A fatal motorcycle collision occurred on Indianapolis' east side Wednesday evening, prompting a response from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. According to police reports released early Thursday, the incident involved a motorcycle traveling westbound on East Raymond Street near South Sherman Drive. The motorcycle collided with an SUV, causing both the rider and the motorcycle to slide across the roadway. The motorcyclist subsequently struck a guardrail, and the motorcycle caught fire after coming to rest on the road. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash was reported. The driver of the SUV remained at the scene following the collision, cooperating with authorities. Tragically, at least one person was killed in the accident. The Marion County Coroner's Office is currently conducting an investigation to determine the exact cause of death.

Location and Infrastructure

East Raymond Street near its intersection with South Sherman Drive is a significant thoroughfare on Indianapolis' east side. This area features a mix of residential and commercial properties with moderate to heavy traffic flow during peak hours. The intersection is controlled by traffic signals and includes dedicated turn lanes to manage the consistent vehicle movement. This stretch of East Raymond Street includes guardrails in sections where there are elevation changes or potential hazards, a standard safety feature designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. The area is approximately 5 miles from downtown Indianapolis and serves as an important east-west connector for residents in the eastern portions of Marion County. Local traffic patterns often see increased congestion during morning and evening rush hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, motorcycle accidents often involve complex liability determinations. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system (IC 34-51-2), meaning compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to each party. Victims or surviving family members typically have two years from the date of the accident to file personal injury or wrongful death claims (Indiana Statute of Limitations, IC 34-11-2-4). Potential compensation might include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in fatal cases, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Indiana requires all motorists to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Additionally, motorcyclists must adhere to specific safety requirements, including helmet laws for riders under 18 (IC 9-19-7).

Related Resources

• Emergency Services: Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (317-327-3811), Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (317-630-7392)
• Traffic Safety: Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's Motorcycle Safety Program, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Safety Course
• Victim Support: Indiana Victims Compensation Fund, Brain Injury Association of Indiana, Indianapolis Trauma Recovery Center
• Legal References: Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles), Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division, Marion County Prosecutor's Office Victim Assistance Program