Legal Penalties for Indiana Hit-And-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents can have devastating consequences for both accident victims and their loved ones. Fleeing the scene of an accident can leave a victim helpless without any options for medical assistance. Hit-and-runs are not only harmful to victims and their families—they also can carry significant criminal and civil penalties.

As a recent news article sadly reported, one person died in a hit-and-run in Indianapolis, Indiana. When police responded to the scene, they found a person lying in the road. Sadly, they died at the scene. Local authorities are continuing to investigate the accident.

What Are the Penalties for an Indiana Hit-And-Run Accident?

People who commit a hit-and-run in Indiana may face a Class A misdemeanor if the accident results in bodily injury to another person. However, a hit-and-driver may face a felony charge if the accident results in moderate or serious bodily injury or if the driver had a previous hit-and-run conviction in the last five years. A driver may also face a more serious felony charge if the accident causes death or catastrophic injury. Finally, a felony charge can result if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol and caused serious injury, catastrophic injury, or death. The driver may face separate felony charges for each person who suffered injuries in the hit-and-run accident. A conviction can result in jail time or steep fines. Additionally, a hit-and-run conviction will likely result in a suspension of a driver’s license or even a full revocation.

In addition to criminal penalties, a hit-and-run driver may owe civil damages in a personal injury lawsuit. An Indiana hit-and-run accident victim or their loved ones may file a lawsuit to recover compensation for the injuries, both physical and psychological, that they have suffered. To hold a hit-and-run driver liable, the plaintiff must prove the driver owed a duty of care, violated that duty, caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in harm to the plaintiff.

What is the Deadline to Bring an Indiana Personal Injury Lawsuit?

In Indiana, plaintiffs must file their personal injury lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. The legal term for this deadline is the statute of limitations, as a state statute imposes a limitation on the time period to file a lawsuit. An experienced personal injury attorney can help gather evidence and file a claim before the statute of limitations has expired.

Have You Been Injured in an Indiana Hit-And-Run Accident?

If you or a loved one has suffered harm from an Indiana hit-and-run accident, contact Padove Law for assistance filing your claim. Indiana personal injury attorney Burton A. Padove possesses nearly 40 years of experience handling all types of Indiana personal injury claims, including auto accidents, defective products, medical malpractice, slip and falls, and nursing home abuse. Mr. Padove will help you understand Indiana’s complex laws around negligence claims and how they will affect your case. To learn more, and to schedule a free in-home consultation, call 219-836-2200.