Experiencing a hit and run accident is a traumatic event that can leave victims feeling helpless and uncertain about their rights. In Indiana, where hit-and-run incidents are alarmingly common, victims should be aware of their legal rights and the course of action they can pursue.

This blog post aims to provide an informative guide on the legal rights of car accident victims in Indiana, shed light on the role of hit and run accident lawyers, and offer insight into the process of filing a personal injury lawsuit. Here, we unpack the complex legal landscape and provide you with the knowledge you need to navigate your way toward justice and compensation.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Hit and Run Injury Lawyer in Indianapolis Indiana

Understanding Hit and Run Accidents

A hit and run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision flees the scene without exchanging their personal and insurance information with the other party. Sadly, such accidents are all too common on Indiana’s roads, with over 3,500 hit and runs reported in 2022 alone. These accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities, leaving victims and their families to deal with physical, emotional, and financial consequences.

Injuries sustained can range from minor to life-threatening. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to hit-and-run accidents, and injuries often include broken bones, head trauma, and internal organ damage. In car accidents, victims can suffer cuts, bruises, whiplash, and more severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). It’s important for those who have been injured in a hit-and-run accident to seek medical attention and contact the authorities for help.

Legal Rights of Hit-and-Run Victims

Under Indiana law, hit-and-run car accidents are treated as criminal offenses, and the driver who flees the scene can face severe penalties if caught. As a victim of such an accident, you have the right to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for your losses.

First and Always Call the Police

For any hit and run incident or any incident at all, always call the police and make sure that a police report is made. The police will take down information that is vital to your case including the fact the incident happened and where.

Seeking Compensation

If you have sustained injuries or property damage in a pedestrian or car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. In Indiana, personal injury accident victims can pursue compensation through their own insurance company’s uninsured motorist coverage. However, this process can be complex and requires the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in a hit and run accident is two years from the date of the incident in most situations. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with an experienced auto accident lawyer and take legal action within this time frame to protect your rights and receive fair compensation. It is always best to contact an attorney as soon as possible following the incident so vital facts and evidence can be obtained and stored.

The Role of Hit and Run Accident Lawyers

Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming for accident victims, especially when dealing with a hit and run incident. A skilled and knowledgeable hit and run accident attorney can provide valuable guidance and support throughout every step of your case. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Most personal injury law firms work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive compensation for your injuries. This allows victims to seek legal representation without worrying about upfront fees and ensures that their lawyer will strive for the best possible outcome for their client.

Conclusion

Being involved in a hit and run accident is a distressing experience, but it’s essential to remember that you have rights as a victim. Seeking legal guidance from hit and run accident lawyers can help you understand your options and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. So, know your rights and take the necessary steps to protect them. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available to guide you towards a fair resolution. Let’s work together to make our roads safer for everyone.

Are you or a loved one currently dealing with the aftermath of a hit and run accident? Contact the law firm of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 today.Our Indianapolis civil litigators provide free initial consultations and never collect lawyer fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you. Whether hit while walking, riding, or driving, you have rights. Call today before time runs out and evidence disappears.

❶ Get Proper Automotive Coverage

As a preventative maintenance, it is highly recommended to get uninsured automotive coverage for potential cases of hit and run car accidents where guilty drivers don’t have enough insurance to cover all damages. Many people purchase liability-only car insurance policies, but in the case of a hit and run accident where the guilty driver is never identified, these policy holders can be out-of-luck when it comes to getting their automotive repair costs and medical costs covered. Full coverage insurance policies are also highly recommended. As the popular saying suggests, “it’s better to be safe than sorry”.

❷ Medical Attention

First and foremost, if involved in such an accident, be sure to get medical care first if you feel you are seriously injured. Call 911 or EMT’s for emergency medical care. If you are not certain about the extent of your injuries, and you don’t need ER services, you can wait until medical technicians arrive to inspect and treat you on-site, or you can have a loved one take you to the hospital once everything else is handled at the scene. Sometimes injuries can stay dormant and not appear for days or weeks following an accident. This is why it is important to have a doctor look at you even if you feel fine.

❸ File a Police Report

Apart from being fully covered so that you are protected from potential hit and run accidents where the negligent party is never brought forth, other tips are strongly encouraged. For example, call the police as soon as a hit and run incident occurs. File a report with the police giving them all the detail you have regarding the driver and car that hit you. Any information is helpful; such as the make or model of the vehicle, driver descriptions, license plate numbers, and car color. This information will help officers locate the negligent driver and hold them responsible for their actions. Be sure to not give the police officer any details about your actions involved in the accident, only discuss what the other driver did and how you are injured. Save this job for your attorney.

❹ Hire a Licensed and Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

Once you are finished with the police and in stable condition, contact a personal injury law firm in your city as soon as you are physically able to. If you or your loved one require an extended hospital stay, have a friend or family member call on your behalf. The important thing is to contact them as soon as possible to get started recovering compensation for your damages. Victims that were injured in an automotive or pedestrian hit and run accident, whether the negligent party was anonymous or identified, can be eligible for legal compensation or remuneration. They simply need a personal injury attorney to assist them in securing the financial recompense in which they are lawfully entitled.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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Legal Rights of Hit and Run Accident Victims in Indiana