If You’ve Been Hurt in Hamilton County, Time Is Not on Your Side
If your injury happened on US 31 near Carmel or I-69 through Fishers, you’re not just dealing with pain or medical bills. You’re also racing against the clock. Indiana law sets hard deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and missing one of them could destroy your chance at recovery.
It doesn’t matter how strong your case is. If you miss a filing deadline, you may lose the ability to hold the at-fault party accountable.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we’ve seen how good people get blindsided by legal technicalities. That’s why we’re here to explain what those deadlines are, how they work, and what to do if you’ve been injured in Hamilton County.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Indiana?
Most personal injury claims in Indiana, including those involving car crashes, dog bites, and slip and falls, are subject to a two-year statute of limitations.
This means you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date you were injured. If you wait even one day beyond that deadline, you lose your right to file a claim. Period. There are no do-overs.
This two-year limit applies to injuries that occur anywhere in Indiana, including Hamilton County cities like:
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Noblesville
- Westfield
- Cicero
- Sheridan
When the Government Is Involved, You Have Even Less Time
If a government agency or employee played any role in your injury, a second, much shorter deadline kicks in.
In these cases, you must file a tort claim notice within 180 days of the incident. That’s just six months.
Here are examples where this rule may apply:
- A police chase leads to a collision that injures you.
- You slip and fall on a slick courthouse floor.
- A county hospital employee causes you harm.
Whether it’s a city, town, county, or state agency, if it’s government, the tort claim notice is required. That includes entities like:
- Fishers Police Department
- Noblesville Town Hall
- Hamilton County buildings and offices
Fail to file that notice on time, and you lose your right to sue. You still have to follow the two-year statute of limitations, but missing the 180-day notice is fatal to your case.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute. It Could Cost You Everything
Here’s a situation we see too often:
Someone tries to handle their claim on their own. They negotiate with the insurance company. Months go by. Then, a week before the two-year mark, they realize things aren’t going well. They call an attorney and say, “I need help. Can you file this for me?”
The problem? It’s nearly impossible to build a solid case in just a few days. By then:
- Evidence may be gone.
- Witnesses may be unavailable.
- You may have unknowingly said or done things that weakened your claim.
Attorneys need time to investigate, request records, talk to experts, and prepare your case. If you call right before the deadline, even the best injury lawyer is playing catch-up.
What Should You Do After a Personal Injury in Hamilton County?
If you’ve been injured, whether it’s a car crash, a fall on public property, or any incident caused by someone else, don’t wait. Follow these steps to protect your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately. This protects your health and documents your injury.
- Report the incident. File a police report or incident report.
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters alone. They are not looking out for your best interests.
- Contact an Indiana personal injury lawyer right away.
Even if you’re unsure about filing a lawsuit, talking to a lawyer early can preserve your options.
Why It’s Critical to Speak With an Attorney Sooner Rather Than Later
A personal injury lawyer can help you:
- Determine what deadlines apply to your case.
- File necessary paperwork on time, including tort claim notices.
- Deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
- Preserve evidence while it’s still available.
- Protect your rights from the very beginning.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we don’t charge anything upfront to speak with us. You have nothing to lose by reaching out and possibly everything to lose by waiting.
We Love Hamilton County but the Clock Is Ticking
Hamilton County is a great place to live and work. Several of our attorneys call it home. But when it comes to injury claims, the law is the same here as it is in the rest of Indiana and the deadlines are unforgiving.
Whether you were hurt in Fishers, Noblesville, Westfield, or anywhere else in Hamilton County, don’t assume you have plenty of time. Don’t risk your recovery by handling things alone or putting off the call.
Speak With an Indiana Injury Attorney Today
Legal deadlines don’t care if you’re overwhelmed, in pain, or just trying to get your life back on track. The law doesn’t pause while you heal.
But you don’t have to face this alone.
Call the Marc Lopez Law Firm today at 463-282-3514, and let us help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Let us turn your frustration into compensation.
