Ford pickup struck a pedestrian and fled the scene at the North Circle Drive intersection
January 13, 2026 | Colorado Springs, CO
Authorities have charged Victor Langhart following a hit-and-run incident that seriously injured a pedestrian on Jan. 13.
The Colorado Springs Police Department reported the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of North Circle Drive and Galley Road.
What Happened in the Crash?
Victor Langhart is charged after a dark-colored Ford pickup struck a pedestrian in a hit-and-run at North Circle Drive and Galley Road in Colorado Springs.
Police detailed that a dark-colored Ford pickup truck, traveling north on Circle Drive, was making a right turn onto eastbound Galley Road when it collided with a pedestrian walking north across the intersection. Eyewitnesses observed the vehicle flee the scene without stopping.
Key details include:
- Date and Time: Jan. 13, approximately 6:30 p.m.
- Location: North Circle Drive and Galley Road, Colorado Springs
- Vehicle Involved: Dark-colored Ford pickup truck
- Pedestrian Injuries: Serious, treated at a local hospital
- Driver Actions: Fled initially but was later located in a nearby neighborhood and confessed to the collision
- Charges: Careless driving causing serious bodily injury, and leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury
- Contributing Factors: Investigators ruled out speed and alcohol
The pedestrian's identity remains undisclosed to respect privacy during the ongoing investigation.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents represent a significant portion of traffic collisions, often driven by drivers' attempts to evade responsibility. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these cases can involve various factors beyond the immediate crash dynamics.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of crashes involving hit-and-run drivers |
Approximately 11% |
NHTSA |
Annual hit-and-run incidents in the U.S. |
Over 2,000 fatalities |
Federal Highway Administration |
Common reasons for fleeing |
Fear of legal consequences, lack of insurance |
CDC Traffic Safety Reports |
This table highlights the prevalence and implications of such crashes, underscoring the need for thorough investigations.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of prompt, independent reviews in hit-and-run cases to ensure accountability and support for those affected.
“In cases such as this, having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that must be fully considered. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has been injured by a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Independent investigations protect victims' rights and uncover hidden factors like environmental conditions.
- Hit-and-run drivers face severe charges upon apprehension, regardless of initial escape.
- Victims may pursue personal injury claims to address medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
“Pending an investigation, a victim may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Stress from an injury is overwhelming and disrupts all aspects of life,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “It is vital for victims to hire an attorney when filing a personal injury claim, which allows them to negotiate with an insurance company for a client. Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their clients to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly.”
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If you, a friend, or a family member has been injured by a hit-and-run or drunk driver, contact national legal analyst Candice Bond for a free consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).