How Long Do You Have to File a Claim after an Indiana Truck Accident?

December 29, 2025

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim after an Indiana Truck Accident?

After a serious collision with a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, your attention naturally turns toward recovery, medical care, and work disruptions. Yet the legal clock starts immediately. Understanding the deadlines that apply to your case is imperative to protecting your right to compensation. At the start of your search for guidance, Sarkisian Law is here to help you understand your options and safeguard your claim. If you need to speak with a lawyer right away, contact us for a free consultation.

Indiana maintains clear filing deadlines for truck accident claims, and missing them can prevent you from pursuing compensation altogether. Below is a detailed look at the time limits that apply, the exceptions that may extend or shorten your window to file, and why quick action is so important after a trucking collision.

Indiana’s Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Truck Accident Claims

Most truck accident claims in Indiana must be filed within two years of the date of the collision. This timeline is outlined in Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the state’s general statute of limitations for personal injury cases.

If you were in a car accident and injured by a tractor-trailer, box truck, delivery vehicle, or any commercial carrier, you typically have two years from the crash to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline almost always results in losing the ability to pursue damages for:

Medical treatment
Lost wages
Property damage
Long-term disability
Pain and suffering

Two years might sound generous, but truck accident cases often require extensive investigation. These collisions frequently involve multiple parties, large insurance carriers, federal regulations, and corporate defendants. The amount of work needed to build a strong case can be demanding to navigate, which is why getting started early is beneficial.

When the At-Fault Vehicle Belongs to a Government Agency

Some truck accidents involve government-owned vehicles, such as:

City sanitation trucks
County dump trucks
State highway department vehicles
Municipal utility service trucks

Claims against government entities have much shorter deadlines under the Indiana Tort Claims Act:

180 days for claims against a city or county
270 days for claims against the State of Indiana or a state agency

Before filing a lawsuit, you must submit a formal notice of claim within these shorter periods. This notice must include detailed information about the accident, injuries, and damages. If the deadline passes, the right to bring the claim is usually lost.

Because these situations move quickly, it is vital to determine early whether a government vehicle was involved or contributed to the crash. When you hire our Indiana truck accident lawyers, they will take on this task.

Wrongful Death Claims and Their Filing Deadline

If a loved one dies in a truck accident, families may pursue a wrongful death claim. Indiana’s wrongful death statute assigns a two-year deadline, but the timeline usually begins on the date of death rather than the date of the accident.

These lawsuits may involve damages related to:

Funeral and burial expenses
Lost financial support
Loss of love, care, guidance, and companionship

Although the two-year window is the same as other injury claims, wrongful death cases often require in-depth investigation and documentation, making early action critical.

Factors That May Affect the Filing Deadline

Some situations may extend, pause, or adjust the timeline for filing an Indiana truck accident claim. Although courts apply these exceptions narrowly, they are worth understanding.

Minors Injured in Truck Accidents

If the victim was under 18 at the time of the crash, Indiana law may extend the deadline for filing a lawsuit. Nonetheless, early evidence preservation is still essential.

Hidden or Delayed Injuries

Certain injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or internal organ damage, may not be immediately recognized. Rarely, the “discovery rule” may apply, adjusting the timeline if an injury could not reasonably have been detected earlier.

Fraud or Concealment

If a trucking company or defendant actively conceals evidence, tampers with records, or hides information, courts may allow additional time. This can occur in cases involving altered logbooks, manipulated electronic data, or concealed maintenance failures.

Out-of-State Defendants

Many trucking companies operate nationwide. If a defendant leaves Indiana or becomes difficult to serve, the statute of limitations may be tolled temporarily.

While these exceptions exist, none should be relied upon without clear confirmation. Most truck accident victims must file within two years.

Why Acting Quickly Is Necessary After a Truck Accident

The investigation phase of a truck accident claim is often intensive. The trucking company or insurance carrier may control key evidence, and some materials can be lost or erased within weeks.

Time-Sensitive Evidence May Disappear

Federal regulations require trucking companies to keep certain records, but not indefinitely. Electronic logging device (ELD) data, black box information, dashcam footage, and hours-of-service logs can all be erased without timely preservation.

Witness Memories Fade

The longer the delay in locating and interviewing witnesses, the harder it becomes to obtain accurate statements.

Insurance Companies Prepare Early

Large insurers representing commercial carriers often deploy rapid response teams immediately after a crash. Starting your own investigation early helps counterbalance their head start.

Medical Documentation Helps Your Case

Immediate medical care strengthens the connection between the accident and your injuries. Delays allow insurers to argue that injuries came from another cause.

Taking early action not only preserves evidence but also prevents avoidable setbacks later in the claim process.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

If the Indiana statute of limitations expires before you file your lawsuit, courts will almost always dismiss your case. Insurance companies know this and may refuse to continue negotiations once the deadline has passed. Even strong claims with clear injuries are usually barred when filed late. Courts rarely allow exceptions, and missing the deadline can eliminate your right to pursue compensation entirely.

Don’t Miss Legal Deadlines: Contact Sarkisian Law Today

Filing deadlines play a significant role in Indiana truck accident claims. The general two-year statute of limitations, special rules for government vehicles, and the sensitive nature of the evidence make it important to act as soon as possible. Understanding your deadlines now can protect you from losing your right to pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and long-term recovery needs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, the attorneys at Sarkisian Law are ready to help you move forward. To discuss your options, contact us online for a free consultation.

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How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Maximize Your Claim

September 12, 2025

When you've been injured in a car accident caused by someone else's negligence, you deserve fair compensation for your losses. However, getting the maximum settlement from insurance companies is rarely straightforward. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and often take advantage of accident victims who don't understand their rights or the true value of their claims. This is where an experienced car accident attorney becomes invaluable. At Sarkisian Law Offices , we understand the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to counter them effectively to maximize your car accident claim. Our team has helped countless accident victims recover the full compensation they deserve, and we're committed to fighting for your rights every step of the way. Understanding the True Value of Your Car Accident Claim Don't settle for the first offer from auto insurance companies, as it's often far below your claim's worth. A skilled car accident lawyer evaluates your claim comprehensively, considering all the ways the accident has affected your life. They work with medical experts to project future medical needs, ensuring your settlement covers ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. They also calculate lost wages and reduced earning capacity, including long-term impacts. Additionally, lawyers effectively document and present pain and suffering claims, demonstrating the accident's impact on your quality of life. By hiring an experienced attorney, they'll seek fair compensation for both tangible and intangible losses. This approach helps you receive the maximum settlement you deserve, covering current and future needs. How Insurance Companies Try to Reduce Your Settlement Insurance adjusters are not on your side, despite how friendly and helpful they may seem. Their job is to save their company money by paying out as little as possible on claims. One of the most common tactics is to make a quick settlement offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or have had time to consult with an attorney. These offers are almost always far below the true value of your claim, but they're presented as generous and time-sensitive to pressure you into accepting. Insurance companies often claim that your medical treatment was unnecessary, excessive, or unrelated to the accident. They may argue that you had pre-existing conditions that caused your current problems, or that you're exaggerating your symptoms. They also might use delay tactics, hoping financial pressure will force you to accept a lower settlement. The insurers may claim they need more documentation, request unnecessary medical examinations, or simply take their time responding to communications. Insurers might try to blame you for the accident, as partial blame allows them to reduce their liability and your compensation. Never accept wrongful accusations of blame, as it can deprive you of what you deserve. When you have a car accident attorney handling your case, these delay tactics become less effective. Your lawyer can apply pressure to move the case forward and ensure that delays don't work against you. The Investigation Process That Builds Strong Cases One of the most important ways a car accident lawyer maximizes your claim is with a thorough investigation. The more evidence your attorney can gather to support your case, the stronger your position becomes in settlement negotiations. Accident Scene Analysis Even if the police investigated your accident, your attorney will conduct their own investigation. This might include visiting the accident scene, taking photographs, measuring skid marks, and identifying factors contributing to the crash. Sometimes this investigation reveals evidence that wasn't included in the police report, such as traffic signal timing, road conditions, or visibility issues that help prove the other driver's fault. Witness Statements Witness testimony can be invaluable in car accident cases, especially when there's a dispute about how the accident happened. However, witness memories fade over time, and people move away or become harder to contact. Car accident attorneys move quickly to identify and interview witnesses while their memories are still fresh. They know how to ask the right questions to get useful information and how to document witness statements in a way that will be persuasive to insurance companies or juries. Expert Analysis Complex car accident cases often require expert testimony to explain technical aspects of the crash, such as vehicle speeds, impact forces, or mechanical failures. Car accident lawyers have relationships with qualified experts who can analyze the evidence and provide professional opinions that support your case. This expert analysis is particularly important in cases involving serious injuries, commercial vehicles, or disputed fault situations. Negotiation Skills That Get Results Insurance companies negotiate car accident settlements every day. They have experienced adjusters and attorneys who know how to minimize payouts. To get fair compensation, you need someone on your side who understands the negotiation process just as well. Presenting a Compelling Case Effective negotiation starts with presenting your case in the strongest possible way. This means organizing all the evidence, medical records, and documentation in a format that clearly shows the other driver's responsibility and the full extent of your damages. Car accident attorneys know how to present this information persuasively, highlighting the strongest aspects of your case while addressing any potential weaknesses before the insurance company can exploit them. Understanding Settlement Timing Knowing when to negotiate and when to wait is vital in car accident cases. Settling too early might mean accepting less compensation than you deserve, but waiting too long can sometimes weaken your position. Experienced car accident lawyers understand the factors that affect settlement timing and can advise you on the best strategy for your specific situation. Leverage in Negotiations Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know you're represented by an attorney who's willing and able to take the case to trial if necessary. This gives your lawyer leverage in negotiations you wouldn't have on your own. Choose Sarkisian Law Offices to Maximize Your Indiana Car Accident Claim Sarkisian Law Offices, maximizes compensation in car accident claims by understanding the local legal system and building strong cases. We take a personal interest in each case, working on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay legal fees if we win. We'll protect your rights, handle legal details, and fight for the settlement you deserve. Contact us today at 219-942-7171 or online to learn how we can pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Let us advocate for you while you focus on recovering from your accident.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim after an Indiana Truck Accident?