A single-vehicle accident occurred in downtown Fort Wayne early Saturday morning when an SUV collided with a utility pole at the intersection of Clinton Street and Fourth Street, resulting in road closures and injuries to the driver. The incident took place just before 3:00 AM on Saturday, prompting an extended closure of the area for utility repairs and accident investigation. The Fort Wayne Police Department issued a Public Safety Alert at approximately 7:00 AM, directing traffic away from the affected intersection. Emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to the scene, and while the driver sustained injuries in the collision, the full extent of their injuries has not been disclosed. The impact knocked down the utility pole, though remarkably, no power outages were reported in the area according to Indiana Michigan Power's outage mapping system. The road closure lasted approximately five and a half hours, with normal traffic flow resuming just after 8:30 AM.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Clinton Street and Fourth Street is a vital thoroughfare in Fort Wayne's downtown area. Clinton Street serves as a major north-south arterial road through the city, connecting downtown to State Boulevard and beyond. This section of Clinton Street typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic flow, particularly during weekday commuting hours. The area features standard utility infrastructure, including power lines supported by utility poles along the roadway. The intersection is located in a mixed commercial and residential area, with various businesses and properties in close proximity. Traffic management at this location includes traditional traffic signals and street lighting, typical of Fort Wayne's downtown infrastructure.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents have specific rights and obligations. The state follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be affected by the degree of fault assigned to each party. Indiana's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Potential compensation could include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Insurance considerations may involve both personal auto insurance and potential claims against property insurance for infrastructure damage. In cases involving utility poles, additional considerations may apply regarding municipal or utility company property damage claims.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services:
  • Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
  • Fort Wayne Fire Department: (260) 427-1170
  • Three Rivers Ambulance Authority: (260) 426-1414
• Traffic Safety Resources:
  • Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department
  • Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District
  • Allen County Highway Department
• Support Services:
  • Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Traffic Safety Division
  • Victim Assistance Program - Allen County Prosecutor's Office
  • Indiana Auto Accident Victim Resources
• Legal References:
  • Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)
  • Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles
  • Indiana State Police Crash Reports