Updated
There is no set time for a car accident settlement in Indiana; it depends mostly on how long you need medical care and whether the insurer agrees on fault and value. Some straightforward claims wrap up in a few months. If a lawsuit is filed, it's common for the case to last a year or longer. Nobody can honestly promise you a date.
If instead you already have an offer and want to know whether to take it, see Should I accept the first settlement offer?
What are the steps in an Indiana car accident claim?
- Medical care. It's usually wise to wait until you're done treating, or your doctor can say what care you'll need later. Settling too soon can leave future bills unpaid.
- Gathering records. Bills, records, the crash report and proof of lost pay. Providers can be slow to send these.
- Demand. Your side sends the insurer a demand with the records.
- Insurer review and offers. The adjuster reviews and makes an offer. Back-and-forth is normal.
- Lawsuit, if needed. If talks stall, a suit may be filed. 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.
- Discovery, mediation and trial. Many cases settle at mediation. Some go to trial.
- Getting paid. See below.
How long does it take to get the settlement check in Indiana?
After you sign a release, the insurer still has to issue the check, and any hospital, health-plan or government liens have to be paid off. Indiana does not set a fixed number of days for private auto settlements. Government settlements have a separate 180-day payment rule (Ind. Code § 34-13-3-18).
What slows a settlement down?
- Ongoing treatment or a surgery decision
- A dispute over who was at fault
- Low policy limits or more than one insurer
- Claims against a government unit, which have their own notice and fault rules (Ind. Code §§ 34-13-3-8, 34-51-2-2)
What can I do to help?
- Go to every appointment and follow your doctor's plan.
- Keep receipts and a short pain journal.
- Send papers to your lawyer quickly.
- Don't post about the crash online. See What if I posted about my accident?
Frequently asked questions
How long does a car accident settlement take in Indiana?
There is no set time for a car accident settlement in Indiana; it depends mostly on how long you need medical care and whether the insurer agrees on fault and value.
How long does it take to get the settlement check in Indiana?
Indiana does not set a fixed number of days for private auto settlements. Government settlements have a separate 180-day payment rule (Ind. Code § 34-13-3-18).
What slows a settlement down?
Ongoing treatment or a surgery decision, a dispute over who was at fault, low policy limits or more than one insurer, and claims against a government unit.
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.