Car accidents are often associated with bustling highways and high-speed collisions. However, the reality is that they can happen in quiet streets and parking lots. In fact, the National Safety Council reports indicate that parking lots record over 50,000 crashes every year, which is about 20% of all vehicle accidents.
In Indiana, a hit-and-run occurs when a driver collides with another vehicle or property and fails to stop and provide their information. The law requires drivers involved in an accident to immediately stop and give pertinent details such as names, addresses, insurance, and vehicle registration numbers to the other party or law enforcement if the owner is absent.
If you’ve accidentally hit a parked car and no one is present, your immediate actions can help preserve evidence and protect your rights. Here are the steps to take:
In Indiana, your premiums may not necessarily increase if someone hits your parked car. This is especially true if the Indiana accident report placed the other driver 100% at fault. Hence, it’s crucial to report the incident to your insurer promptly and provide supporting evidence, such as police reports.
However, there are various factors that can influence the claims process and whether your rates are affected. These include:
Consulting with an Indiana car accident attorney can help ensure you receive adequate compensation for your losses and minimize any negative impact on your insurance premiums.
The Indiana Code 9-26-1-1.1 mandates that the driver involved in an accident immediately stop and give out contact and insurance information to the other driver. The driver must also report the accident that results in injury, death or over $1000 in property damage. Failure to do that may result in serious charges:
| Type of Hit and Run Accident | Offense Class | Penalties |
| DUI related accident that causes severe or catastrophic injury | Level 3 felony | 10 – 30 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines |
| Hit and run that causes death | Level 4 felony | 2 – 12 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines |
| Hit and run that causes serious injury | Level 6 felony | Half to 2.5 years imprisonment and up to $10,000 in fines |
| Hit and run that causes bodily injury | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines |
| Hit and run with no injuries | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 180 days and up to $1,000 in fines |
Note that while the legal requirements for hit-and-run incidents in parking lots are similar to those for accidents on public roads, there may be notable differences. For example, parking lot accidents may involve private property owners or security footage, which can impact the investigation and claims process.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run incident in Indiana, don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney from Blackburn Romey for legal assistance. Our award winning attorneys are committed to assisting clients in handling personal injury cases and ensuring their rights are upheld. Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case and explore how we can support you.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
