Indiana · Deadline to sue · Updated Oct 2026

Deadline to sue after a car accident in Indiana

Time limits, government claims and a calculator.

Short answer

In Indiana, you generally have 2 years from the crash to sue, for car damage and for an injury. Claims against a city, county or other political subdivision: written notice within 180 days to its governing body and, if it is a member, the political subdivision risk management commission (IC 34-13-3-8).

Property damage (your car)
2 years
Injury
2 years
Law
IC 34-11-2-4 (injury to person or personal property: 2 years)
Small claims limit
$10,000

Claims against a government in Indiana

  • Claims against a city, county or other political subdivision: written notice within 180 days to its governing body and, if it is a member, the political subdivision risk management commission (IC 34-13-3-8).
  • Claims against the State: notice to the attorney general or the state agency involved within 270 days (IC 34-13-3-6).

Other notes on the Indiana deadlines

  • The notice must state the facts, the amount of damages sought and your address (IC 34-13-3-10).

Deadline to sue in Indiana

Indiana: 2 years for property damageEnter the date of the crash to see the last day to file a lawsuit.

Protecting your deadline in Indiana

  1. Deadline for both kinds of claim in Indiana: 2 years.
  2. If a government was involved, act fast. Claims against a city, county or other political subdivision: written notice within 180 days to its governing body and, if it is a member, the political subdivision risk management commission (IC 34-13-3-8).
  3. Small claims, for car damage up to $10,000: Indiana small claims guide on Small Claims Map
  4. Don't wait for the insurer: talks with an adjuster don't stop the clock.

Free help in Indiana

Questions about deadlines to sue in Indiana

How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Indiana?

2 years from the crash, for car damage and for an injury (IC 34-11-2-4 (injury to person or personal property: 2 years)).

How do claims against a government work in Indiana?

Claims against a city, county or other political subdivision: written notice within 180 days to its governing body and, if it is a member, the political subdivision risk management commission (IC 34-13-3-8). Claims against the State: notice to the attorney general or the state agency involved within 270 days (IC 34-13-3-6).

What is the small claims limit in Indiana?

$10,000 (also in Marion County township small claims courts).

More for Indiana drivers

Nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.