It is a crime for drivers to leave the scene of an accident without providing the other driver with necessary information, informing authorities, and rendering assistance if someone is hurt. This is true whether a driver collides with another car on the road, hit a parked car, struck a pedestrian, or hit a bicyclist. Should the accident result in a major injury or death, fleeing an accident scene could result in felony charges.
If you suffered injuries in a hit and run accident, you deserve justice. However, tracking down the at-fault motorist and then proving the cause of your injuries may not be simple. By working with an Indianapolis hit and run accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, you will have an advocate in your corner who will investigate your accident and do everything possible to recover compensation on your behalf.
Our attorneys work on a contingency-fee-basis, which means you will not pay us anything until we secure compensation for you and your family. To learn more about how we can help you, contact our team today at (800) 598-7557.
The Criminal Implications of a Hit and Run Accident
When a negligent motorist flees an accident scene, they may do so for various reasons. However, the reason for this action does not preclude them from criminal charges.
Indiana Code (IC) §9-26-1-1.1 notes that following an accident, drivers should:
- Immediately stop either at the accident scene or as close as possible
- Remain at the accident scene until they give their name, address, and vehicle registration number
- Assist any injured parties while emergency transportation is en route
- Contact law enforcement if the collision resulted in any fatalities, injuries, or apparent property damage
Failure to comply with these rules may result in misdemeanor or felony charges. Yet, the other party’s criminal charges have no bearing on your ability to recover compensation via a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Their criminal charges are separate from the financial recovery process. In fact, their charges could ultimately prove the cause of your accident.
You can call Ben Crump Law, PLLC to learn more about what information could help your case. Your initial case review is free, and there is no obligation.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Indianapolis, call (800) 598-7557
Employable Measures Following an Indianapolis Car Accident
Even if the other driver fled the accident scene, there are still measures you can employ to promote the success of your personal injury case. While the following recommendations are not mandatory, they can ultimately work to serve your legal goals.
Following a collision, you should consider:
Keeping a Journal about the Accident and Your Injuries
Your lawyer will listen to your account of events and determine whether any of the information you provide could help your case. For example, if you remember anything about the other driver’s vehicle, including its color, make, model, and any other identifying features, this information could help locate the negligent driver. You should write down these details for future reference.
Taking Photos of Your Vehicle’s Damage and Your Injuries
During the claims process, you will need to prove the severity of your injuries and the extent of your vehicle’s damage. You can do this by taking photos of your external injuries and your vehicle. You will want to prove that because of another driver’s negligence, you have suffered both injuries and financial losses.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
Even if the accident was not your fault, you will want to notify your insurer of the accident’s occurrence. If you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, telling your insurance company about the crash could help you get compensated.
If you cannot complete these tasks on your own, do not worry; your lawyer can handle them for you. They can record your account of events, provide documentation of your injuries to the insurer, and handle all communications with the insurance company. You do not need to stress about going through the financial recovery process alone. Ben Crump Law, PLLC is on your side.
To learn more, reach out to our legal team today.
Indianapolis Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 598-7557
Seeking Compensation Following a Hit and Run Accident
Ideally, the police will be able to identify the hit-and-run driver, in which case you will file a claim with their insurance company. However, if the driver does not have insurance or remains anonymous, you might have to pursue compensation from your own insurance policy.
An Indianapolis hit and run accident lawyer can guide you through your legal options and protect your rights.
They can do this by:
Reviewing Your Insurance Coverage Options
Your lawyer can review the details of your insurance policy and explain your coverage options. Every Indiana driver must have minimum insurance liability coverage, as detailed by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Every driver should maintain:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability (BIL) per person
- $50,000 in BIL per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability (PDL)
If you have adequate insurance coverage, you could resolve your claim through an insurance settlement.
Determining Liability for Your Accident
Responsibility for your damages may fall on the party who caused the accident. However, even though the other driver fled the scene, their insurance company might dispute fault or contend that you were partially responsible, which would reduce the amount of compensation you can receive, as described in IC §34-51-2-5.
If you cannot reach a settlement agreement and your case goes to court, you will need to prove that the other party acted negligently.
Your Indianapolis hit and run accident lawyer can do this by:
- Presenting the evidence associated with your case
- Citing the other motorist’s driving history and pending criminal charges
- Reviewing traffic camera footage
- Presenting witness testimony
- Reviewing the information included in the police report
Per IC §34-11-2-4, you typically have two years to file an Indianapolis car accident lawsuit. However, because the driver fled the scene, the clock will start two years after you learn their identity, according to IC §34-11-5-1.
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Get in Touch with Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we believe that you should not have to pay for someone else’s negligence. An Indianapolis hit and run accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and emotional anguish. To begin a free case evaluation, contact our team today at (800) 598-7557.
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