What to Do After a Car Accident in Indiana: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide

What just happened?

Your heart is racing. Airbags exploded. There’s smoke, broken glass, a ringing in your ears. Then panic sets in. Who do you call? What should you say? Are you hurt? Is someone else?

If you’ve just been in a car accident in Indiana, you’re not alone. Thousands of crashes happen across the state every year, and most people are completely unprepared for what comes next.

Here’s the truth: what you do in the moments after a crash can impact everything that follows, your health, your finances, your legal options.

This is your go-to guide for what to do after a car accident in Indiana. No legal jargon. No fluff. Just clear, real steps to protect yourself and your future.

 

Step 1: Call 911 and Check for Injuries

First thing’s first: are you okay?

If you’re hurt, don’t move unless it’s absolutely necessary. Call 911 right away. Even if it seems minor, getting help on the scene is important for your health and for your legal case.

Tell the dispatcher what happened, where you are, and whether anyone is injured. Medical records from this moment could be a key piece of evidence in a personal injury claim.

And even if nobody looks seriously hurt, remember that some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Internal bleeding, concussions, and whiplash can take hours or days to fully appear.

 

Step 2: Get to Safety Without Leaving the Scene

If your car is in a dangerous spot and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road.

Turn on your hazard lights.

Don’t leave the scene. That’s a criminal offense under Indiana law. Stay put, stay calm, and wait for help.

 

Step 3: Call the Police and Get an Official Report

Even for fender benders, a police report is your best defense later on. If there’s any chance you’ll need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit, you need that record.

Tell the officer the facts. Do not say “I’m sorry” or admit any blame.

Stick to what happened.

Request a copy of the police report once it’s filed. This will help your attorney investigate your case.

If you want to understand how fault is decided in Indiana, check out How Indiana’s Comparative Fault Rule Affects Your Car Accident Claim.

 

Step 4: Document Everything at the Scene

Before tow trucks show up and cars get moved, take pictures.

Lots of them.

Capture:

• The position of all vehicles
  
• Any damage to your car and others
  
• Road conditions
  
• Skid marks
  
• Injuries
  
• Traffic signs or signals nearby
  

Also, get the name, phone number, license plate, and insurance info from the other driver.

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact info. Their statement could make or break your case.

 

Step 5: Call Your Insurance Company

Your insurance provider needs to hear about the accident quickly. But keep it simple.

Just the facts: where, when, what happened.

Avoid speculation. Don’t say “I’m fine” or “It was my fault.” These statements can hurt your claim later.

Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. They want to pay out as little as possible.

 

Step 6: Don’t Say You’re At Fault

Even if you think you caused the crash, don’t say it. You might be wrong.

Indiana law uses a comparative fault system. If you’re found to be 50 percent or less responsible, you can still get compensation.

Saying something too soon, even by accident, can ruin your case.

 

Step 7: Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer

Here’s the part most people skip.

But if you want to get paid for your injuries, lost wages, pain, and suffering, this step matters.

A lawyer will:

• Handle the insurance company for you
  
• Help you collect the right evidence
  
• Make sure you don’t miss deadlines
  
• Get your medical bills covered
  
• Fight for full compensation
  

And with Kaushal Law LLC, you don’t pay anything unless they win.

If you’re wondering when to call, the answer is now.

 

Step 8: Know the Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim.

Miss that deadline, and your case is dead.

That’s why you need to act fast. Don’t assume insurance will handle it. Don’t wait and see.

Call Kaushal Law LLC today and get ahead of the game.

 

Why This Isn’t Just About a Crash — It’s About Your Future

A car accident can cause more than just dents and scrapes. Medical bills stack up. You might miss work. Maybe you can’t drive anymore. Maybe you’re having trouble sleeping or focusing.

If you’re injured and struggling to deal with all this, you shouldn’t have to fight alone.

Kaushal Law LLC has helped hundreds of crash victims across Indiana get back on their feet. Their office at 50 91st St #102, Indianapolis, IN 46240 is home to a legal team that knows how to win and treats you like family.

Call (765) 434-3787 or schedule your FREE consultation now.

 

FAQs

What should I do first after a car crash in Indiana?

Call 911, check for injuries, move to a safe spot, and wait for the police. Get a medical checkup too.

Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?

Yes. Even small injuries may lead to big bills. A lawyer helps you avoid costly insurance and legal mistakes.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Indiana gives you two years from the crash date to take legal action. Start as soon as possible.

What if I was partly at fault?

Indiana allows recovery if you’re less than 51 percent at fault. Your settlement just gets reduced based on your share.

Will I owe attorney fees upfront?

No. Kaushal Law LLC charges nothing upfront. You only pay if they win your case. Initial consultations are free.

 

Final Thought

Don’t let an accident decide your future. You have rights, and you have options.

Kaushal Law LLC is ready to fight for you. Whether you’re dealing with pain, bills, or stress, their team will take it from here.

Book your FREE consultation today