What to Do After a Car Accident in Indiana

A car accident can turn an ordinary commute on I-465 or a quiet drive down College Avenue into one of the most disorienting moments of your life. In the seconds after a crash, adrenaline takes over and clear thinking is hard. Yet the choices you make in the first minutes — and the first few days — can have an outsized effect on your recovery, your safety, and any claim you may later need to bring. This guide walks through what we tell our own clients and families here in Indianapolis.

1. Stop, stay safe, and check for injuries

Under Indiana law, you must stop at the scene of an accident. First, take a breath and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If your vehicle is drivable and you’re in a dangerous spot — say, a live lane on the interstate — move to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot and turn on your hazard lights. Your safety comes before any paperwork or photos.

2. Call the police — even for “minor” crashes

Always call law enforcement. In Indiana, you’re generally required to report a crash that causes injury, death, or significant property damage, and an officer’s report creates an objective record of what happened. That report can become a cornerstone of your claim. When the officer arrives, answer questions honestly but stick to the facts. Avoid speculating about fault or saying “I’m fine” — adrenaline often masks injuries that surface hours or days later.

What to say (and not say) at the scene

It’s natural to be polite, but a reflexive “I’m so sorry” can later be twisted into an admission of fault. Describe what you observed, not who you think is to blame. Let the investigation and the evidence establish responsibility.

3. Document everything you can

If you’re physically able, your phone is your best tool. Capture a thorough record before vehicles are moved or details fade:

• Photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, and the overall scene from several angles
• Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and road or weather conditions
• The other driver’s name, license, insurance card, and contact information
• Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
• The responding officer’s name, badge number, and the report or case number

The single most common mistake we see is waiting to get checked out. Gaps in treatment don’t just hurt your health — insurers use them to argue you weren’t really injured.

4. See a doctor — promptly

Even if you feel okay, get a medical evaluation within a day or two. Soft-tissue injuries, concussions, and back problems frequently take time to reveal themselves. A prompt evaluation protects your health and creates a clear, contemporaneous link between the crash and your injuries. Then follow your provider’s plan; skipped appointments give the other side an opening to dispute how hurt you really were.

5. Notify your insurer — but be careful with the other side’s

Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly, as your policy likely requires. Be factual and brief. If the at-fault driver’s insurer calls, you are generally not obligated to give a recorded statement, and it’s wise not to before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize the value of your claim, and an early, casual answer can be hard to walk back.

Know Indiana’s deadlines

Indiana has a statute of limitations for most personal injury claims — generally two years from the date of the accident — and shorter notice requirements can apply when a government entity (like a city vehicle or a road-condition claim) is involved. Indiana also follows a modified comparative-fault rule, meaning your recovery can be reduced by your share of fault and barred entirely if you’re found more than 50% responsible. These rules make early, accurate documentation especially important.

6. Keep records and watch what you post

Start a simple folder — physical or digital — for medical bills, repair estimates, mileage to appointments, and any wages you lose. These details add up and form the backbone of a fair claim. Finally, be mindful on social media: a cheerful photo can be taken out of context to suggest you weren’t hurt. When in doubt, post less.

When to call a lawyer

Not every fender-bender needs an attorney. But if you were injured, if fault is disputed, if the insurer is slow or lowballing you, or if a commercial truck or government vehicle was involved, it’s worth a conversation. A good attorney handles the insurers, preserves evidence, and makes sure deadlines are met — so you can focus on healing. At Hartwell & Cole, that first conversation is always free.

This article is general information for an Indiana audience and is not legal advice. Every accident is different. For guidance on your specific situation, please consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

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