A traffic accident can be a stressful and worrying experience, but leaving the scene of an accident, known as a hit and run, can significantly exacerbate the situation. In Indiana, hit and run charges are taken seriously, whether the incident involves hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle. Understanding the consequences and ramifications of such actions is crucial.

This blog post aims to shed light on the key elements you need to know about hit and run accidents and subsequent charges in Indiana, providing valuable insight to help you navigate through potentially complicated legal situations.

Call 317-636-7514 if Facing Hit and Run Charges in Indianapolis Indiana

What Constitutes a Hit and Run in Indiana?

In the state of Indiana, a hit and run is defined as leaving the scene of an accident without stopping and exchanging relevant information with the other involved parties. This includes accidents involving only property damage or personal injury to another person. The law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stop at the scene, provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number, and show their driver’s license upon request. Failure to do so can result in hit-and-run charges.

Hitting a Pedestrian

Hitting a pedestrian is one of the most severe types of hit and run accidents in Indiana. Pedestrians are incredibly vulnerable on the roads, making it crucial for drivers to exercise caution. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, Indiana law requires drivers to stop immediately and provide assistance to the injured person, whether it be calling for medical help or providing first aid. Failing to do so can result in severe hit and run charges, including felony charges if the accident causes serious injury or death to the pedestrian.

Hitting a Car

Aside from hitting a pedestrian, such charges can also result from colliding with another vehicle. If you are involved in an accident with another car, Indiana law requires you to stop at the scene, exchange relevant information, and provide assistance if needed. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges, depending on the severity of the damage caused by the collision. In addition to facing hit and run charges, you may also face civil liability for any damages or injuries caused by leaving the scene of the accident.

Penalties for a Hit and Run Conviction in Indiana

The penalties for hit-and-run crimes in Indiana vary depending on the severity of the accident. If no personal injury is involved, hit and run charges are considered a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines of up to $1,000. However, if the accident causes injury or death to another person, the charges can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a high level felony, with penalties ranging from one year in prison and fines of up to $10,000 for a Class A misdemeanor, to 8 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 for a felony.

What to Do if You Commit a Hit and Run Accident

If you have been charged with a hit and run in Indiana, it is crucial to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review your case, advise you of your rights and options, and provide guidance throughout the legal process. Keep in mind that hit-and-run charges can have serious consequences, affecting not only your driving record but also your personal and professional life. Therefore, it is crucial to take them seriously and seek legal assistance to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

In Summary

Hit and run charges in Indiana can have severe consequences, ranging from fines and jail time to potential felony charges. It is essential to understand what constitutes a hit and run, know the penalties involved, and take appropriate actions in case of an accident. Remember always to remain calm, stop at the scene, and provide assistance and information as required by law.

If you are facing hit and run charges, seek legal help to protect your rights and best interests. Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to book an appointment with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team is dedicated to fiercely and intelligently defending criminal appeals, while working to secure a reduction or dismissal of your conviction.

Hit and Run Charges

Anyone who is involved in a car accident and fails to stop can be charged with a hit and run offense in Indiana. In this state, it is mandatory under law to stop at the scene of a car accident if you are involved in any way. Failing to do so will result in a warrant for your arrest. Often times, drivers can be charged with a hit and run offense when they are actually innocent. For instance, license plate numbers get written down or remembered inaccurately, another person was operated the car owner’s vehicle, mistaken identity, and more are all common examples of how people are falsely accused of hit and run offenses.

In other circumstances, offenders who are guilty feel an incredible amount of stress because they are scared of what the future holds for them. If this sounds like you, the best advice you can use is to not wait a second longer to face your criminal charges. The longer you wait, the more challenging it will be to avoid the maximum charges for a hit and run offense in Indiana. Your case will just look worse to the courts as time goes on, making it less likely for them to show leniency when it comes time to hand down your sentence. This is especially true if the people in the other car were injured.

Penalties for Hit and Runs

In Indiana, a hit and run offense can range in severity when it comes to penalties. There are many factors that can influence the level of charge you face for a hit and run, including bodily harm, intoxication, and penalty enhancements like priors, school zones, possession of drugs, and more.

In general, a hit and run charge is a Class A Misdemeanor, which carries up to one year in jail and $5,000 in fines, and additional court orders such as probation, suspended license, community service, drug testing, mandatory employment, and more.

If the hit and run results in bodily harm to the other people involved in the accident, the charge increases to a Level 6 Felony, which is punishable by up to 3 years in prison, $10,000 in fines, and additional court orders like the ones mentioned before.

What To Do if You are Involved in a Car Accident

If you are ever involved in a car accident, always stop and pull over safely to the side of the road. Check to see if anyone is hurt and call 911 if anyone requires medical attention. If it if a minor accident and no one is hurt, proceed to switch contact and insurance information with the other driver. This includes phone number, drivers’ license number, license plate number, insurance information, and more.

INDIANAPOLIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

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Hit and Run Accidents in Indiana: What You Need to Know