Let’s look at an important topic that has the potential to make a bad situation a lot worse. A car crash comes with certain obligations, and fleeing the scene of an accident is never a good idea. When it’s combined with a DUI, it can compound your troubles.
Car Crashes: What You’re Obligated to Do
Under Indiana law, a driver who’s been involved in a collision shall immediately stop at the scene of the accident or as close to the accident as possible in a manner that does not obstruct traffic more than is necessary. The driver is then obligated to provide specific information to anyone involved in the crash, including:
- name
- address
- vehicle registration number
- driver’s license number
When a car crash leaves someone injured, there are additional steps you’re required to take. In the State of Indiana, you’re obligated to:
- provide reasonable assistance to each person injured in or entrapped by the accident, as directed by a law enforcement officer, medical personnel, or a 911 telephone operator; and
- as soon as possible after the accident, immediately give notice of the accident, or ensure that another person gives notice of the accident, by the quickest means of communication, to the local police, sheriff, state police, or 911 telephone operator.
So what happens if you’re in a collision and you fail to stop and exchange information with the others involved? What if—for whatever reason—you panic and take off? This will almost certainly qualify as leaving the scene of an accident under Indiana law.
Click here to read more about leaving the scene of an accident.
