The first hour matters. If you’re able, focus on safety first, then evidence.
- Call 911 and report the crash (and ask for an incident/case number). Even if you can’t identify the vehicle yet, an official report creates a timeline.
- Document what you can remember while it’s fresh: direction of travel, vehicle color/make/model (if you saw it), partial plate information, and where you were located when you were struck.
- Capture scene photos: intersection markings, traffic signals, lighting conditions, and any debris/paint transfer.
- Get witness information if anyone stopped or saw the incident. In smaller communities, people often know each other—record names and contact info immediately.
- Preserve video quickly: ask property owners and businesses near the scene if they have cameras and whether footage is retained for only a short period.
Indiana hit-and-run cases often turn on whether the earliest information survives. Waiting can mean losing footage, forgetting details, or having medical records that don’t clearly line up with the crash date.


