Hit-and-Run Accidents Are a Crime in Indiana
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1. If the crash causes injury, it is a Level 6 felony punishable by up to 2.5 years in prison. Even property damage hit-and-runs carry penalties. The driver who flees loses the chance to exchange insurance, leaving you to fight for compensation alone.
Indianapolis sees over 3,000 reported hit-and-run crashes annually, according to IMPD data. Many more go unreported. Acting fast increases your odds of identifying the at-fault driver and securing a full recovery.
Step 1: Stay Safe and Call 911 Immediately
Pull your vehicle out of traffic if possible. Turn on hazard lights. Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Never chase the fleeing driver; it puts you in danger and weakens your legal position.
Dial 911 and report the hit-and-run. Tell the dispatcher:
- Your exact location (street, intersection, or mile marker)
- Direction the fleeing vehicle traveled
- Vehicle description (make, model, color, damage)
- Partial or full license plate
An official police report creates a paper trail for insurance and potential criminal charges.
Step 2: Report to Indiana State Police (ISP) Within 24 Hours
Indiana law requires you to file a formal hit-and-run report. For crashes outside Indianapolis city limits, contact ISP directly or visit the nearest district post.
Bring:
- Your driver license and registration
- Photos of damage and scene
- Witness contact information
ISP enters the fleeing vehicle into statewide databases. This triggers alerts if the car is spotted during routine traffic stops.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
While waiting for police, document everything:
- Take 360-degree photos of your vehicle damage
- Photograph skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Record a short voice memo describing what happened
- Ask witnesses to stay or get their names and phone numbers
Time erases evidence. Paint transfers fade. Debris gets swept away. Act before the trail goes cold.
Step 4: Hunt for Security Cameras
Hit-and-runs often happen near businesses, traffic lights, or residential doorbells. Look for:
- Gas station surveillance
- Traffic cameras at major intersections (INDOT controls most)
- Ring or Nest doorbell cameras on nearby homes
- Dashcams in parked cars
Ask owners politely for footage and note the time frame. Our firm sends preservation letters to prevent automatic deletion (most systems overwrite in 7 to 30 days).
Step 5: File Under Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Indiana requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage. It pays when the at-fault driver is unidentified or lacks insurance. Typical limits match your liability coverage (example: $100,000 per person).
Notify your insurer within 24 hours of the crash. Provide the police report number. Do not accept the first settlement offer; UM claims often undervalue pain and suffering.
We negotiate with your own carrier to maximize recovery, then pursue subrogation if the hit-and-run driver is later found.
Step 6: Hire an Experienced Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Insurance companies treat hit-and-runs as high-risk claims. They look for excuses to deny or reduce payouts. An attorney can level the playing field by:
- Obtaining traffic cam footage before it is erased
- Tracking the fleeing vehicle through license plate readers
- Filing UM claims correctly and on time
- Pursuing criminal restitution if the driver is caught
We have recovered millions for hit-and-run victims across Indiana. We advance all costs and charge nothing unless we win.
Hit-and-Run Penalty Chart (Quick Reference)
- Property damage only: Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year jail, $5,000 fine)
- Bodily injury: Level 6 felony (6 months to 2.5 years, $10,000 fine)
- Serious injury or death: Level 5 felony (1 to 6 years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I only got a partial license plate?
A: IMPD and ISP can run partial plate searches. Even three digits plus vehicle color often identify the owner.
Q: Will my insurance rates go up if I file a UM claim?
A: Indiana law prohibits surcharges for not-at-fault UM claims. Rates may still rise at renewal due to the accident itself.
Q: Can I sue the hit-and-run driver later?
A: Yes. Once identified, you have two years from the crash date to file a personal injury suit (IC § 34-11-2-4).
Hit-and-Run Victim in Indianapolis? We Fight for You
Parr Richey Frandsen Patterson Kruse LLP
317-505-1342
5.0 Google rating. $100M+ recovered. No fees unless we win.