Being struck by a driver who then flees the scene is one of the most disorienting experiences a crash victim can face — you are left injured, confused, and without anyone to hold accountable. Hit-and-run crashes are far more common than most people realize, and according to research published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, an estimated 737,100 hit-and-run crashes occur in the United States every year, making them one of the fastest-growing categories of traffic incidents in the country.

At Wagner Reese LLP, we understand how helpless victims feel in the aftermath of a hit-and-run collision. Our team has been fighting for injured Hoosiers since 1997, and we know how to pursue compensation even when the at-fault driver has disappeared. If you or a loved one was hurt by a driver who fled the scene in Indianapolis, our attorneys are ready to investigate your case and help you understand your legal options. Take a moment to learn more about our personal injury practice areas and how we may be able to help.

What Happens After a Hit-and-Run Crash in Indianapolis?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a collision intentionally leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid. In Indiana, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense that can result in serious charges, but the criminal process alone does not guarantee that you will receive financial compensation for your injuries.

Identifying the At-Fault Driver

The moments immediately following a hit-and-run crash are critical. If you are able to do so safely, note as many details about the fleeing vehicle as possible, including the make, model, color, and any portion of the license plate number. Witness accounts can also be invaluable, so gathering contact information from bystanders at the scene can significantly strengthen your case. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or traffic intersections may also have captured footage of the crash and the fleeing vehicle.

When the Driver Cannot Be Found

When police are unable to identify the at-fault driver, Indiana law still provides avenues for recovering compensation. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage under your own auto insurance policy is specifically designed to protect victims in situations like these. We can work with you to navigate your insurance claim and fight for the full value of your policy coverage, ensuring that insurers do not minimize or deny the compensation you are owed.

Compensation Available to Hit-and-Run Victims

The financial and physical toll of a serious collision can be staggering. Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Indianapolis may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, and pain and suffering damages related to the crash. The type and extent of damages available depend on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of the incident.

Our team takes the time to conduct a thorough review of every client’s situation so that no element of their losses goes unaddressed. The following are among the types of damages we commonly pursue on behalf of hit-and-run accident victims:

  • Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing care costs
  • Lost income: Wages lost during recovery, as well as diminished earning capacity if injuries affect your long-term ability to work
  • Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the collision
  • Wrongful death damages: If the hit-and-run resulted in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one

No amount of money can undo what happened, but securing fair compensation can provide the financial stability needed to focus on healing and rebuilding.

How We Build Your Hit-and-Run Case

Building a strong hit-and-run claim requires a prompt and thorough investigation. We move quickly after being retained to preserve critical evidence, including traffic camera footage, accident reconstruction data, and eyewitness accounts. Obtaining a police report is one of our first priorities, as this document forms an important foundation for your claim.

Working With Insurance Companies

Even when pursuing a claim under your own UM policy, insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. Insurers have a financial incentive to minimize your payout, and they may dispute the severity of your injuries or the circumstances of the crash. Our attorneys are experienced in dealing with insurance adjusters and protecting our clients from tactics designed to undervalue legitimate claims.

Pursuing Every Available Avenue for Recovery

If the at-fault driver is later identified, we are prepared to pursue a claim directly against that individual as well. Many hit-and-run drivers are eventually apprehended, and having our team involved from the beginning means we are positioned to act quickly when that happens. Our case results reflect the firm’s long-standing commitment to securing meaningful recoveries for accident victims across Indiana.

Why Choose Wagner Reese LLP for Your Indianapolis Hit-and-Run Claim

Selecting the right legal team makes a meaningful difference in the outcome of a hit-and-run injury case. At Wagner Reese LLP, we bring decades of experience handling complex motor vehicle accident claims throughout Indiana, and our attorneys have been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America for their dedication and results. Our firm has fought tirelessly for clients who suffered catastrophic injuries, and we bring that same level of commitment to every case we take.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers have the litigation experience to take cases to trial when necessary, and insurance companies know we are prepared to do exactly that. From the moment you contact us, our focus is entirely on helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact Wagner Reese LLP Today

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Indianapolis, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Evidence fades quickly, and acting promptly can make a significant difference in the strength of your claim. Our team is ready to listen, answer your questions, and begin building your case right away.

Reach out to Wagner Reese LLP today to schedule a free consultation. Contact us now to speak with a member of our team and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.