One person killed in single-vehicle crash on Lafayette Road in Indianapolis, Indiana

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life on Lafayette Road in Indianapolis

A tragic single-vehicle crash claimed the life of an adult male driver on Indianapolis' near northwest side Thursday night, November 28, 2024. The incident occurred in the 2400 block of Lafayette Road shortly after 11 p.m. Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to the scene following emergency calls. Upon arrival, they discovered a vehicle with a single occupant who was pronounced deceased at the scene. The IMPD fatal crash team was dispatched to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Location and Infrastructure

The 2400 block of Lafayette Road is a major arterial thoroughfare on Indianapolis' near northwest side, connecting downtown Indianapolis to the northwestern suburbs. This section features multiple lanes in each direction with numerous commercial establishments and side street access points. The area experiences heavy traffic volume during business hours and moderate traffic during evening hours. Located approximately two miles from downtown Indianapolis, this stretch of Lafayette Road intersects with several major cross streets and serves as a crucial connector for both local and through traffic.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1, the deceased's estate may have grounds for a wrongful death claim if investigation reveals third-party negligence or defective road conditions contributed to the crash. Indiana's statute of limitations allows two years from the date of death to file such claims. Insurance considerations include potential claims against the deceased's own policy for medical expenses prior to death and funeral expenses. Family members may be eligible for survivor benefits through applicable insurance policies. Property damage claims must typically be filed within three years under Indiana law. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Single-vehicle accidents can present unique challenges for personal injury claims since there may not be another clearly liable party. While factors like defective vehicle components, poor road design, inadequate signage, or hazardous maintenance conditions could potentially create liability for manufacturers or government entities, establishing these claims typically requires extensive investigation and expert testimony. Insurance coverage may also be limited to the driver's own policy limits, potentially restricting available compensation. Additionally, if the driver's own actions were the primary cause - such as distraction, fatigue, or impairment - recovering damages beyond basic no-fault insurance benefits may be difficult unless there were contributing external factors.

Related Resources:

• IMPD Fatal Crash Investigations Unit: (317) 327-6549
• Marion County Coroner's Office: (317) 327-4744
• Indianapolis Department of Public Works: (317) 327-4622
• Indiana Auto Accident Victim Services: (800) 622-4798
• Indianapolis Street Engineering & Safety Division
• Indiana BMV Accident Reporting System