After a car accident in Indiana, you may be overcome with stress, fear, and confusion. It can take time to figure out what to do next. That is why we provide critical information about what to do after a car accident with no injuries. Following certain steps in these auto accidents is important to ensure the best outcome.
If you have questions, our Indianapolis-based auto accident attorneys at Wagner Reese, LLP, can answer them. Our law firm offers specialized legal expertise in various personal injury claims, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and slip and fall accidents.
The Wagner Reese personal injury attorneys represent injured clients in Indianapolis, Evansville, and the surrounding community. When you are injured in an accident and unsure where to turn for legal assistance, our lawyers can help.
Our auto accident lawyers are among the most qualified in the state. This expertise is reflected in our many legal awards, such as U.S. News & World Report recognizing our lawyers as the Best Lawyers and Best Law Firm for 2023. Wagner Reese attorneys have also been recognized by Best Lawyers® and belong to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our law firm can assist you after an accident if you need highly knowledgeable legal representation. Our many satisfied personal injury clients attest to our outstanding legal skills and case results.
Can You Leave An Accident Scene In Indiana?
Indiana law prohibits you from leaving an accident scene. Even if there are no injuries, you must stop at the crash site and exchange contact details and vehicle registration information with the other driver. Also, Indiana law states the following regarding stopping at an accident scene:
- Stop at the accident scene without blocking traffic.
- Assist any driver or passenger injured in the accident.
- Call the police and ask for an ambulance if the accident caused injuries or death.
- Make a reasonable effort to find the owner of a damaged, empty vehicle, or tell the police if you cannot find the owner.
If the crash caused injuries, you must offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured. You should follow any instructions given to you by the police, 911 personnel, or medical workers.
What Are The Consequences Of Leaving An Accident Scene In Indiana?
If a driver does not stay at the scene of an accident, they can face criminal prosecution. In Indiana, it is usually a Class B misdemeanor to leave an accident scene. However, you can face the following additional charges:
- Class A misdemeanor if the crash caused a bodily injury to someone.
- Level 6 felony if the crash caused a severe bodily injury or the driver had a related criminal conviction in the last five years.
- Level 4 felony if the crash caused severe injury or death.
- Level 3 felony if the driver knowingly did not stop when they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and the crash caused a severe injury or death.
What Should You Do After A No-Injury Accident In Indiana?
If you are in an accident with or without injuries, you should remain at the accident scene until authorized to leave by law enforcement. If there were injuries, you should take reasonable steps to care for the injured. Follow any instructions from the police, medical personnel, or 911 workers.
Who To Contact After A Car Accident In Indiana?
You should call the local police, Indiana State Police, or sheriff’s department immediately after a car accident. Law enforcement will file a police report stating who was involved and what occurred in the accident. You will need this report if you file an auto insurance claim for the crash.
You should get the law enforcement officer’s name and badge number and ask when the accident report will be available. Get a copy of the report and ensure that it is accurate. If there are errors, contact the appropriate law enforcement officer and inform them of any mistakes.
Common Myths About Leaving An Accident Scene In Indiana
Many states require you to stay at a car accident scene if someone is injured. However, it is a myth that you don’t need to remain at the scene if no one is injured. You must stay at the accident scene and wait for the police, regardless of whether anyone is injured.
Another myth is that you can agree with the other driver not to report the accident and leave the police out. This is a risky move that could backfire. The police should be called to the accident scene. You could be charged with hit and run if you don’t report the incident and leave the scene. It is always best to call the police and wait for them to arrive before leaving.
After an injury accident, it is best to rely on experienced auto accident attorneys to handle your case. It is essential to retain an attorney if you were in an accident with injuries and someone left the crash scene.
Contact Our Auto Accident Attorneys For Legal Assistance
In an Indiana car accident with injuries, you need skilled, experienced attorneys in your corner. You can turn to the Indianapolis-based car accident attorneys at Wagner Reese, LLP, for the most effective legal representation in the area.
You could have life-changing, long-term injuries that require ample compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Our personal injury attorneys have an outstanding success rate and have recovered millions in settlements and verdict awards for our personal injury clients. We offer top-rated legal guidance to assist you with your case from start to finish.
Our law firm has several awards and accolades, including Best Lawyers and Best Law Firm for 2023 from U.S. News & World Report, and were named on America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys for 2021, Lawyers of Distinction 2021. These awards prove our skill in offering premier legal representation in your auto accident case.
Allow our outstanding car accident legal team to work with you to obtain the best result for your case. Call today for a no-risk consultation about your auto accident case.
