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When an accident occurs on the streets of Indianapolis, the data you provide, and even how the scene is documented, can all influence liability decisions and injury claim outcomes.
Under Indiana Code § 9-26-1-1.1, drivers are required to report crashes involving injury, death, or property damage likely exceeding $1,000. But we advise clients to report nearly every crash, even minor ones. Why? Because some injuries don’t present symptoms right away, and when they do, insurers often try to deny coverage if the crash wasn’t documented. Our Indianapolis car accident lawyers helped clients recover compensation even in cases where law enforcement didn’t respond, but we always stress that filing promptly and properly is the best way to protect yourself.
Step 1: Determine Whether You’re Legally Required to File a Report in Indianapolis
Drivers involved in a car accident must report the crash to law enforcement if it results in death, injury, or at least $1,000 in property damage. This is required under Indiana law, which applies statewide and is enforced by both city and state agencies.
The obligation to report is not optional. Leaving the scene or failing to notify police can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the crash. From a legal perspective, filing a timely report also creates a formal record of the incident—one that can be used as evidence when determining fault, recovering damages, or disputing an insurance denial. This is especially important when injuries are not immediately apparent or the full extent of vehicle damage becomes clear only after professional inspection.
In collisions where injuries or significant damage are obvious, it’s best to assume a report is required and contact law enforcement immediately. If the situation seems borderline, the safest course of action is still to report the crash. Making the call protects you from legal consequences and ensures the facts of the accident are formally documented.
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Step 2: Call the Appropriate Law Enforcement Agency
In Indianapolis, who you call to report a crash depends on where the accident occurs. If the crash takes place within city limits, contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD). If it happens on a state highway or outside city jurisdiction, the Indiana State Police or local county sheriff may be the appropriate agency.
In any case, state law under Indiana Code § 9-26-2-1 also requires drivers to exchange information at the scene. This includes name, address, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. Drivers must also remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives unless immediate medical care is needed.
If you’re unsure which agency to call, dialing 911 ensures your call is routed to the right authority. Officers will arrive to investigate the scene, assess injuries, and create an official crash report. This report becomes an essential tool for insurance claims, legal investigations, and determining liability—especially when the other driver disputes fault or leaves out key details in their statement.
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Step 3: Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
Once a crash report is filed by law enforcement, drivers involved in the collision have a right to request a copy. In Indianapolis, the most direct way to obtain this report is through the Indiana State Police’s BuyCrash portal, which provides digital access to reports for a small fee. Alternatively, if the report was created by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, it can also be requested in person from the IMPD Records Division.
This document contains the officer’s assessment of what occurred, a diagram of the accident scene, witness statements if available, and each driver’s explanation. Insurance companies use these reports when assigning fault. Our attorneys often rely on them to identify errors in initial statements, gaps in timelines, or inconsistencies in how the incident was documented.
Obtaining the report early is especially important when medical bills are mounting or a claim is delayed due to questions about fault. In some cases, it also serves as a critical reference if you’re later asked to testify or provide a formal statement to an insurer.
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Step 4: File a Crash Report Yourself If Police Didn’t Respond
Although police typically respond to most accidents involving injuries or substantial damage, there are scenarios where no officer is dispatched. This may happen during inclement weather or when no one appears seriously hurt at the scene. If law enforcement doesn’t arrive, the burden falls on the driver to file the crash report directly with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Drivers are required to submit this report within 10 days of the accident. The Indiana BMV crash report form must include detailed information about the vehicles, people involved, injuries, and damages. Failing to file can result in license suspension or insurance issues down the line, particularly if the other party later files a claim or lawsuit.
Even if the crash seems minor, it’s still recommended to document everything: take photos, collect insurance details, and gather witness names. That information will help support your version of events when submitting the report.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company and Document the Accident
Once the police report is secured or submitted, the next priority is notifying your insurer. Indiana law generally requires drivers to report accidents to their insurance companies “promptly,” which typically means within 24 to 72 hours, depending on the terms of the policy. Some insurers may deny coverage for unreasonable delay.
Provide them with a copy of the police report if available, along with photos, a summary of injuries, and any medical or repair bills you’ve received so far. Keep records of all medical evaluations, even if symptoms seem minor at first. It’s not uncommon for soft-tissue damage, whiplash, or concussions to surface days after the collision.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may also want to review what documentation is required to calculate missed wages in an injury claim. Insurers typically evaluate pay stubs, tax records, and medical evidence confirming the inability to work.
Contact an Indianapolis Car Accident Lawyer for Help Filing Your Car Accident Report
If you’ve been in a car accident, we recommend seeking expert advice promptly to protect your rights from insurance companies that typically try to minimize your compensation. We’re here to prevent that from happening. Contact us today for a free consultation with a car accident attorney and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.
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