If you’ve been hit by a driver who fled the scene, you should report the crash to the police and provide any identifying details about the hit-and-run driver and their vehicle (license plate number, make, model, color, etc.), make notes about what you can remember, and seek medical attention. Next, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Doing so can help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Are the Steps I Should Take Following a Hit-and-Run Accident in Indiana?
- 2 What Damages Can I Recover If I Have Been in an Indiana Hit-and-Run Accident?
- 3 Will Insurance Cover Me After a Hit and Run?
- 4 How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?
- 5 How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
- 6 Contact an Indiana Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
What Are the Steps I Should Take Following a Hit-and-Run Accident in Indiana?
In the days and weeks after a hit-and-run accident, taking the following steps can help you protect yourself and your rights:
- Collect accident details – Write down everything you can remember about the accident, the fleeing driver and their vehicle, and anyone who may have seen the crash. If you obtain any police reports, keep copies.
- Contact your insurance company – Notify your insurance provider about the accident as soon as possible. Failure to do so could jeopardize essential coverage. Inquire about making a claim through your collision, medical payments, or uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.
- Document your injuries – Keep records detailing your injuries, treatment, and recovery process. This includes medical reports, medical bills, prescription receipts, therapy invoices, and notes about how the injuries impact your daily functioning.
- Calculate lost wages – Make a record of any income you lose from missing work during treatment or recovery. Ask your employer for documentation of your wages and missed hours.
- Photograph property damage – Take clear photos of any damage to your vehicle or other personal property. Get estimates for repairs.
- Hire an attorney – Our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers can conduct a full investigation into the crash, deal with insurers for you, determine all available compensation, and file a lawsuit if necessary.
What Damages Can I Recover If I Have Been in an Indiana Hit-and-Run Accident?
The compensation you can recover after hit-and-run collisions depends on the particular circumstances at play. If the police can locate the at-fault driver, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them seeking money for:
- Medical care expenses
- Lost income from missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Physical and psychological pain and suffering
- Property damage
Working with the experienced Indiana hit-and-run accident attorneys at Truitt Law Offices can help you pursue the total amount you deserve.
Will Insurance Cover Me After a Hit and Run?
Seeking compensation for your injury after a hit-and-run is challenging if you cannot locate the driver. However, you may have options such as:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) — This coverage pays for accident-related expenses when the at-fault driver lacks the required liability coverage or flees the scene of a crash. It is not mandatory coverage in Indiana. So, you must review your policy to determine if you have it.
- Medical Payments (MedPay) — This insurance is another optional form of coverage. It is immediately available after a crash, regardless of who is at fault. It can cover medical expenses, such as doctor’s appointments, diagnostic testing, hospital stays, and prescriptions.
- Collision insurance — Pays for vehicle damage regardless of who is to blame.
How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 682,000 hit-and-run accidents occur annually. In one recent year, 737,100 hit-and-runs occurred.
A driver might leave the crash scene because they fear getting into trouble. The most common reasons for hit-and-run accidents include:
- Lack of insurance — According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 16 percent of Indiana motorists lack legally mandated insurance. A driver might flee an accident scene to avoid a traffic citation for driving without insurance.
- Outstanding warrant — If there is an outstanding warrant for a driver’s arrest, fleeing the scene might seem better than getting arrested. Some drivers take their chances and drive off before law enforcement arrives.
- Driving under the influence — It is illegal to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. An impaired driver may leave the scene to avoid criminal charges.
- Lack of license — Driving without a valid driver’s license is also a crime in Indiana. Car crashes often involve police investigations. Fleeing might seem more appealing than remaining at the scene to avoid civil or criminal penalties.
- Fear of criminal charges – If the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was speeding excessively, or had a suspended license, they may flee to avoid DUI or reckless driving charges.
- harges.
- Warrants or probation violations – Persons with outstanding arrest warrants or on probation or parole might leave the scene to prevent law enforcement from identifying them.
- Callousness – In some cases, exceptionally cold-hearted individuals leave the scene due to sheer indifference about the injuries they’ve caused.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
In general, Indiana imposes a two-year deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit. However, if you must seek compensation for the accident through your UM insurance coverage, your deadline will be set in the terms of your policy. Alert your provider as soon as possible to avoid jeopardizing your coverage, and contact our experienced personal injury lawyers. We can push back against your insurer if they try to deny coverage or reduce your payout.
Contact an Indiana Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Being hurt in a car accident is hard enough as it is without the at-fault driver running away from their responsibility. However, it is vital that you take the proper steps as soon as you can to optimize your chances of getting the justice you deserve in a personal injury claim. An Indiana hit-and-run lawyer with Truitt Law Offices can offer you the support and legal guidance you need at this challenging time.
The experienced attorneys at our law firm understand what you are going through, and we want to empower you to pursue the compensation you deserve. Our experienced team will handle every aspect of your case, keeping you updated at every step while giving you the space and freedom to concentrate on healing.
Contact our offices today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options after a hit-and-run crash in Indiana.
