Is it Too Late to File an Injury Claim After My Auto Accident?

If you were recently injured in a car accident in Indianapolis, it is critical to get started on your injury claim as soon as possible. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about personal injury statutes of limitations, including how long you have to file a claim after an auto accident in Indiana.

Auto Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-636-7497
Auto Accident Lawyers Indianapolis IN 317-636-7497

Indiana Statutes of Limitations for Car Accidents

It is strongly advised by veteran personal injury attorneys to file a car accident claim as soon as you are physically capable, even straight from the hospital bed if possible. Acting fast is important because it protects the evidence supporting your claim, plus allows you to avoid missing the filing deadline set by the state, known as the statutes of limitations.

Statutes of limitations are set time periods for filing civil claims. They vary depending on the type of civil case, but for most personal injuries, Indiana gives claimants 2 years from the date of the accident to bring about a claim against an at-fault party and their insurance carrier. This includes car accidents.

The Importance of Filing on Time

Once the statute of limitations expires, claimants lose all eligibility to bring about a personal injury car accident claim in civil court. There are some exceptions to the rules of these limitations, and in some cases, the statute of time can be extended. It is important to talk to your skilled Indiana car accident lawyer for help understanding the limits and deadlines surrounding your claim.

Even if you think you missed the deadline, contact a lawyer anyway. You may have more time than 2 years to file your particular type of personal injury claim.

Car Accident Legal Tips:

⇛ Seek medical attention immediately.

⇛ File a police report at the scene of the accident or at the hospital.

⇛ Take pictures and video evidence of the scene of the accident, if possible. You can also ask a police officer, witness, or friend to do this for you.

⇛ Keep all documentation, including police report, medical treatment reports and records, witness statements and contact information, and media of the scene.

⇛ Contact a personal injury lawyer to learn your eligibility for pursing legal action against a responsible party.

⇛ Follow all instructions and guidance suggested to you by your car accident personal injury lawyer.

⇛ Stay away from all social media platforms until your case has been settled.

Are you looking for a seasoned injury lawyer who can help you win your car accident case? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to file a car accident claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our experienced personal injury lawyers represent clients all throughout the state.

You Should Also Enjoy:

Advice For Indianapolis Car Accident Victims
What to Do After A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault
Dude, You Hit My Car!

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497

Basic Lawsuit Terms and Definitions for Personal Injury Cases

Every personal injury lawsuit is different. However, all cases will involve some basic legal terminology and procedures. Whether you are injured in a car crash or slip and fall accident, understanding some classic personal injury and courtroom terms will help you better understand your rights to being compensated for your damages and losses as a wrongfully injured victim.

Continue reading to familiarize yourself with the basic terms and definitions you’ll likely hear during the process of your personal injury case.

Personal Injury Law Firm Indianapolis 317-636-7497
Personal Injury Law Firm Indianapolis 317-636-7497

Personal Injury Glossary Terms

Tort

A tort is an act that is wrongful, but neither criminal nor deriving from a contractual agreement. Tort cases are adjudicated in civil court, not criminal court. However, some torts can also be penalized as criminal offenses if they are intentional. An intentional tort is a wrongful act that was done knowingly and on purpose. Anyone guilty of an intentional tort can be penalized in both civil and criminal court.

Example of torts include drunk driving accidents, wrongful deaths, medical malpractice, product defects, dog bites, and negligent supervision. Victims who are wrongfully injured or damaged by torts may seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

Negligence

Negligence is the central factor in all personal injury cases. Negligence can be intentional or unintentional, as well as an action or inaction. Failing to act with reasonable care or behaving carelessly or recklessly are basic acts of negligence in personal injury cases. In order to be successful in a personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff party holds the burden of proving negligence.

Here in Indiana, state law recognizes modified comparative negligence. This means that an injured victim or plaintiff party can collect compensation from an at-fault party/parties so long as they are less than 50% responsible for the accident.

Burden of Proof

The plaintiff party holds the burden of proof, meaning they are responsible for proving negligence on behalf of the at fault party, whether that be a company, government sector, or individual person. In order to prove negligence, the plaintiff party must demonstrate 4 things:

➀ The opposing party had a legal duty of care to the plaintiff party.
➁ The opposing party violated or breached their legal duty of care.
➂ The opposing party’s violation was a direct cause of the victim’s damages.
➃ The victim’s damages are real and tangible.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations are the time restrictions set by the state in which a plaintiff can bring about a personal injury lawsuit against an at-fault party. Once these time limits have passed, and injured victim is no longer eligible to pursue legal action against the party who caused their injuries in subsequent damages. Most personal injury statutes of limitations are two years from the date of the accident or incident, but other types of personal injury cases may have shorter or longer time restrictions.

Plaintiff

The person or group of people who file a personal injury claim against another party is known as the plaintiff or plaintiff party.

Defendant

The person, group of people, company, or government sector being sued by a wrongfully injured victim is the defendant in a personal injury case.

Complaint

A complaint is the filing and initiation of a personal injury lawsuit. Filing a complaint is essentially a plaintiff’s means of expressing their grievances to the courts. Complaints must be filed with the proper court.

Answer

Following the filing of a complaint, the defendant must provide a formal answer expressing their position regarding the allegations decreed in the personal injury complaint.

Damages

Damages are the economic and non-economic losses experienced by the injured victim and or their surviving families. Economic damages can be quantified, while noneconomic damages are not easily quantifiable. Common personal-injury damages include medical expenses, hospital bills, lost wages from missing time at work, pain-and-suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, different levels of disability, and all future and foreseeable losses like prolonged physical therapy, rehabilitation, counseling, and more.

Prayer for Relief

A prayer for relief is included within the plaintiff’s personal-injury complaint. It is basically a phrase to describe how much the plaintiff is asking for in compensation.

Are you and injured victim looking for a skilled civil litigator to represent your personal injury case in Indiana? Contact Carl Brizzi LAW at 317-636-7497 to speak with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Meet over the phone or in person for a free consultation!

You Might Also Read:

Expected Fees and Costs in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Accident Lawyer
What to Do After A Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault

Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana
Carl Brizzi Law Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7497