Leaving the scene of the motorcycle accident without exchanging details with the parties involved is highly inadvisable and illegal. Leaving the crash scene without giving the other driver(s) your phone number and insurance information can open you up to criminal and civil penalties.
If you’ve been in an accident where someone fled the crash scene or left without providing insurance details, you’ll need to work with an attorney to get justice and compensation. At Vaughan and Vaughan, our firm has handled cases like yours for over 100 years. Our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers can do what it takes to recover damages on your behalf.
Penalties for Leaving a Motorcycle Accident Without Exchanging Details
Indiana Motor Vehicles Code 9-26-1-1.1 outlines all the consequences you might face if you leave the scene of a motorcycle accident without exchanging details with the other party involved. According to the law, you may be met with the following penalties for fleeing the scene of a bike crash:
- Leaving a motorcycle crash that didn’t result in bodily injuries but caused at least $1,000 in property damage is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 180 days prison time and a $1,000 fine.
- Leaving a bike collision involving a serious, catastrophic, or deadly injury while under the influence is a level 3 felony punishable by 10-30 years of prison time and a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Leaving the scene of a motorcycle accident involving death or catastrophic injury is a level 4 felony punishable by two to 12 years of prison time and a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Leaving a motorcycle crash scene involving a victim with a serious injury can result in six months to two and a half years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Leaving a motorcycle collision where one of the parties suffered a bodily injury can result in one year of prison time and a maximum fine of $5,000.
As you can see, departing the site of a bike crash can lead to potentially life-altering consequences and steep fines. To avoid being charged for a hit-and-run accident, make sure you take the appropriate steps at the scene of the accident. Doing so could help you protect your future and your finances.
What You Should Do at the Scene of a Motorcycle Accident
Now that you know you should never leave the scene of a bike crash prematurely, it’s time to learn about what you must do at the scene of a collision before you can leave. Here’s what you are required to do at the scene of a crash:
- Stop your car: Park your vehicle at the scene of the accident. If you are close to traffic or in a dangerous area, move your car to a safe location near the accident scene. Moving your car away from an unsafe area won’t be considered illegal as it is necessary for your safety and the safety of other motorists.
- Offer assistance: Help anyone involved in the accident who is hurt or trapped under debris. While you aren’t required to do anything that puts you in danger or that you can’t physically do, you must at least call 911 and ask for an ambulance to help the individual(s) in need of assistance.
- Report the crash: Call 911 and report the accident to the local authorities. The police will likely respond to the scene to conduct an investigation and file a crash report. If you file an insurance claim or civil suit in the future, your attorney can sue the police report as evidence.
- Exchange information: Finally, you’ll want to exchange names, vehicle registration numbers, license information, and insurance details with all parties involved. This is a crucial step, as it will give your attorney the information they need to file a successful claim if you need to seek compensation for injuries and other losses.
An Attorney Can Recover Compensation After a Hit and Run Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a bike crash where an involved party fled the scene, you’ll want to report it as a hit-and-run immediately. Even if the other driver(s) stuck around at the scene to exchange information, you’ll still want to file a report and consult an attorney to find out what you should do next.
A skilled Indiana motorcycle accident lawyer can take the following steps to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve after a crash:
- Investigate the accident
- Calculate how much you’re owed
- Use evidence to identify parties who fled the scene
- Build a strong insurance claim and negotiate a settlement
- Take your case to court, if necessary
- Meet important filing requirements and deadlines
- Fight for the compensation you deserve
If an attorney successfully completes the steps listed above, you’ll likely receive compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, pain, emotional distress, and any other negative effects the crash has had on your life and livelihood.
Meet With a Skilled Motorcycle Accident Attorney for Free
If you leave the scene of a motorcycle accident without exchanging details, you could face serious penalties and a civil lawsuit. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash caused by someone who left the scene without giving you their information, you’ll want to report it to the police and get in touch with a trusted attorney ASAP.
The attorneys at Vaughan & Vaughan can use evidence and witness testimony to get the compensation you’re owed. Contact our Indiana motorcycle accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and find out if you have grounds for a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
