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Leaving the scene of a crash is a serious situation. Many people panic. Many fear police involvement. Some believe that the damage is minor and they can drive away. When both drivers leave the scene of a car accident, the legal consequences become more severe. The confusion increases.
The risk to your claim increases. We see this happen more often than most people realize. As a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, we understand how quickly a typical day can escalate into a complex criminal and civil issue.
This article gives you clear guidance. You will learn what Indiana law says. You will know what happens when both drivers fail to stop at the scene of an accident. You will learn what evidence matters. You will learn how to protect yourself. You will also know when to contact us for help.
Why People Leave The Scene
Many drivers do not understand the legal duty to stop. Indiana law requires you to stop after any crash that causes injury, death, or property damage. Some drivers still leave. The reasons vary:
- They fear arrest
- They do not have insurance
- They worry about warrants
- They panic
- They believe the damage is small
- They assume the other driver is responsible
When both drivers make the same mistake, it becomes a hit-and-run by both parties. This situation creates more legal exposure. It also makes the insurance process more difficult.
Indiana Law On Leaving The Scene
Indiana law requires each driver to stop, provide information, check for injuries, and report the crash to the authorities. The law also requires you to provide your name, your address, and your vehicle registration. You must also contact law enforcement if there is injury or significant property damage.
Failure to do this is a criminal offense.
Possible penalties include:
- Jail time
- Fines
- License suspension
- Increased insurance rates
- A permanent criminal record
When both parties leave, each driver can face these penalties. The state may investigate each driver separately. The police can still assign fault. Evidence can still show who caused the crash. Insurance companies can still deny or reduce claims.
How Indiana Investigates When Both Drivers Leave
Indiana police use several methods to investigate these cases. They may track license plates from cameras. They may use witness reports. They may review nearby business security footage. They may examine vehicle damage if a driver later reports the crash.
Investigators can also use digital evidence. This includes:
- Cell phone location data
- Vehicle telematics
- GPS data
- Traffic camera footage
When both parties leave, the police may still be able to identify each driver. Our Indianapolis auto accident attorney team has worked with clients who were unaware of the extent of evidence that can exist after a crash. Leaving the scene does not erase the trail.
Will My Insurance Company Deny My Claim?
Insurance companies treat these situations with caution. When both drivers leave, each carrier investigates aggressively. Each side tries to limit liability. Insurance companies may claim that failing to report the crash is a policy violation. They may argue that you failed to cooperate. They may deny coverage.
Other problems include:
- Conflicting stories
- Lack of police reports
- Delayed medical documentation
- Disputes over damage timing
- Questions about vehicle use
We regularly address these coverage issues. You can still recover compensation in many cases. You must act fast. You must provide evidence. You must allow us to manage communications with your insurance carrier.
Who Is At Fault If Both Drivers Leave
Fault is based on evidence, not on who stayed or left. Indiana uses comparative fault. This means you can still recover if you are less than 51 percent responsible. Even if both drivers leave, evidence can still show:
- One driver made an unsafe turn
- One driver ran a red light
- One driver followed too closely
- One driver changed lanes improperly
- One driver drove too fast for the conditions
Police reports are helpful, but they are not required for a liability finding. We help clients build strong evidence packages even without a traditional accident scene investigation.
Evidence You Need After Both Parties Leave
If you left the scene, you still need to act quickly. Evidence fades fast. You can take steps now. We can guide you through each step.
Important evidence includes:
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of the crash location
- Medical records
- Repair shop records
- Statements from witnesses
- Cell phone photos taken before you left
- Dash camera video
- GPS data
- Traffic camera footage requests
Our team handles evidence preservation immediately. We contact businesses. We secure video footage. We send legal notices. We gather statements. Fast action can protect your claim.
Immediate Action Steps: What to Do After Leaving the Scene
If you left the scene, do not panic. Many drivers do this. You still have options. Take the following steps as soon as possible.
1. Call The Police
It is better to report the crash late than not at all. Provide honest information. Do not guess. Stick to observable facts.
2. Document Your Injuries
Medical documentation creates a clear timeline.
3. Document Your Vehicle
Take photos from every angle. Include close up shots and wide shots.
4. Do Not Contact The Other Driver Directly
The situation may be tense. Communication can get misinterpreted. Allow us to handle contact.
5. Contact Us Immediately
We take action to protect you from additional legal risk. We guide you through the next steps. We communicate with insurance companies. We help you comply with reporting laws.
Why Both Drivers Leaving Creates A Second Accident
We see a pattern in these cases. The crash is not the only harm. The second harm happens when both drivers leave. The lack of information creates conflict. The lack of documentation creates doubt. The fear creates silence. This silence harms your claim more than the crash itself.
When both drivers leave, you lose control of the narrative. The police take over the story. The insurance companies take over the story. We step in to return control to you.
This is why consulting with an accident lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana, as soon as possible is crucial. Early action is the key to the difference between a denied claim and a resolved claim.
How Our Law Firm Protects You
Our firm has deep experience with hit-and-run cases. We understand local investigation methods. We know the Indianapolis court system. We know how local insurers operate. We use a structured plan to protect your rights.
Our plan includes:
- Immediate evidence preservation
- Formal investigation requests
- Insurance communication management
- Review of possible criminal exposure
- Protection of your recorded statements
- Medical documentation support
- Aggressive claim negotiation
- Preparation for litigation if needed
We stand between you and the pressure. You focus on recovery. We focus on results.
When To Call Us
Call us if you left the scene. Call us if both drivers are left. Call us if the police are already investigating. Call us if the insurance company has contacted you. Call us if you feel overwhelmed.
You do not need to deal with this alone. Our team knows how to fix this situation. Our guidance gives you clarity, confidence, and control.
Talk To A Car Accident Lawyer In Indianapolis Today
When both parties leave the scene of a car accident, you face uncertainty and risk. You also have a clear path forward when you contact us early. Our Indianapolis auto accident attorney team protects your rights, your claim, and your future.
Reach out to us today. We will walk you through every step. We will protect your best interests. We will work to secure the compensation you are entitled to.