By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed May 20, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Every state has specific laws about whether you need to file an accident report after a car crash. Most people have no idea whether they need to submit a crash report in Indiana. This is especially true for people who are in a minor car accident. They assume that all they have to do is exchange insurance information and submit a claim to their insurance company.
While a car accident may be over in an instant, dealing with the insurance company can take months. If you don’t take the proper steps immediately after your car accident, you may jeopardize your personal injury claim. You may also face fines, jail time, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Here, we’ll explain the auto accident reporting requirements in Indiana. We’ll also discuss why it’s crucial that you call 911 after the crash. If you still have questions about whether you must report your crash, contact an Indiana car accident lawyer.
The chart below summarizes Indiana's crash reporting laws and procedures for filing a car crash report.
State Accident Statutes |
|
When To Report an Accident |
You must immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency when:
|
Crash Reporting |
|
Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, consult a car accident attorney or conduct legal research to verify your state's laws.
Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1 spells out the car accident report requirements. If you don’t comply with these rules, you may face fines and potential jail time. The state of Indiana may also suspend your driver’s license.
According to Indiana law, you must do the following immediately after an auto accident:
All motorists in Indiana must submit an Indiana accident report for any crash resulting in bodily injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage. The easiest way to do this is by calling the local police or other authorities.
(It’s important to note that the law doesn’t maintain crash reporting requirements for snowmobiles and other off-road vehicles.)
Indiana law requires that you take specific steps after an accident involving an unattended vehicle or other property. For example, if you crash into a parked car, you must make a reasonable effort to identify and locate the vehicle’s owner.
If this isn’t possible, you must notify the local police department. The police will investigate and prepare an Indiana crash report.
If you intentionally fail to notify the property owner or the police, the state may charge you with a Class B misdemeanor.
After a "reportable" accident, Indiana motorists must complete and submit an Operator's Proof of Insurance/Crash Report within 10 days. This report verifies that the drivers had insurance coverage at the time of the accident. You must have your insurance agent sign the report before you submit it.
If you don’t submit the crash report, the state may suspend your driver's license and vehicle registration. It may also charge you with a misdemeanor. If the accident caused severe bodily injury or death, you may face felony charges.
If the driver is physically incapable of making the report, any occupant of the vehicle can do so. The law may also require a witness to submit a crash report, depending on the circumstances.
Indiana law requires drivers to call 911 immediately after a car accident. Even when both parties agree to settle without filing an insurance claim, they must still file an accident report.
The accident report is vital for the following reasons:
Creating an accident report isn’t complicated. Indiana law requires you to stop and exchange information with the other drivers. This should provide you with the information you need for the report.
The following checklist is helpful when preparing your Indiana crash report:
When you submit your report, get the official report number. Your Indiana car accident lawyer may need this for your insurance claim and personal injury case.
If you were in a car accident resulting in significant property damage or injury, contact an experienced attorney. Most Indiana car accident attorneys offer new clients a free case review.
Seeking legal advice will help ensure that you file your accident report correctly and determine if you have a legal claim.
Visit Findlaw.com’s auto accident attorney directory to find a lawyer near you.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get on-demand legal help during traffic stops and car accidents. TurnSignl is an app that connects you to an attorney in real-time.
Need legal advice after an accident? Most attorneys offer a free first call.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.