Is It Legal to Leave the Scene After an Accident Without Injuries?

Indiana law prohibits a motorist from leaving the scene of an auto accident, even if no one involved in the collision was injured. Drivers must stop at the scene and exchange vehicle registration and license information with other drivers. Additional legal obligations apply if an accident results in injuries or death.

If you have been injured in an auto accident in Indiana, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. Our attorneys have been standing up for people injured in car crashes and truck accidents for more than 20 years. We offer a free case consultation. We will review the facts of your accident at no charge and explain your legal options for pursuing compensation.

Indiana Laws on Leaving an Accident Scene

Under Indiana law, a driver involved in an accident has certain obligations. You must:

• Stop at the scene of the accident without obstructing traffic
• Remain at the scene and exchange contact and driver’s license information with other motorists involved in the accident
• Provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident
• Notify law enforcement and request an ambulance if the accident results in injuries or death
• Make reasonable efforts to locate the owner of a damaged, unoccupied vehicle or notify law enforcement if the vehicle owner cannot be located

Obligation To Help If Someone Is Injured

When a car accident results in injuries, a non-incapacitated driver or passenger must provide reasonable assistance to injured accident victims as directed by a law enforcement officer, medical personnel, or a 911 operator.

Consequences for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Indiana

A driver who fails to comply with their obligations at the scene of an accident in Indiana may face criminal prosecution for leaving the scene. In Indiana, leaving the scene of an accident typically results in a Class B misdemeanor charge. However, the level of the offense can increase to:

• Class A misdemeanor if the accident resulted in bodily injury to another person
• Level 6 felony if the accident resulted in moderate or serious bodily injury, or the driver has a prior qualifying conviction within the previous five years
• Level 4 felony if the accident resulted in catastrophic injury or death
• Level 3 felony if the driver knowingly failed to stop while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and the accident results in serious or catastrophic injury or death

Steps To Take After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Indiana

Take the following steps to protect your legal rights if the other driver flees the scene of a car accident:

• Report the accident to law enforcement.
• Take photos and videos of the crash scene.
• Obtain the contact information of any eyewitnesses.
• Get medical attention to check for any injuries you suffered.
• Notify your auto insurer of the accident.
• Keep copies of your bills and receipts from the accident and your pay stubs or income statements if you miss work.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protecting Yourself in the Event of a Hit-and-Run Accident in Indiana

You have the right to pursue compensation after a hit-and-run accident in Indiana. Every auto insurance policy issued to Indiana drivers must include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, with a minimum policy limit of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. You most likely have this coverage unless you declined it in writing. Uninsured motorist coverage allows you to file a claim against your UM policy and recover compensation for losses incurred in an auto accident when the at-fault driver is uninsured.

Uninsured motorist coverage applies in an accident caused by a driver without liability insurance. Hit-and-run drivers who flee the scene are covered by uninsured motorist insurance.

Schedule a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Indianapolis Car Accident Attorneys

Contact Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation about a hit-and-run accident. Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys can help you demand the compensation needed to rebuild your life after significant injuries and losses caused by another driver. Call us at (800) 746-0226, or fill out our contact form on our website.