A significant traffic collision has completely shut down southbound Interstate 465 between West Minnesota Street and Sam Jones Expressway near Indianapolis International Airport on Friday. The crash has resulted in the closure of all southbound lanes, creating massive traffic backups that stretch for miles according to INDOT traffic cameras. Emergency response teams are currently on scene managing the incident, though specific details about injuries or the number of vehicles involved have not yet been released by authorities. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has confirmed the complete roadway closure through their traffic monitoring systems. The crash occurred on one of Indianapolis's busiest highway segments, which serves as a major thoroughfare for both local commuters and travelers accessing the international airport. The timing of the incident during regular travel hours has significantly impacted traffic flow throughout the southwestern Indianapolis metropolitan area.

Location and Infrastructure

The accident site on I-465 represents one of the most critical transportation corridors in the Indianapolis area. Interstate 465 forms the outer belt loop around Indianapolis, connecting major highways and serving as a primary route for airport traffic via Sam Jones Expressway. This particular stretch between West Minnesota Street and Sam Jones Expressway experiences heavy daily traffic volumes due to its proximity to Indianapolis International Airport and connections to several major arterial roads. The area features multiple entrance and exit ramps within a relatively short distance, creating complex traffic patterns that can contribute to collision risks. The Sam Jones Expressway intersection serves as a key gateway to the airport, making this section particularly congested during peak travel periods. INDOT maintains extensive traffic monitoring infrastructure in this corridor, including the traffic cameras that confirmed the current closure and traffic backup conditions.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, individuals injured in traffic accidents have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit, as established by Indiana Code section 34-11-2-4. Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which allows injury victims to recover damages even if they were partially at fault, provided their responsibility does not exceed 50 percent compared to other parties. Indiana requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Insurance claims must typically be reported promptly, usually within days or weeks of the incident. If government vehicles or entities are involved, special notice requirements apply, with tort claim notices potentially required within 180 to 270 days depending on the specific governmental entity. Those affected by serious accidents should consider consulting with experienced Indiana personal injury attorneys to understand their rights and ensure proper preservation of evidence.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department: (317) 327-3282
• Indianapolis Fire Department: (317) 327-6000
• Marion County Sheriff's Office: (317) 327-1700
• Indiana State Police: (317) 899-8577

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT): (855) 463-6848
• INDOT TrafficWise: www.trafficwise.org
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety: www.in.gov/cji/traffic-safety

Support Services:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana: (317) 251-6233
• Indiana Crime Victim Compensation Program: (317) 232-7103
• Legal Aid Society of Indianapolis: (317) 631-9410

Legal Resources:

• Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service: (317) 269-2222
• Indiana Court Rules and Traffic Laws: www.in.gov/courts
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv