Michelle Elaine Moore, 58, killed in collision at U.S. 35 and County Road 900 South in Randolph County, Indiana

Fatal Intersection Crash Claims Life of Richmond Woman on U.S. 35 in Randolph County, Indiana

A tragic collision at the intersection of U.S. 35 and County Road 900 South in Randolph County claimed the life of Richmond resident Michelle Elaine Moore, 58, on Friday evening. According to Indiana State Police reports, Moore was traveling westbound in a red 2003 Cadillac on County Road 900 South when she failed to stop at a posted stop sign around 6:40 p.m. Her vehicle entered the intersection and was struck on the driver's side by a northbound box truck traveling on U.S. 35. Despite prompt response from both county deputies and state police, Moore was pronounced deceased at the scene. The incident necessitated a two-hour closure of U.S. 35 while investigators processed the scene and crews cleared the wreckage. Investigating officers have indicated that neither drugs nor alcohol appear to be contributing factors in the crash.

Location and Infrastructure - The intersection where this fatal crash occurred represents a typical rural highway crossing in Randolph County, where U.S. 35 serves as a major north-south thoroughfare connecting several Indiana communities. The highway intersection with County Road 900 South is controlled by stop signs for east-west traffic, while U.S. 35 traffic has the right of way. This configuration is standard for similar rural highway crossings in the region, where higher-speed federal highways intersect with local county roads. The intersection is located in a predominantly agricultural area, with generally good visibility but requiring vigilant attention to posted traffic control devices due to the speed differential between highway and local traffic.

Legal Rights and Considerations - Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8, motorists are required to obey all traffic control devices, including stop signs, and failure to do so can constitute negligence per se. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, where parties less than 51% at fault may seek compensation for damages. Survivors of deceased accident victims typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim under Indiana Code § 34-23-1. Potential compensation can include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of love and companionship. Various insurance policies may come into play, including personal auto insurance, commercial vehicle coverage for the box truck, and possibly uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An experienced Randolph County personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources:

• Randolph County Sheriff's Department: Emergency Response and Accident Reports
• Indiana State Police Post 51 (Pendleton District): Crash Investigation Unit
• Indiana Department of Transportation: Road Safety Division
• Randolph County Victim Services
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Traffic Safety Programs
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute: Traffic Safety Resources
• Local trauma counseling services through Reid Health
• Indiana Code Title 9: Motor Vehicles