How long do you have to report an accident in Indiana?
If you’re involved in a car accident that results in injury, death, or entrapment, Indiana law requires you to report it to the police as soon as possible. To better understand what the car accident laws in Indiana require or if you have questions about your rights, contact Team Green Law to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer.
What happens if you don’t report an accident within 24 hours?
Under Indiana law, you are required to report a car accident to local law enforcement or call 911 as soon as possible if the crash results in injury, death, or someone being trapped in a vehicle. Failing to report an accident can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, including fines, penalties, or even criminal charges. If you have questions about Indiana’s car accident laws or how to report an accident, give us a call at Team Green Law.
Not reporting an accident can also hurt your chances of receiving compensation. Insurance companies may delay or deny claims, leaving you responsible for medical bills and property damage. It may also become harder to prove fault in a personal injury case. In Indiana, you can only recover damages if you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. Failing to report it could jeopardize your ability to receive maximum compensation by making it harder to prove fault.
Do you need a police report to file an insurance claim in Indiana?
You don’t need a police report to file an insurance claim, but having one can be very helpful, especially if you plan to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. While it’s not always required to report every accident to the police, doing so creates an official record that can support your case. A police report serves as an unbiased record of the crash and often includes details about the scene, witness statements, vehicle damage, and the responding officer’s initial findings. These details can help support your claim and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
Does an accident go on your record if no police report is filed?
In some cases, a minor car accident where no police report is filed may not show up on your driving record. However, if you file a claim with your insurance company, they may be required to report the accident to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which could place it on your driving record.
If you have questions about how a minor accident without a police report might affect your rights or insurance, it’s wise to consult with a car accident lawyer. Contact Team Green Law for guidance tailored to your situation.
How long do you have to file a car insurance claim in Indiana?
The deadline for reporting a car accident to your insurance company depends on the terms of your specific auto insurance policy. Most insurers require notification within a “reasonable time,” which typically means within a few days of the accident. It is also crucial to keep in mind that Indiana law sets a statute of limitations of two years for filing a personal injury lawsuit, or only 180 days if your claim involves a government entity.
To protect your rights and preserve your ability to seek compensation, it’s important to report the accident to both the police and your insurance company as soon as possible. Prompt reporting helps create a clear record of the incident and strengthens your case. If you have questions about deadlines or your legal options after an accident, contact Team Green Law to learn more.
How long does it take for a claim to be paid?
Every personal injury claim is unique, so the time it takes to receive payment can vary widely. Some claims may be resolved in as little as 30 days, especially if there are minimal injuries and clear liability. However, more complex cases — those involving serious injuries, lengthy medical treatment, disputes over fault, or the need for further investigation — can take significantly longer to settle.
If you’re unsure about when you might receive compensation or want to better understand how long before making an insurance claim or receiving payment, it’s a good idea to speak with your insurance provider for details about your specific case. For legal guidance on your personal injury claim and help navigating delays, speak with an experienced Indiana car accident attorney with Team Green Law.
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.
