Getting hurt in a hit and run accident can be frightening and leave you unsure of what to do next. In Indiana, if you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident, it is important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your rights. Taking the right actions can help you receive medical care, gather needed information, and start the process to recover damages for your injuries. Knowing what to do can make a difference, so here’s a guide on what steps to take after a hit and run accident in Indiana.
Understand the Importance of Immediate Action
After any accident, especially a hit and run, acting quickly can help secure important information and evidence. In a hit and run accident, the other driver has left the scene, which means you’ll need to gather as much information as you can. Quick actions not only help with your personal recovery but also assist law enforcement in tracking down the driver responsible. In Indiana, failing to follow up with these steps may make it harder to hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions.
Ensure Your Safety First
Your immediate safety should be your top priority following a hit and run accident. If you are able to move, get yourself to a safe location away from oncoming traffic. Moving away from the roadway helps you avoid further injury, especially if you’re in a busy area where other vehicles are passing by. Staying out of harm’s way gives you a chance to catch your breath and prepare for the next steps you’ll need to take.
Once you’re in a safe spot, take a moment to check for any obvious injuries. Injuries like cuts, bruises, or fractures might be noticeable, but it’s also possible to have injuries that don’t show right away. For example, head, neck, or internal injuries might not be obvious immediately after an accident. Being in a hit and run can leave you feeling shaken, so it’s important to pay attention to how your body feels and take any pain or discomfort seriously.
Call for Medical Help and Law Enforcement Assistance
After ensuring your safety, contact emergency services. Calling 911 brings medical help if you’re hurt and allows police to arrive at the scene to file an official report. Even if your injuries seem minor at the time, having medical professionals examine you can catch any hidden issues. They can assess injuries that might not be obvious, like whiplash or internal injuries, and provide immediate care to prevent further harm.
When the police arrive, they will file a report about the hit and run accident. Having an official report is important for your records and will help in any legal or insurance claims you may need to file. The police will likely ask you questions about what happened and will note details about the scene. You should answer their questions as clearly as possible, as their report may become a crucial piece of evidence in finding the driver or in processing your claim.
Attorney Christopher Wyant is here to help you.
With over 17 years of experience, Attorney Wyant has spent his entire legal career representing individuals who have been injured or killed as a result of the carelessness of others. With trial experience in over 20 jury trials, he has handled cases involving wrongful death and personal injury arising out of automobile crashes, premises liability, slips and falls, dog attacks, and civil rights violations.
Try to Remember and Record Important Details
In the moments after a hit and run accident, the details of the event might be fresh in your mind. If you can, take the time to recall and record details about the vehicle that hit you. Try to remember information like the color, make, model, and any part of the license plate you may have seen. Even small details can help police locate the driver responsible for the accident.
If possible, use your phone to take photos or record video of the accident scene. Pictures of your car, any damage, tire marks on the road, and nearby surroundings can help in understanding what happened. If there are any witnesses nearby who saw the accident, try to get their contact information. Witness statements may be valuable, as they can provide an unbiased view of the accident and support your account.
Seek Medical Attention After Leaving the Scene
If you didn’t receive medical help at the scene, it’s still important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not appear until hours or even days after the accident. A medical evaluation ensures you’re treated promptly for any conditions that might arise. Getting a medical report is also helpful when filing insurance claims, as it shows that your injuries were caused by the hit and run accident.
Even if you feel fine, a doctor’s visit can reveal hidden issues. For example, injuries like concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal bleeding might not be obvious but could lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Following up on your health not only aids in your recovery but also documents the extent of your injuries for legal and insurance purposes.
My husband and I were involved in an auto accident. The driver that hit us was without a doubt at fault. In less than 2 days we were getting calls from the driver’s insurance company wanting us to accept 15% fault. The calls kept coming to try and push us into a settlement. We decided to get legal help and found Chris Wyant. Once Chris took over we felt a big load lifted. He is very knowledgeable, well prepared and makes everything so much easier to understand the process. Chris has a very diligent work ethic that gets results. We are so very grateful to have found Chris. We highly recommend Chris Wyant.”
- Kathaleen Boyce
Chris was awesome from the very first meeting. Very professional and knowledgeable. He knew what needed to be done and what he needed from us. He was exceptionally easy to work with and very patient with all of the questions we had. All we had to do was either call or email him with a question and he responded as quickly as he could. I couldn’t be happier with his services. I would definitely recommend his practice to anyone."
- Rita Bridge
God Bless Wyant Law. I can honestly say that Chris went to bat for me in such a huge way during such a trying time. He was very professional and upfront about every step he took. I would 100 percent recommend Wyant Law for your legal needs."
- Briana Shouse
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contacting your insurance company is another key step in handling a hit and run accident. When speaking with your insurance provider, explain that you were involved in a hit and run accident and give them the information you’ve gathered. Insurance policies in Indiana may have options for uninsured motorist coverage, which can help cover damages when the other driver is unknown or has no insurance.
Be prepared to provide your insurance company with the details from the police report, any medical records, and the photos or videos you took at the scene. Your insurance company will guide you on the next steps and let you know what coverage you may have under your policy. Each insurance company has its own process, so following their instructions can help speed up your claim.
Understand Indiana’s Hit and Run Laws
Indiana law takes hit and run accidents seriously. According to Indiana law, drivers must stop and stay at the scene of an accident, especially if injuries are involved. Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense, and if the driver is found, they could face legal consequences such as fines, loss of license, or even jail time. Knowing these laws can help you understand what kind of justice might be possible if the driver is identified and held accountable.
Indiana’s legal system allows injured victims to file claims to recover costs for their injuries, property damage, and other related expenses. Hit and run cases can be challenging, as the responsible driver’s identity is unknown. However, police investigations and legal actions may uncover the driver’s identity and allow you to pursue compensation.
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Explore Legal Options for Compensation
If you’ve been hurt in a hit and run accident, exploring your legal options can be beneficial. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. While insurance may cover some of these costs, there may be additional compensation you could recover through a legal claim.
A lawyer with experience in hit and run accidents can assess your situation and help you understand your options. In cases where the at-fault driver is identified, a lawsuit against them is possible. Even if the driver isn’t found, an attorney can help you with other options, like uninsured motorist claims against your own auto insurance company. In Indiana, certain time limits apply to filing claims, so seeking legal guidance early ensures you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Why Having Legal Help Matters After a Hit and Run Accident
Handling a hit and run accident alone can feel overwhelming. With legal assistance, you can focus on your recovery while someone else handles the paperwork, insurance, and any negotiations. In Indiana, hit and run laws can be complex, and having a knowledgeable advocate can make a difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer can help with collecting evidence, talking with witnesses, and working with police and insurance companies to support your claim.
Additionally, legal help can be valuable in navigating complicated medical bills and insurance negotiations. Many insurance companies might offer a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your expenses, and a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that any settlement reflects the costs you have incurred due to the accident.
Recovering and Moving Forward
Recovering from a hit and run accident can be physically and emotionally challenging. Taking each step carefully can help you regain control and protect your rights. Seeking medical care, gathering information, and notifying your insurance are all important steps in this process. Getting the right support can ease your journey and ensure you receive the help and care you deserve.
If you’re unsure about any steps in your recovery or need assistance handling the legal side of your accident, contacting a professional can make the process easier. The process might take time, but with the right guidance, you can move forward and focus on your well-being. Having support can also provide peace of mind as you work toward regaining your health and stability.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident in Indiana, Wyant Law is here to help. Our experienced team understands the difficulties you’re facing and is ready to guide you through every step. We are committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Reach out to Wyant Law to discuss your situation and learn more about your options for moving forward. Let us help you navigate this challenging time and work toward a positive outcome.