What happens if you leave the scene of an auto accident without exchanging details with the other driver? Depending on the circumstances surrounding the collision, you could face hit-and-run charges in Indiana in this situation.
Therefore, your Indianapolis car accident lawyer will likely recommend that you stay at the scene of the accident, contact the police, and trade information with other drivers. Find out more about how to handle a wreck with our team at Vaughan & Vaughan.
You can call or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Are You Allowed to Leave the Scene of an Auto Accident in Indiana?
You could face severe consequences if you leave the scene of an auto accident in Indiana, especially if the collision results in injuries or death. According to legal regulations in the state, after a crash that involves death or injuries, you must:
- Stop your vehicle at – or close to – the accident location
- Collect registration and contact information from other drivers involved in the wreck
- Offer a reasonable degree of assistance to injured parties
- Contact the police and tell them about the accident
It’s essential to follow these regulations to avoid severe legal penalties.
What Happens If You Leave the Scene of an Accident?
In some cases, you can face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. Indiana usually treats this act more seriously if someone sustains an injury. However, you can face legal consequences just for leaving the scene of a wreck that resulted in property damage.
You may face fines and even incarceration in some cases. Additionally, leaving the scene of a collision without getting details from the other driver or notifying the police can make it harder for you to secure compensation through a personal injury claim.
Therefore, we recommend you stay on the scene after any collision.
What Should You Do at the Scene of an Auto Accident?
We recommend against leaving the scene of an auto accident without exchanging details with other motorists. Instead, you can protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim for compensation by:
Stopping Your Vehicle
Ideally, you should stop your vehicle in a safe location close to the scene of your accident. If you can get your car out of the flow of traffic, please take this step to protect yourself. For example, you can pull into a nearby parking lot to stay safe while remaining on-scene.
Checking on Individuals Involved in the Wreck
Even if you came through the wreck without injuries, someone else could have gotten hurt. Do your best to check on your passengers and the other driver. However, you should not put yourself in danger to perform these checks.
Contact the Police and Emergency Services
We recommend that you contact the police to report the accident. Allowing the police to come out, take statements, and submit a report can help build your claim. The official report can confirm when your accident occurred, where it happened, and who was involved.
It’s also important to contact medical services if anyone has critical injuries, including yourself.
Exchange Details with the Other Driver
Take the opportunity while at the scene of the collision to get the other driver’s contact details. You should exchange insurance information and may want to write down the driver’s name, number, and license plate number.
Take Photos of the Accident Scene
The professionals recommend documenting the scene of your auto accident before you drive away. Take pictures of the positions of the vehicles, hazards that contributed to your wreck, and your injuries. Getting pictures helps back up your side of the story.
What Should You Do After You Leave the Scene of an Auto Accident?
After following the above steps, you may decide to leave the scene of your collision. In some cases, drivers go directly to medical facilities to receive treatment for their injuries, as wrecks can result in concussions, broken bones, and other serious injuries.
Contacting a car accident lawyer for help quickly after a wreck is also essential. Getting help fast allows your lawyer to gather evidence, question witnesses, and guide you through each step of the process for securing compensation.
Speak to Us Before Leaving the Scene of an Auto Accident
What happens if you leave the scene of an auto accident without exchanging details? You may face charges in Indiana for a hit-and-run. This step may also make it harder to find the liable party for your insurance company, making it more difficult for you to secure compensation.
Go over the proper steps after a wreck in more detail with a car accident lawyer from our team at Vaughan & Vaughan. Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
