A hit-and-run accident can leave you hurt, shaken, and confused about what to do next, especially if the driver runs away. Unlike typical car accidents, hit-and-run crashes raise urgent legal and insurance questions: Who pays for your injuries? What coverage applies? What steps protect your claim under Indiana law?

This guide explains hit-and-run accidents in Indianapolis. It covers what Indiana law requires and how uninsured motorist coverage works. It also shows how injured victims can seek compensation when the at-fault driver leaves the scene.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident Under Indiana Law?

Indiana law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop, remain at the scene, provide information, and render aid. When a driver leaves without fulfilling these duties, the crash qualifies as a hit-and-run under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1

A hit-and-run may involve another moving vehicle, a pedestrian or cyclist, a parked car, or property damage alone or injury crashes.

Leaving the scene of an injury accident can lead to felony charges in Indiana.

Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur in Indianapolis

Several factors contribute to hit-and-run crashes in Indianapolis:

• Impaired or distracted driving
• Unlicensed or uninsured motorists
• Fear of arrest or outstanding warrants
• Nighttime and low-visibility conditions
• Congested downtown corridors and interstates

Indiana law enforcement tracks crash trends and reporting procedures through the Indiana State Police. In 2026, Indianapolis continues to implement its Vision Zero Action Plan, specifically targeting ‘High-Injury Networks’ such as 38th Street and Madison Avenue. These corridors see a disproportionate number of hit-and-run incidents, and the city has prioritized safety dashboards to track these trends in real-time.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Indianapolis

Your actions immediately after a hit-and-run can affect your health and your ability to recover compensation.

1. Call 911 immediately. Police documentation is critical.
2. Seek medical attention. Some injuries appear hours or days later.
3. Document everything. Photograph vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
4. Gather witness information. Witnesses may help identify the fleeing vehicle.
5. Report the crash. Indiana requires prompt crash reporting through law enforcement.
6. Notify your insurer carefully. Hit-and-run claims often trigger uninsured motorist coverage.

Can You Recover Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?

Yes. In many hit-and-run cases, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides the primary source of compensation.

Indiana treats a hit-and-run driver as an uninsured motorist in many situations. The Indiana Department of Insurance explains how UM coverage protects drivers when the at-fault party lacks insurance or cannot be identified.

UM coverage may pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term disability.

Even though the insurer is “yours,” it may still dispute liability or damages.

Who May Be Liable in a Hit-and-Run Case?

Depending on the facts, liability may involve:

The Fleeing Driver

If police identify the driver later, you may pursue a personal injury claim directly.

A Vehicle Owner or Employer

If the driver operated a company vehicle or acted within job duties, employer liability may apply.

Your Uninsured Motorist Insurer

When the driver remains unknown, your insurer becomes the primary source of compensation.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Hit-and-Run Accidents

Pedestrians and cyclists face severe risk in hit-and-run crashes. Indiana pedestrian safety initiatives highlight how roadway design and driver behavior contribute to serious injuries.

Pedestrians and cyclists may recover compensation through:

• The driver’s insurance (if identified)
• Their own UM coverage
• A household family member’s auto policy, in some cases

Common Injuries in Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run crashes often cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, broken bones, internal organ damage, and soft-tissue injuries.

The CDC tracks motor-vehicle injury trends and long-term health impacts nationwide.

How an Indianapolis Hit-and-Run Lawyer Builds the Case

An Indianapolis hit and run attorney can help by:

• Securing police and crash reports
• Requesting traffic camera and surveillance footage
• Interviewing witnesses
• Handling UM insurance negotiations
• Calculating full damages
• Protecting against insurer delay tactics

Deadlines for Hit-and-Run Claims in Indiana

Indiana generally allows two years to file a personal injury lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. Insurance policies may impose shorter notice deadlines, especially for UM claims.  If your accident involved an IndyGo bus, a city-owned vehicle, or poor road maintenance by INDOT, the two-year deadline does not apply to your initial notice. You must file a formal Tort Claim Notice within 180 days (for city/county) or 270 days (for state) to preserve your right to sue.

Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer in Indianapolis

Hit-and-run accidents create uncertainty, but Indiana law still offers paths to compensation. Acting quickly protects evidence, preserves insurance rights, and strengthens your claim.

If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Indianapolis, consider speaking with a lawyer at Powless Law Firm P.C. who understands uninsured motorist claims, Indiana reporting laws, and the strategies insurers use in fleeing-driver cases.