Indiana hit and run accidents have been on the rise in the last decade. These accidents take place for many reasons, but drivers who flee the scene after an accident most commonly do so because they panic, do not have car insurance, or are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Regardless of why a motorist leaves the scene of an accident, hit and run accidents are tragic, and often have deadly consequences.
For example, in a recent local news report, Indiana police are searching for a driver who fled the scene after they hit a woman and killed her. According to surrounding surveillance cameras, the woman was walking to her mother’s home at the time of the crash when the car hit her and drove away afterward, leaving her unresponsive and lying in the street with significant injuries. Local authorities reported that the woman was found dead at the scene. Local law enforcement is still investigating the details surrounding the accident.
Under Indiana laws, hit and runs are crashes that result in injury or death where the at-fault party flees the scene. When an accident occurs, drivers are expected to remain at the scene or return immediately to provide auto insurance and driver’s license information. In Indiana, when a driver flees the scene after causing a collision, they could be charged with a Class B misdemeanor for abandoning the scene of an accident. With a Class B misdemeanor, at-fault parties could be punished with up to 180 days in jail and a penalty of up to $1000.
If a hit and run accident involves more than just a collision but also significant injury or death, the at-fault party may face even more serious charges should they flee the scene. If a hit and run accident causes bodily injury, the at-fault party could be punished with a Class A misdemeanor. In Indiana, Class A misdemeanors can result in up to a year in jail and penalties up to $5000. If a hit and run accident results in the death of another person, the at-fault party could be punished with a Level 5 felony under Indiana law. Level 5 felonies could result in one to six years in prison plus penalties of up to $10,000. In addition to criminal liability, hit and run drivers can also face civil liability through a personal injury lawsuit filed by the injured motorist or their family.
Following a hit and run accident, filing a legal claim may be the furthest thing from your mind. If local authorities can locate the at-fault party in your accident, however, you could be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Because hit and run cases can often be complex, it is crucial that potential plaintiffs seek out experienced representation to guide them through their legal claims.
Do You Need an Indiana Personal Injury Attorney?
If you or someone you know has been recently injured or killed in an Indiana hit and run accident, contact attorney Burton A. Padove. Mr. Padove has significant experience working with clients on all types of personal injury claims and will guide you every step of the way to help you get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free initial consultation, contact Padove Law at 219-836-2200 today.