Indianapolis Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

We Fight for Victims of Indianapolis Hit and Run Accidents

Were you the victim of a hit and run accident in Indianapolis? You do not also have to be a victim of stacking medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. With help from an experienced Indiana hit & run accident attorney, you can fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet.

If your accident happened in Indianapolis or anywhere in Indiana, you can depend on the lawyers of Christie Bell & Marshall. We are the personal injury team that local drivers trust to file complex claims, including those where the at-fault driver fled the scene. Many of our cases come from referrals from other law firms, a testament to our reputation for excellence.

Speak with a personal injury lawyer today. Call: 317-488-5500

What is a Hit & Run Accident in Indiana?

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver leaves the scene of a car accident before they can be identified or before they provide their insurance information. When you are in any sort of motor vehicle accident with another party, even if it is not another motorist, you need to stay at the scene until you have provided your contact and insurance info to them. If someone has been injured, then you might be required to stay at the scene until a responding highway patrol officer excuses you or you are taken to the hospital via ambulance.

Oftentimes, drivers commit a hit and run accident because they know that they would be held liable for the damages in a crash and want to illegally avoid that responsibility. Other drivers commit hit and run accidents because they don’t have any auto insurance, so they will lose their driver’s license if they get caught.

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How to Get Compensation After a Hit & Run

Recovering compensation after a hit and run accident might seem impossible. Our attorneys are here to tell you that it is not. With the right skills and experience, as well as a bit of luck, you might be able to make a financial recovery after being hurt in a hit and run accident that someone else caused.

Two ways you can make a recovery after a hit and run accident are:

• File against the driver if you can: If the driver who committed a hit and run is identified and arrested, then you can file a claim against them as you would following any other type of traffic collision. This is why it is so important to call 911 immediately if another driver involved in your crash leaves before they are identified. The police might be able to catch the driver, make an arrest, and bring them to justice.
• Use uninsured motorist insurance: Did you add uninsured motorist (UM) insurance to your auto insurance policy? If you did, then you should be able to use that policy after being hurt in a hit and run accident. A driver who has no insurance is effectively the same as one who is never identified. This insurance is optional, though. It requires you to file against your insurance provider, too, instead of a third-party company.

Meet Our Experienced Indiana Hit & Run Accident Attorneys

Tina M. Bell

Partner

Meet Lee C. Christie

Partner

Laura J. Conyers, RN

Associate

Meet Kevin P. Farrell

Of Counsel

Meet Kathy A. Lee

Retired

Meet Kyle L. Christie

Partner

Katherine M. Marshall

Partner

Christopher D. Simpkins

Associate

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Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Hit & Run Accidents

After a hit and run, you are left with damage, injuries, and a mountain of questions. It’s a confusing and stressful situation, but you are not alone. Our attorneys have answered some of the most common questions we hear from victims of hit and run accidents in Indiana.

How long do I have to file a hit and run claim in Indiana?

In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, when dealing with your own insurance company for a hit and run claim, the timeline is much shorter. Most policies require you to report the accident and file a claim “promptly” or within a “reasonable” amount of time. Waiting too long could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. To protect your rights, you should report the accident and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

What damages can I recover in a hit & run claim?

Even if the at-fault driver is never found, you can still seek compensation, typically through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) policy. The goal is to recover damages that make you whole again. This compensation can include:

• Medical Expenses: All costs related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Income you lost while unable to work during your recovery.
• Property Damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged property.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.

Our attorneys can help you calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you demand the maximum compensation you are owed.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim on my own policy?

Generally, no. A hit and run is considered a not-at-fault accident. Indiana law and the terms of most insurance policies prohibit carriers from raising your rates for filing a claim where you were not the cause of the accident. Using your Uninsured Motorist (UM) or collision coverage is exactly why you pay for it. An experienced attorney can also help you communicate with your insurer to ensure your claim is classified correctly and your rights are protected.

Who pays for damages in a hit and run accident?

Initially, you will turn to your own car insurance policy. Specifically, your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is designed for this exact situation. UM coverage steps in to act as the at-fault driver’s insurance, covering your medical bills and other losses. If you also have collision coverage, it can be used to pay for your vehicle repairs, though you will likely have to pay a deductible.
If the police successfully identify and locate the driver who fled, we can then file a claim directly against their insurance company.

Is it still a hit and run if the accident happened on private property in Indiana?

Yes. Indiana law regarding leaving the scene of an accident applies not only to public roads but also to places open to the public, like shopping center parking lots, apartment complex garages, and private driveways. The legal duty to stop, provide information, and render aid is the same regardless of where the collision occurs. Fleeing the scene of an accident on private property carries the same serious legal consequences.

What are the criminal penalties for a hit and run in Indiana?

Drivers often flee an accident scene because they know the penalties are severe, especially if their judgment was impaired by drinking or if they have other legal issues. In Indiana, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime with penalties that escalate based on the severity of the damage:

• Property Damage Only: Class B misdemeanor.
• Causes Injury: Class A misdemeanor.
• Causes Serious Bodily Injury: Level 6 felony.
• Causes Death: A Level 3 felony, which can carry a prison sentence of 3 to 16 years.

These harsh criminal penalties are a primary reason why drivers panic and run, but their criminal case is separate from your civil claim for compensation.

Should I report a minor hit and run accident to the police?

Absolutely, yes. You should always report a hit and run, no matter how minor it seems. Here’s why:

• It Creates an Official Record: A police report is the official proof of the incident. Your insurance company will almost certainly require one to process your Uninsured Motorist or collision claim.
• It Starts an Investigation: Even for minor damage, police can use traffic camera footage or witness statements to identify the driver.
• It’s Legally Required: In Indiana, you are legally obligated to report any accident that results in injury, death, or apparent property damage of $1,000 or more.

Get a FREE Case Review With Our Indianapolis Legal Team

Don’t assume you have no way of getting financial compensation after a hit and run accident just because things seem bad right now. Stand up for yourself and explore your legal options with the assistance of our Indianapolis hit and run accident attorneys. We would be happy to see if there is a way for you to get compensation and start recovering without draining your own finances.