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You often don't need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Indiana if no one was hurt and only your car was damaged. You can usually handle that claim yourself with the insurance company. A lawyer starts to make sense when someone is hurt, when fault is in dispute, or when the insurer stops treating you fairly.
If instead you were hurt in any kind of accident and want to know whether to handle it alone, see When you may not need a personal injury lawyer in Indiana.
When can I handle a minor crash claim myself?
| Handle it yourself | Talk to a lawyer |
|---|---|
| No one has any pain or injury, even a day or two later | You or a passenger needs medical care |
| The other driver admits fault, and their insurer agrees | The other insurer says you were partly at fault |
| The repair estimate seems fair to you | The other driver had no insurance or drove off |
| You got a rental car or payment for one | The insurer asks for a recorded statement or a broad medical release |
If you handle it yourself, keep your photos, the crash report and your repair bills. For a driver who fled, see our page on hit-and-run crashes.
What if a "minor" crash starts to hurt later?
Some injuries show up later. Neck and back pain from a low-speed crash can start a day or more after the wreck. If you start to hurt, see a doctor right away and keep the records. See what to do if you waited to see a doctor.
Is Indiana a no-fault state?
No. Indiana is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash, and their insurer, pay for the harm. Learn more in Is Indiana a no-fault state?
How long do I have to file after a minor crash in Indiana?
Indiana rule: most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the claim accrues (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4). For most car crashes, that's two years from the wreck. Check yours with our deadline calculator. The same two-year limit applies to a claim for damage to your car.
What if a city, county or state vehicle hit me?
You may have to give written notice much sooner. Claims against a city, county or other local unit generally need written notice within 180 days of the loss (Ind. Code § 34-13-3-8). Claims against the State of Indiana generally need notice within 270 days (Ind. Code § 34-13-3-6). Missing the notice can bar the claim even if the two-year lawsuit deadline hasn't run. Fault rules differ too: Indiana's Comparative Fault Act does not apply to claims against the government (Ind. Code § 34-51-2-2).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Indiana?
You often don't need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Indiana if no one was hurt and only your car was damaged.
Is Indiana a no-fault state?
No. Indiana is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash, and their insurer, pay for the harm.
How long do I have to file after a minor crash in Indiana?
Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the claim accrues (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4). For most car crashes, that is two years from the wreck. The same two-year limit applies to a claim for damage to your car.
What if a city, county or state vehicle hit me?
Claims against a city, county or other local unit generally need written notice within 180 days of the loss (Ind. Code § 34-13-3-8). Claims against the State of Indiana generally need notice within 270 days (Ind. Code § 34-13-3-6).
Talk it over for free
You don't have to come to an office. We can do your consultation by phone or video, and you can sign up by e-signature.
You can hire Poynter & Bucheri without visiting an office. We can talk through what happened in a free phone or video consultation. When you're ready, we'll email you the sign-up papers, and you can sign them electronically from your phone or computer. There's no appointment to drive to. Some later steps in a case, like a deposition, a medical exam or a court date, may need you in person, and we'll tell you ahead of time if one comes up. If English isn't your first language, we have access to professional interpretation. Call (317) 780-8000 or fill out our short form to get started. The consultation is always free, and we'll tell you honestly if you don't need us.
General information only—not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different; deadlines can be shorter in some situations. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.