What Are The Car Accident Laws In Indiana?

Jun 21

If you have been involved in a car accident in Indiana, the law allows you to recover damages if another negligent party caused the crash. However, it is important to understand how the car accident laws in Indiana work, as they can significantly affect the outcome of your claim.

An experienced car accident attorney from Blackburn Romey can evaluate your situation and advise on your rights and options under the law. Consult our team today for free if you have suffered injuries.

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Is Indiana a no-fault or at-fault state for car accidents?

Indiana operates under an “at-fault” system. The driver found to be at fault is liable for damages sustained by the other parties involved in the accident. Consequently, it is the responsibility of the victims to demonstrate the other party’s fault.

Important car accident laws in Indiana?

Car accident claims in Indiana are governed by several laws. Here are some critical ones to be aware of:

Hit-and-Run Laws

If you are involved in a car accident, Indiana law requires you to stop even if no injuries are apparent. This allows you to provide the needed assistance and exchange contact and insurance information with the other party. Violating this law may lead to harsh penalties.

Auto Insurance Requirements in Indiana

Indiana law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance. The required coverage amounts are:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident

These minimums ensure drivers can cover some losses and damages they may cause in an accident. However, we recommend carrying higher limits for sufficient protection.

Distracted Driving Laws

Distracted driving refers to driving while engaged in other activities that divert attention away from the road. For instance, it is illegal to send, read, and write text messages while driving in Indiana. Drivers who violate this law can be liable for resulting crashes.

Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (OWI)

Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana is an offense that involves a driver operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher or while impaired. Violation can lead to criminal charges and civil liability for accidents.

Who is at fault in a car accident in Indiana?

In Indiana, there could be several possible parties at fault for a car accident:

  • Negligent drivers
  • Vehicle owners
  • Employers under the “respondeat superior” doctrine
  • Vehicle manufacturers
  • Government entities
  • Vehicle maintenance companies for failure to replace faulty parts
  • Establishments serving alcohol under dram shop laws

Contact an Indiana car accident lawyer at Blackburn Romey for assistance

Proper knowledge of the car accident laws in Indiana is crucial to a successful claim. The details of these laws require experienced interpretation to ensure that no critical aspect of your case is overlooked. Our dedicated Fort Wayne car accident lawyers, South Bend, Indianapolis, Lafayette, and Terre Haute attorneys use their vast experience to strongly advocate for your best outcome.

At Blackburn Romey, we are ready to listen to your case and determine the best course of action for seeking compensation. Contact us today for a free case evaluation about a possible case.

Tom Blackburn

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.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.