After an accident, it is important for victims to understand that the amount of time they have to file a legal claim is limited. This period is referred to as the statute of limitation, and it sets the maximum amount of time a party has to pursue legal proceedings for an alleged offense. While each state sets its own deadlines when it comes to a claim, there are also exceptions that may impact these timelines as well.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Indiana?
In Indiana, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years. This means that an accident victim will only have two years from the date of their injury or accident to pursue legal action. Otherwise, they risk the court dismissing their case without it being heard and losing their ability to seek the financial damages they deserve.
When Does the Statute of Limitations Clock Actually Start Running in Indiana?
While knowing how long accident victims have to pursue a lawsuit is critical to ensuring that individuals file their claim before time runs out, it is also important to know when the clock will actually start counting.
For instance, for personal injury lawsuits in Indianapolis, the two-year statute of limitations begins to run from the date you discover or should have discovered your injury. Although this will usually be the same date, in some instances, it may not be.
Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations in Indiana
There are a few scenarios where Indiana’s statute of limitations clock may be paused or “tolled.” These circumstances include the following:
- A legal claim involving a child under the age of 18 or when the individual is disabled. In these situations, the child will have two years from the date they turn 18 to file a lawsuit or when they are no longer disabled.
- When an individual leaves the state and is responsible for the victim’s injuries, the time they are considered a “nonresident” will not be counted as part of the statute of limitations.
- When an individual responsible for the victim’s injuries tries to conceal themselves from the victim, the clock will not start running until the concealment ends.
To better understand how these exceptions work and whether they apply to your case, consider reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These skilled legal professionals can review the facts of the accident and help you figure out exactly how much time you have to file your case.
Need More Information Regarding the Statute of Limitations? Contact Kaushal Law Today
If you want further information regarding the statute of limitations and how it can impact your claim or want to find out how long you have to file your legal case before time runs out in Indianapolis, contact Kaushal Law today or call us at 765.434.3787 to schedule your free case evaluation and let us answer the questions you have.
