What happens if you leave the scene of a pickup truck accident without exchanging details and insurance information with other drivers? In this situation, you could face serious legal consequences, making it harder for you to seek compensation for your losses.
Therefore, it’s often best to remain at the scene of your collision, contact the police, and gather evidence. You can learn more about the steps to take after a wreck by contacting an Indianapolis truck accident lawyer from our team at Vaughan & Vaughan.
Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
Can You Leave the Scene of an Indiana Pickup Truck Accident?
Indiana has strict hit-and-run laws that can apply if you leave the scene of a pickup truck accident without stopping and providing your contact and insurance information to other drivers. Therefore, we recommend that you remain at the accident scene.
You could face fines and other penalties if another driver reports you for fleeing the scene of a collision, regardless of your role in causing the wreck.
What Should You Do After a Pickup Truck Accident in Indiana?
Instead of leaving the scene of a pickup truck accident, legal professionals recommend that you stay on-site and take the following steps:
Get Your Vehicle to a Safe Location
Staying on the scene of a pickup truck accident doesn’t necessarily require you to keep your vehicle in the same position. You should move to a safe location, out of the traffic flow, if possible, to prevent further injuries or property damage.
Some drivers pull into nearby parking lots after a collision to stay safe and nearby.
Check for Injuries
It’s responsible to find out if the accident resulted in any injuries. If someone requires emergency treatment, you can call an ambulance to ensure they receive prompt treatment.
Pickup truck accidents in Indiana can result in serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), broken bones, and paralysis. You should seek treatment for your injuries, as well.
Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
You can also take the opportunity to collect evidence from the scene of your pickup accident. This step can boost the strength of your personal injury claim in many cases, helping you secure compensation to cover your losses.
We recommend that you take pictures of:
- The damage to your pickup truck and other vehicles
- The scene of the accident
- Hazards that contributed to your collision
- Your injuries
In addition, you should get contact information from any witnesses and take a moment to write down a bullet point list of what you remember about the collision. Memories can fade quickly, so recording what happened immediately is essential.
Exchange Information with the Other Driver
You should also take a moment to exchange your contact and insurance information with any other parties involved in the collision.
Contact the Police
It’s essential that you notify the police after most pickup truck wrecks in Indiana, including any collisions that result in property damage, injuries, or death. The police can come out to the scene of the accident, investigate, and file an official report.
A lawyer handling your claim can use this report when building your claim for compensation.
What Happens After You Leave the Scene of a Pickup Truck Accident?
After completing the above steps, you can leave the scene of your pickup accident. You may require medical treatment after an accident, and we recommend that you seek care for your injuries quickly to establish that the accident caused them.
You should also:
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
It’s essential that you contact your insurance provider and inform them of your collision. They can begin the claims process and may provide you with information about where to take your pickup truck for repairs.
However, we recommend against contacting the other driver’s insurance agency. Additionally, you should avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
Contact a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Finally, ensure you reach out to a personal injury attorney in Indianapolis after a pickup truck wreck. A lawyer can review your situation, investigate the fault for your impact, and help you track your losses while preparing a claim to bring you compensation.
Depending on your situation, you may receive funds to cover your medical expenses, property repair costs, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Learn More About What to Do After a Pickup Truck Accident
What happens if you leave the scene of a pickup truck accident without exchanging details? This action could make it harder for you to secure compensation and could lead to other legal challenges.
Therefore, the professionals recommend you stay at the scene, notify the police, and speak with the other driver. Find out more about your next steps with our team at Vaughan & Vaughan. Call or fill out our online contact form to get started.
