Indianapolis, IN (Jan 1, 2026) – A tragic two-vehicle collision on New Year’s Day has left one person dead on the north side of Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) responded to the scene in the 2800 block of West 79th Street, near Michigan Road, at approximately this morning around 6:45 a.m.
Upon arrival, officers confirmed that two vehicles were involved in the crash and one individual had succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
Authorities closed 79th Street in both directions for several hours to allow the Fatal Crash Team to investigate.
As of this morning, the identity of the deceased has not been released, and police have not yet detailed the specific cause of the collision or whether any other occupants sustained injuries.
Fatal Accidents in Indianapolis, IN
Fatal collisions in Indianapolis frequently occur at major intersections like 79th Street and Michigan Road and along high-speed corridors such as I-465 and US-31. These accidents are primarily caused by failure to yield, speeding, distracted driving, and running traffic signals. Highway fatalities are often linked to unsafe lane changes and impaired driving.
Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death or personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the incident. However, if a collision involves a government vehicle or a state-maintained roadway defect, a formal Tort Claim Notice must be filed within as little as 180 days for municipal entities or 270 days for state agencies.
In the aftermath of a fatal accident, you must act quickly to secure evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and “black box” data from the vehicles involved. Because Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule, insurance companies may attempt to shift blame to the victim to avoid liability.
If your loved ones have been involved in a fatal accident, our Indiana personal injury lawyers are here to help you navigate these difficult times. We serve our clients throughout the state of Indiana. Call us directly at 219-245-5881 for a free, confidential consultation.
