If you were hurt in a car wreck, you are probably dealing with pain, missed work, doctor visits, and an insurance company that suddenly has a lot of questions. On top of everything else, there is a legal deadline that can quietly wipe out your case if you wait too long.
Let’s talk about the Indiana statute of limitations for car accident and injury claims, the big exceptions that catch people off guard, and what you should do right now to protect yourself.
What is the statute of limitations in Indiana car accident cases?
In most Indiana personal injury cases, you have two years to file a lawsuit. If you file after the deadline, the other side can raise it as a complete defense, and your case can be over before it really starts.
That deadline is not “two years and a little extra.” It is two years. The clock matters.
Why this deadline is such a big deal
In plain English, the statute of limitations is the law’s filing cutoff. Miss it, and you do not get a do-over. That is why an Indiana personal injury attorney will often tell you to treat deadlines like a ticking clock, not a suggestion.
When does the two-year clock start after a car accident?
Usually, the clock starts on the date of the crash. That sounds simple, but real life is messy. People get hurt and try to “tough it out.” Symptoms show up later. Treatment drags on. Insurance adjusters stall.
None of that automatically stops the clock.
If you were injured in an Indianapolis car accident (or anywhere in Indiana), it is smart to assume the countdown starts immediately and plan accordingly.
Two years feels like plenty of time, so why do people miss it?
Because cases take longer to build than people expect. Here are a few common reasons:
- You are focused on medical recovery and bills.
- The insurance company keeps “reviewing” and “waiting on records.”
- You think you should finish treatment before talking to a lawyer.
- You did not realize your injuries were serious until months later.
- You assume a claim is the same thing as a lawsuit. It is not.
Insurance negotiations are not the same as filing suit. The statute of limitations is about filing in court. If you want your rights protected, the safest move is to have a plan long before the deadline is close.
If you are not sure where you stand, speak with an Indiana injury attorney at Marc Lopez Law Firm. A quick conversation can prevent a permanent mistake. Call 463-288-6270.
What if the at-fault driver is a government entity?
This is the exception that can ruin an otherwise valid case. If your claim involves a government agency or employee, you may have to give formal notice far sooner than two years.
In many situations, you must provide notice within about 180 days of the incident. If you do not, you may lose the ability to sue, even if you are still within the normal two-year limit. That is not a technicality. It is a hard barrier.
Examples where this comes up
- A crash involving a city, county, or state vehicle
- A dangerous road condition claim tied to a government unit
- A collision involving a government employee on the job
The details matter, and the deadlines are strict. If there is even a chance a government entity is involved, treat it like a red alert.
If your wreck involved a city, county, or state vehicle, do not guess. Call Marc Lopez Law Firm at 463-288-6270 and get clarity before time runs out.
What should you do after a personal injury in Indiana to protect your claim?
Do two things right away: get medical care and get organized. Then talk to a lawyer sooner than you think you need to.
Here is a practical checklist:
- Get medical treatment and follow up. Gaps in care can be used against you.
- Document the basics while it is fresh: photos, vehicle damage, visible injuries, and the scene if possible.
- Keep everything in one place: discharge papers, diagnosis notes, prescriptions, bills, and mileage to appointments.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer without advice.
- Do not assume the insurer is on your side. Their job is to minimize payouts. The insurance company is not your friend.
What happens after you hire an Indiana personal injury attorney?
A good case is built, not wished into existence. When you hire Marc Lopez Law Firm, the goal is to protect the claim, develop the evidence, and keep pressure where it belongs.
What that often looks like:
- Identifying all potentially responsible parties
- Preserving crash evidence and obtaining key records
- Reviewing medical documentation to connect injuries to the wreck
- Calculating damages beyond today’s bills, including future care and lost earning capacity
- Handling communications so you are not getting pushed around
- Filing suit on time if the insurer will not be reasonable
Some cases resolve through negotiation. Others require a lawsuit to get fair attention. Either way, deadlines control the chessboard. If you miss them, you do not get to play.
Why Marc Lopez Law Firm for personal injury in Indiana?
You want straight talk. You want someone who takes the timeline seriously. You want someone who understands that this is your life, not a file number.
At Marc Lopez Law Firm, we focus on protecting your rights, communicating clearly, and moving with urgency when urgency is required.
Call today before the deadline becomes the story
If you were injured in a car accident in Indiana, do not wait until the calendar is your enemy. The safest move is to speak with an Indiana personal injury lawyer early, even if you are still treating and still deciding what you want to do.
Call Marc Lopez Law Firm at 463-288-6270 for a free consultation.
FAQ
How long do I have to sue after a car accident in Indiana?
In most cases, two years from the date of the crash. Missing the deadline can bar your lawsuit.
What if I am still talking to the insurance company?
Negotiations do not stop the statute of limitations. You can still lose your case if a lawsuit is not filed on time.
What if a government vehicle caused the crash?
You may need to provide notice much sooner, often within about 180 days. These rules are strict, so get legal advice quickly.
Do I have to wait until my medical treatment is finished?
No. In fact, waiting can be risky. You can talk to an Indiana injury attorney while you are still treating.
What if I am not sure who is at fault yet?
That is common early on. An attorney can investigate, preserve evidence, and make sure deadlines are not missed.
