Can I Leave the Scene of an Accident if There Are No Injuries?

When you’re involved in a car accident, you may be relieved to realize that no one is hurt. Maybe there seems to be only minor damage in the wake of the accident. You may already be thinking that there’s no reason to linger at the scene of the accident if everything is okay. 

But that may not be the case, and leaving the scene of a car accident can have serious consequences for you. Here’s what you need to know about leaving the scene of an accident, even if there are no injuries. When you’re ready for help with an accident claim, speak to a local car accident lawyer from Kooi Law.

Some Injuries Take Time to Show 

When you’re first involved in a car accident, you may feel fine, even if you’re seriously injured. For example, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury, but you may not know it right away. It may take time before you begin experiencing headaches, memory loss, and other signs of an injury. Even something as simple as back pain after a car accident could be a sign of something more serious at play, like a pinched nerve or herniated disc.

That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention, even if everyone involved seems fine. Not only can acting now save lives, but it can also prove to the insurance company that any injuries were caused by the car accident. 

Property Damage Still Requires Reporting 

Car accidents may require reporting even if no one was injured in the accident. In Indiana, you’re required to report the accident if someone is injured or killed or if more than $1,000 in damage was done to any property. 

But calculating the damage may be difficult when you’ve just been involved in the accident. Often, it may be better to report the accident now, rather than to find out later that you should have reported. 

Penalties for Leaving May Be Harsh 

Leaving the scene of a car accident can also lead to harsh penalties if you’re required to stay and report but instead leave the scene. If you leave the scene of a car accident before you contact the authorities, you may find yourself facing criminal penalties. 

If you leave the scene of a car accident and someone is actually injured, you may be facing felony charges. That may mean years in prison, fines, and a criminal record that may haunt you for life. 

Luckily, you don’t have to answer questions and report your accident alone. Your lawyer can help you file the right reports, negotiate with the insurance company, and get the compensation you’re due for your injuries. 

Seek Legal Aid Before Leaving the Scene of an Accident 

When you’re involved in a car accident, it doesn’t always look serious. But that doesn’t mean it’s safe to leave the scene of a car accident right away. 

Istead, you may need to seek the services of a lawyer at Kooi Law. Our attorneys can help you take the right steps to maximize your compensation and get the help you need following a crash. When you’re ready for your free consultation, give us a call at 317-569-1335 or complete the following online contact form.