Elkhart, IN (June 18, 2026) – Elkhart Police Department officers were called to the 3300 block of South Nappanee Street, just after 11:30 p.m. on June 18, 2026. A driver had struck two pedestrians who were crossing the street, according to a department release.
Police say a 22-year-old male operating a BMW struck Norma Sanchez Mateos, 28, of Elkhart, and her 2-year-old daughter as they crossed the road. Medics with the Elkhart Fire Department treated both at the scene.
The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of a head injury. She was in stable condition at the time of transport, according to police. Police said they do not know her current status.
Sanchez Mateos did not survive her injuries. Police say she died in the early morning hours of June 19, 2026. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
What Families Should Know After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Indiana
When a pedestrian is killed in Indiana, the family has legal options worth understanding, even while police are still investigating.
Can the family pursue a civil claim while the investigation is still open?
Yes. A wrongful death claim and a police investigation run on separate tracks. Families can consult with an attorney now and file a claim before investigators issue a final report.
What can a wrongful death claim recover?
Under Indiana Code 34-23-1-1, the personal representative of the estate may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving dependents. For a young child who has lost her primary caregiver, the claim may seek compensation for the loss of parental support, guidance, and care over the years ahead. It may also cover medical expenses incurred before death and funeral and burial costs.
What will investigators examine?
Pedestrian crash investigations typically review roadway layout, lighting conditions, traffic controls, vehicle speed, and the path each party took before impact. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras may be sought. Physical evidence at the scene, including debris patterns and tire marks, can be central to the reconstruction and can be lost quickly.
How does Indiana’s comparative fault rule apply?
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault standard. A family may still recover damages even if investigators find the pedestrian shared some responsibility, as long as she was less than 51% at fault. Crossing a street at night does not automatically assign fault or close off a wrongful death claim.
What is the filing deadline?
Indiana law gives families two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim (IC 34-23-1-1). With Sanchez Mateos passing on June 19, 2026, that deadline falls on June 19, 2028. Surveillance systems and witness memories do not last that long.
Contact Our Indiana Pedestrian Accident Attorneys
Our Indiana wrongful death attorneys have represented Indiana families in situations like this since founding attorney Steven L. Langer opened the firm in 1980. Our Indiana pedestrian accident lawyers know how quickly camera footage and physical evidence from street-crossing cases disappear. Surveillance systems along South Nappanee Street may retain footage on a short cycle, and that window closes regardless of where the family is in the grieving process. Speaking with an attorney now is the most reliable way to make sure that evidence is preserved.
There is no fee unless we recover on the family’s behalf. Call 219-245-5881 now. We take no fees until you win.
