A hit-and-run crash strips victims of something they urgently need: the ability to identify who hurt them and hold that person accountable. When another driver causes a collision and flees, the path to recovery becomes significantly harder, both physically and legally. Knowing your options matters, and in Indiana, injured victims still have meaningful legal recourse even when the at-fault driver is never found.

If you or someone in your family has been hurt in a hit-and-run in Fishers, Wagner Reese LLP is ready to help. As Fishers personal injury lawyers, we have spent decades fighting for injury victims throughout Indiana, and we understand the frustration and uncertainty that follows a crash where the responsible driver chose to run rather than stop. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

What Counts as a Hit-and-Run in Indiana

Indiana law requires every driver involved in a collision to stop, provide identification, and offer assistance to anyone who is injured. Leaving the scene without doing so is a criminal offense, and the severity of the charge increases with the extent of the harm caused. A hit-and-run resulting in serious bodily injury can be charged as a Level 5 felony, while one involving death can rise to a Level 3 felony.

For victims, the more immediate question is civil: how do you pursue compensation when the driver who injured you cannot be identified? Indiana law allows injured people to file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim through their own auto insurance policy when the at-fault driver flees and is never found. This is one of the most important reasons to carry robust UM coverage, though it is not the only avenue we explore for clients.

How Common Are Hit-and-Run Crashes

Hit-and-run collisions are more prevalent than most people realize. According to research published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 900,000 police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a driver who left the scene, representing 15 percent of all police-reported crashes nationwide, the highest percentage ever recorded. The same research found that roughly one in four pedestrian injuries and deaths that year occurred in a hit-and-run crash.

Fishers, as part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area, sits in a region where this trend is acutely felt. The Indianapolis urban area ranked among the top 30 large urban areas nationally for the proportion of traffic fatalities that occurred in hit-and-run crashes during the 2017 to 2023 study period. Pedestrians and cyclists face the greatest danger, but drivers and passengers in other vehicles are also harmed in significant numbers each year.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run in Fishers

The actions taken immediately after a hit-and-run can meaningfully affect the outcome of any legal claim. Taking care of your health comes first, but preserving evidence runs a close second.

Here are key steps to take as soon as possible:

  • Call 911 immediately: A police report creates an official record that insurers and courts rely on heavily.
  • Document the scene: Photograph damage to your vehicle, your injuries, road conditions, and any debris left by the fleeing driver.
  • Gather witness information: Anyone who saw the crash may be able to provide a description of the vehicle or driver, so collect names and contact details before they leave.
  • Note identifying details: Even a partial license plate number, vehicle color, or make and model can help investigators narrow down the responsible party.
  • Seek prompt medical attention: Some injuries, including concussions and internal trauma, may not present clearly for hours or days after a crash.
  • Contact an attorney before speaking with your insurer: UM claims can be more complicated than they appear, and early legal guidance protects your interests.

Preserving this evidence early gives your attorney the strongest foundation possible to build your case.

Recovering Compensation After a Hit-and-Run

When the at-fault driver is identified and apprehended, pursuing a personal injury claim follows a path similar to any other Fishers car accident case. The driver’s liability insurance becomes the primary source of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

When the driver is never found, the claim shifts to your own UM coverage. An experienced attorney can help maximize what you recover under that policy while exploring other potential sources of compensation, such as third parties who may bear responsibility for conditions that contributed to the crash. In cases involving fatal collisions, families may also have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim in Fishers against a known driver or a UM claim when the driver remains unidentified. Hit-and-run cases involving pedestrian accidents often raise additional legal considerations given how vulnerable those victims are.

Contact Wagner Reese LLP After a Hit-and-Run in Fishers

Hit-and-run crashes are not accidents of circumstance. They reflect a deliberate decision to abandon a person in need, and the victims of that choice deserve skilled, committed legal representation. Wagner Reese LLP brings more than 150 combined years of experience to every case we take. Our founding partners, Stephen Wagner and Jason Reese, have each earned recognition as Trial Lawyer of the Year. The firm holds a Tier-One Best Law Firm ranking from Best Lawyers in America, and our attorneys are consistently recognized by Super Lawyers. The majority of our cases come through attorney referrals, a testament to the trust the broader legal community places in our work.

Indiana imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, and evidence critical to identifying a fleeing driver can disappear quickly. Our Fishers motorcycle accident attorneys work alongside our full team to cover every dimension of your case. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.