After a hit-and-run in Indiana, call 911, get medical care, and write down everything you remember about the other car. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in Indiana (IC 9-26-1-1.1). If police cannot find the driver, your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries, depending on your policy.
What to do after a hit-and-run: step by step
- Get safe. Move out of traffic if you can.
- Call 911. Ask for police and an ambulance if anyone is hurt.
- Do not chase the other car.
- Write down the plate, even part of it, plus the color, make and any damage.
- Note which way the car went.
- Take photos of the scene, your car and your injuries.
- Ask people nearby what they saw. Get their names and numbers.
- Look for cameras at stores, homes and traffic lights.
- Get medical care the same day if you can.
- Tell your insurer in writing.
Checklist: what to keep
- ☐ Police report number
- ☐ Any part of the plate
- ☐ Car color, make and model
- ☐ Photos and video
- ☐ Witness names and phone numbers
- ☐ Locations of nearby cameras
- ☐ Doctor visit records
- ☐ Your insurance policy
What does Indiana law require of drivers in a crash?
A driver in a crash must stop. They must give their name, address and plate number and show their license. If someone is hurt, they must help and call police or 911 (IC 9-26-1-1.1). Leaving can be a misdemeanor or a felony. It depends on how badly someone was hurt (IC 9-26-1-1.1(b)). The criminal case is separate from your injury claim.
Who pays after a hit-and-run?
| Situation | Who may pay |
|---|---|
| Police find the driver and they have insurance | The driver’s liability insurer |
| Police find the driver but they have no insurance | Your uninsured motorist coverage (IC 27-7-5-4) |
| The driver is never found | For injuries: your uninsured motorist coverage, if your policy covers unknown drivers. For car damage: UM property damage does not pay (IC 27-7-5-3) |
| You were walking or biking | Check your own auto policy or a household member’s. It may still apply |
Learn more about uninsured motorist claims in Indiana.
Why you should report it fast
Insurance policies often require you to report a hit-and-run to police and to your insurer quickly. Read yours for the exact rules. Store and traffic video can be erased in days. Acting fast helps police and helps your claim.
How long do I have to file?
If the driver is found, you usually have two years to sue them (IC 34-11-2-4). Check your insurance policy for its own UM claim deadline. If you were walking or biking, see our pedestrian and bicycle page.
Watch: What to do after a hit-and-run
Talk to a lawyer
Poynter & Bucheri is an Indianapolis law firm that has helped Indiana accident victims since 1996. Free consultations. Se habla español. Call (317) 780-8000 or send us a message.
Frequently asked questions
Is a hit-and-run a crime in Indiana?
Yes. A driver in a crash must stop and give their information. Leaving the scene is a crime (IC 9-26-1-1.1).
Who pays if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
For injuries, your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay if your policy covers unknown drivers. For car damage, Indiana’s UM property damage coverage does not pay when the driver cannot be identified (IC 27-7-5-3).
Do I have to call the police after a hit-and-run?
You should, right away. Your insurer will likely want the police report for a hit-and-run claim.
I was walking when a car hit me and left. Am I covered?
Maybe. Your own auto policy, or one in your household, may cover you as a pedestrian. Read the policy or ask a lawyer.
How long do I have after a hit-and-run in Indiana?
Report it to police and your insurer right away. Lawsuits against a found driver usually must be filed within two years (IC 34-11-2-4).
Sources
- IC 9-26-1-1.1: duties of drivers involved in accidents
- IC 27-7-5-3, -4: uninsured motorist coverage
- IC 34-11-2-4: two-year limitation period
Indiana Code citations are to the 2026 Indiana Code published by the Indiana General Assembly (iga.in.gov).
General information only—not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; deadlines can be shorter in some situations. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.