According to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Law states a person may not operate a motor vehicle in Indiana if financial responsibility is not in effect with respect to the motor vehicle operated, or the person is not otherwise insured to operate the motor vehicle. All motorists that operate a motor vehicle on Indiana roadways are required to maintain the state’s minimum amount of liability insurance coverage for the vehicle they operate. The state of Indiana has a 25/50/25 minimum liability insurance requirement. This required minimum coverage includes $25,000 for bodily injury to or the death of one (1) individual, $50,000 for bodily injury to or the death of two (2) or more individuals in any one (1) accident, and $25,000 for damage to or the destruction of property in one (1) accident.

Drivers commit hit-and-run accidents for many different reasons, but Indiana has strong penalties for any driver who is caught committing such an offense. Some of the most frequently cited reasons for hit-and-run accidents include:

1. The driver is impaired and does not want to be charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI).
2. The driver is uninsured
3. The vehicle is stolen
4. The driver has illegal drugs or weapons in their possession.
5. The driver has an outstanding warrant for their arrest.

Hit and run accidents present unique challenges when it comes to seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Here’s how a hit and run accident lawyer in Terre Haute can be a big benefit:

• Finding the At-Fault Driver: Maybe you have a partial description or license plate fragment, but without a clear picture of the driver, the police might not be able to locate them. A lawyer can use resources and investigation techniques to increase the chances of identifying the culprit.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Indiana requires that auto insurance providers to provide their customers uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM//UIM) coverage, for either a single premium or for separate premiums, in limits at least equal to the limits of liability specified in the bodily injury liability provisions of an insured’s policy. If the insured chooses not to purchase this coverage, the law requires that they must explicitly reject or waive the coverage in writing. This kicks in if the at-fault driver has no insurance or can’t be identified. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of uninsured and underinsured claims and ensure you receive the maximum coverage you’re entitled to under your policy.
• Building a Strong Case: Even without identifying the driver, a lawyer can build a case based on witness statements, traffic camera footage, or skid marks at the scene. They’ll use their experience to gather evidence and effectively present your case.
• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Hit and run accidents can be confusing for insurance companies. A lawyer with experience in these cases will know how to handle insurance adjusters and fight for a fair settlement, especially if your UM coverage is involved.
• Understanding Your Options: Depending on the severity of your injuries and the success in finding the at-fault driver, your options might include filing a lawsuit. A lawyer can explain your legal options, the potential timeline, and the likelihood of success in each case.
• Taking the Burden Off You: The aftermath of a hit and run accident can be stressful and overwhelming. Having a lawyer handle the legal aspects allows you to focus on healing and recovery.
• Contingency Fee Basis: As with many personal injury lawyers, their fees typically work on a contingency basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront, and their fees only come out of any settlement or award you receive.

Remember, even if the hit and run driver isn’t found, a lawyer can still help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

We handle any hit and run accident case where you are not at fault. If you are partially at fault, we can still take your case as long as the other party is 51% or more at fault. Sometimes fault is unclear, so if you’ve been in a hit and run accident call us at (812) 247-8416 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Yes, you can. Multiple parties can be liable for the accident, and you shouldn’t assume that because you may have done something wrong, you are 100% at fault. Indiana follows a comparative negligence law. This law can mean that each party involved in an accident is assigned a percentage of fault, depending upon what they did or failed to do that helped to cause the accident. If you are assigned more than 51%, you are unable to pursue damages. 

Several factors work together to establish fault after an accident. Evidence includes pictures or videos of the scene and vehicles, police records, witness statements, and more. Read our blog to learn more about comparative negligence and partial fault.

The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including hit and run accidents, is two years. If you are under 18 years of age at the time of the accident, the two year time window starts on your 18th birthday.