A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of a female pedestrian on the near east side of Indianapolis on Saturday evening. According to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department reports, the woman was struck while attempting to cross East Washington Street near its intersection with Oxford Street at approximately 7:20 p.m. Initial emergency calls directed officers to East Washington and Rural Streets, but responders subsequently located the victim at the Oxford Street location. Emergency medical personnel transported the critically injured woman to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. A witness at the scene provided information to investigators, indicating that the driver responsible immediately fled the area, traveling westbound on Washington Street following the collision. Law enforcement officials have launched an investigation but have not yet released descriptions of either the suspect or the vehicle involved. Police continue to gather evidence and have confirmed speaking with at least one witness to the incident.

Location and Infrastructure

East Washington Street is a major east-west thoroughfare on Indianapolis' near east side, serving as a primary arterial road that carries significant traffic volumes throughout the day. The area near Oxford Street is characterized by a mix of commercial establishments and residential properties, with several businesses lining this stretch of Washington Street. Pedestrian crossings in this corridor have historically presented safety challenges due to the width of the roadway, traffic speeds, and limited crossing infrastructure at some points. The intersection is located approximately half a mile east of the bustling Rural Street intersection, an area that experiences heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Streetlights are present along this corridor, though visibility can be compromised during evening hours when this incident occurred. The neighborhood is within close proximity to several community landmarks and is part of a densely populated urban area.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, motorists involved in accidents resulting in injury or death are legally obligated to remain at the scene, render reasonable assistance, and report the incident to authorities. Failure to do so constitutes a hit-and-run offense, which can be charged as a felony when death results. The victim's family may have grounds for wrongful death claims against the responsible driver once identified, potentially recovering damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and pain and suffering. Indiana's comparative fault system allows recovery even if the pedestrian was partially at fault, though damages may be reduced proportionally. The statute of limitations for wrongful death claims in Indiana is generally two years from the date of death. Potential compensation could come from the at-fault driver's liability insurance, the victim's own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, or potentially through Indiana's Violent Crime Compensation Fund.

Related Resources

• Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department: 317-327-3811
• Marion County Prosecutor's Office: 317-327-3522
• Indiana Auto Accident Victim's Services: 800-622-4728
• Indianapolis EMS: 317-630-7777
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Traffic Safety Division: 317-232-1233
• Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services: 800-622-4461
• Indiana Legal Services: 317-631-9410
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: 888-692-6841
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana Chapter: 317-781-6233
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Traffic Safety Office: 855-463-6848