stance taken by the applicable public agencies. In response to your other question, "No, pain and suffering is not a component of PD claims." Based on the facts, there didn't appear to be injuries. I hope there were none, but pain and suffering is a component of damages associated with bodily injury cases. That's my individual take on the way cases are handled nationwide - a Colorado attorney could offer you more definitive and state-specific guidance. I hope you're okay. Good luck
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