Why You Should Not Wait to Call a Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car crash in Indiana, you may instinctively want to focus on medical treatment, vehicle repair, and getting your life back to normal. That’s understandable. But here’s something many people overlook: the legal clock is already ticking. 

Delaying reaching out to an experienced car accident lawyer can jeopardize not only your peace of mind, but it can also significantly reduce your chance of getting fair compensation.

If you’re ready to talk with me about your case, don’t wait; contact my office today for a free consultation.

The Direct Answer: Should You Wait?

No, you should not wait to call a car accident lawyer. The sooner you engage legal representation, the stronger your position will be. Waiting can cost you in three significant ways:

• You risk losing key evidence
• You allow insurance companies to gain the upper hand
• You may inadvertently forfeit your legal rights under Indiana statute. 

In short, acting promptly is in your best interest.

Why Acting Quickly Matters: Five Key Reasons

1. Evidence disappears fast.

In Indiana, the law doesn’t give you unlimited time, but even before legal deadlines expire, the strength of your case can deteriorate if you delay. For example, surveillance footage gets erased, skid marks fade or get cleaned up, damaged vehicles are repaired, and witnesses move away or forget details.

If you wait too long to involve a lawyer, crucial proof may vanish — making it harder to prove fault or the extent of your injuries and damage.

2. Insurance companies move quickly,  and so should you.

Even though you may think you have “time” given Indiana’s statute, insurers are well aware of deadline implications and often use delay tactics to reduce what they’ll pay.

When you call a lawyer early, you create a stronger position, send a message that you’re serious, and give your attorney time to build a claim before being forced into a rushed settlement.

3. Statute of limitations is strict in Indiana.

In Indiana, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims arising from a car crash is 2 years from the date of the accident.

What that means: if you wait too long, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit forever. Even in cases you hope will settle without litigation, having the lawsuit option strengthens your hand. In addition, if the crash involves a government vehicle or entity, the time limits can be far shorter (180 or 270 days) under the Indiana Tort Claims Act.

Thus, contacting a lawyer early ensures all deadlines are accounted for.

4. You need time to assess damages properly.

Many car accident victims focus on visible damage: vehicle repair, initial medical bills. But full damages often include future medical costs, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Without time to evaluate, you may accept a settlement too early and miss compensation for future costs.

By involving a lawyer early, you give yourself time to track recovery, document treatment, and build a comprehensive claim.

5. Comparative fault and liability issues require early action.

In Indiana, you have “modified comparative fault” rules: you can recover damages only if your percentage of fault is not greater than that of the other parties, and your share of fault reduces your recovery. 

Early investigation helps establish fault clearly; delaying may give the other side more opportunity to argue you were more responsible, or to muddy the record in their favor.

Real-World Considerations 

Here are some specific issues you should know if your crash happened in Indiana (and yes, contacting me can help you navigate them).

Statute of limitations exceptions:

• If a minor was injured, the two-year clock may begin when the minor turns 18.
• If the injured person was incapacitated, the deadline may be tolled.
• If you’re suing a government entity (road maintenance, bus, township), you must often file notice of claim within 180 days (for city/county) or 270 days (for state agency). 

These nuances are why speaking with a car accident lawyer early is so critical — you don’t want to find out too late that your case was time-barred.

Evidence loss in Indiana cases:

One article noted: “Surveillance footage can be erased, accident site evidence disappears, and witness memories fade over time.” 

Another pointed out that photographers, vehicle data recorders, and more must be preserved early on.

What this means for you: immediate steps are necessary: photograph the scene, preserve vehicle damage, collect witness contact info, and let your lawyer help gather everything.

Insurance hesitation and tactics:

Another piece explained that delays in negotiation are sometimes deliberate:

“Insurance companies … will use stalling tactics, which can drag out the process.”

If you act quickly, you reduce the chance you’ll be pressured into a lowball settlement because of time pressure or fear that your case is about to expire.

Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters

While you may feel you “can wait” and decide later on hiring counsel, there are strategic advantages to having a lawyer involved from the start:

• A lawyer ensures all deadlines (statute of limitations, notice to government entity, etc.) are tracked and met. Missing one means forfeiting your right to sue. 
• You gain leverage when dealing with insurance companies. They know you have the option to file suit; delay weakens that option.
• You benefit from an attorney’s investigation skills: gathering evidence, working with experts (accident reconstruction, medical experts), and building a compelling case.
• You avoid being rushed into a settlement before knowing the full extent of your injuries and losses. Having me review everything ensures your claim fully accounts for future medical needs and loss of quality of life.

Our Indiana Car Accident Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Indiana, every day matters. Waiting to contact a car accident lawyer is not just a missed opportunity, it could be a serious mistake. Evidence fades, insurance companies exploit time, and legal deadlines slip away. By reaching out promptly, you protect your rights, preserve your claim, and position yourself for the best possible outcome.

So, here’s what I advise: Don’t wait. Call my office today for a no-cost consultation. Let’s talk about what happened, what your rights are, and how we can move forward together, while the facts are fresh and your case is strong. Your recovery and peace of mind deserve nothing less.