09/19/2026
Most people don't plan on filing an injury claim after a car accident. But by the time they realize they need one, some of the most important evidence may already be gone. π
A few things from our newest blog post that surprise most people:
πΉ Hit-and-runs made up about 13% of all Indiana crashes in 2024. That's more than 1 in 8.
πΉ In one medical study, neck pain showed up within 6 hours for 65% of patients, but it took up to 72 hours for everyone to feel it.
πΉ The crash data in your car's "black box" legally belongs to you. But once a totaled car goes to a salvage auction, the data goes with it.
πΉ Federal rules let trucking companies discard driver log data after just 6 months, and daily inspection reports after only 3 months.
πΉ If a city or county vehicle or road caused your crash, you may have only 180 days to file a notice of claim, not two years.
πΉ For crashes since July 1, 2024, the defense can ask a court to reduce an injured person's damages for not wearing a seat belt, if it can prove the belt would have reduced the injuries.
We put together 9 practical steps to protect your rights after a car or truck crash, with sources for the statistics and deadlines.
π Read the full guide: https://www.harperattorneys.com/blog/2026/09/protect-your-injury-claim-after-indiana-crash/
Hurt in a crash in Porter, Lake, LaPorte, or Jasper County? Call Harper & Harper at (219) 762-9538 for a free consultation.
Hurt in an Indiana car or truck crash? Nine steps to protect your rights, backed by state crash data, federal trucking rules, and Indiana law.