Updated
You may still have an Indiana injury claim if you waited to see a doctor after a car accident, but the gap will be an issue, so get checked now. Be honest about why you waited. Insurers often argue that a delay means you weren't really hurt, or that something else caused the injury.
Why do people wait to see a doctor?
- They felt fine at first. Adrenaline can hide pain.
- They didn't have time off work.
- They worried about the cost.
- They hoped it would go away.
These are normal reasons. Tell your doctor the real one.
What should I do now?
- See a doctor soon. Tell them about the crash and when the pain started.
- Be accurate. Don't make the pain sound worse or better than it is.
- Follow the plan. Missing therapy visits creates new gaps.
- Keep a short journal of pain, sleep and missed activities.
How does a gap in treatment affect a claim?
- The insurer may offer less.
- They may say the injury came from something else.
- A doctor who explains how the crash caused the injury can help.
There's no fixed number of days that is "too long." The longer the gap, the more the insurer will question it.
Does waiting pause the deadline?
No. 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. Waiting to see a doctor doesn't pause that deadline.
Be careful what you say
Telling the other insurer "I was fine for two weeks" can be used against you. See Should I talk to the other driver's adjuster?
Frequently asked questions
Can I still have a claim if I waited to see a doctor after a car accident in Indiana?
You may still have an Indiana injury claim if you waited to see a doctor after a car accident, but the gap will be an issue, so get checked now.
Does waiting to see a doctor pause the deadline?
No. Most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years after the claim accrues (Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4). Waiting to see a doctor does not pause that deadline.
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.