How long after a car accident can you claim injury in Indiana? | Team Green Law

Car Accidents

How long after a car accident can you claim injury in Indiana?

Learn how long you have following a car accident to claim injury in Indiana and how soon you have to file a police report.
Collin Green

TGL Attorney

Collin Green

how long after a car accident can you claim injury in Indiana

How long after a car accident can you claim injury in Indiana?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Indiana, you generally have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is critical to understand if you’re seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages.

Failing to file a lawsuit before the deadline means you may lose your right to recover compensation. Additionally, if your claim involves a government entity, you must submit a specific written notice within 180 days of the accident. Because these deadlines can be complex and strict, it’s wise to consult a car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure all legal requirements are met.

It is also important to note that this two-year period starts from the date of the accident—not from when you first noticed an injury or financial loss. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away, but that does not extend the filing deadline. This is why getting legal guidance early on is essential. If you’re unsure about your rights or how to proceed, contact Team Green Law for a free case review.

Even if you believe your injuries are minor, consulting a trusted personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for any medical treatments, therapy, or long-term care that may be necessary. The best way to protect your claim is to take action quickly and seek professional guidance.

How long after an accident can you file a police report?

Indiana law requires drivers to immediately report accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage to local law enforcement. Failing to report an accident in these situations could lead to legal consequences, including fines or even criminal charges.

When speaking with law enforcement, it’s important to provide accurate details about the accident, including the names and insurance information of all involved drivers. If a driver lacks valid insurance or a license, that information should be documented in the police report. This report can serve as essential evidence if you need to file a personal injury claim.

If possible, take photos and gather witness statements while still at the accident scene. These details can support your case and provide additional evidence if there are disputes over who was at fault.
Always obtain a copy of the completed police report for your records, as it can play a key role in filing an insurance claim or a potential lawsuit. If you need help understanding how to request a police report or how to use it in your claim, reach out to Team Green Law for guidance.

How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company?

It’s best to contact your insurance company as soon as possible—ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Many insurance policies include specific reporting deadlines, so delaying too long could risk your claim being denied.

If there’s a delay in reporting, be sure to provide a clear explanation when submitting your claim, as this could affect how your insurance provider evaluates your case. Insurers often consider timely reporting a sign of a valid claim, and any significant delay may lead to additional scrutiny.

Additionally, filing a police report promptly ensures there’s an official record of the crash. This documentation can be crucial when proving fault, liability, and damages in a personal injury claim. Taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses and involved drivers can also strengthen your claim.

Many insurance companies require supporting documentation such as medical records, repair estimates, and proof of lost wages. Keeping thorough records and working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help maximize your compensation and ensure you are treated fairly by the insurance company.

How long do you have to sue for personal injury in Indiana?

If you were injured in a car accident in Indiana, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if the claim involves a government entity, you must submit a written notice within 180 days. These strict deadlines mean that waiting too long could cost you the opportunity to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Missing these deadlines could prevent you from recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. Insurance companies may also use delays against you, arguing that your injuries were not serious enough to warrant a claim. Because of this, it’s critical to have a trusted legal team on your side to guide you through the process.

At Team Green Law, we take a personal approach to personal injury law, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome. Our experienced attorneys fight for the rights of injured individuals—every step of the way. Whether you’re negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit, we’re here to help you achieve the compensation you deserve.

Team Green is a different kind of law firm. We’re not going to make you promises we can’t deliver on. This is our promise to you: ​​we will guide you through the legal process, working with you through straight talk and personal attention, and we’ll work for you with smart, aggressive representation to get the settlement or judgment you deserve. Other lawyers show their case results on their websites, but not only does that imply results they can’t guarantee — it’s against the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 7.1 [2] (2)).  But you should know that the results of one successful case does not tell us what will happen with you. We will work with you to set realistic expectations of the timeline and money that could be recovered for your unique case.