INDIANAPOLIS, Marion County, Ind., Sept. 24, 2026 — A pedestrian was critically injured Wednesday morning, September 23, after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Pleasant Run Parkway North Drive and Southeastern Avenue. The man was hospitalized in critical condition following the crash, according to police.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said officers were sent to the scene around 6:50 a.m. The area sits in a mixed business and residential stretch near the Marion County Justice Center.
Officers arriving at the scene reportedly found the man unresponsive in the roadway. Medics took him to a hospital for treatment, and his condition has not been updated since he was listed as critical.
The collision remains under investigation. We hope the injured pedestrian recovers fully.
Where Pedestrian Crashes Concentrate on City Streets
Pedestrian crashes tend to cluster on wide arterial roads that mix through traffic with local access, the kind of street that runs past businesses, apartments and government buildings all at once. These roads often have long blocks between signals, which pushes people to cross mid-block or at intersections without dedicated pedestrian signals.
Parkway-adjacent streets and multi-lane crossings add another layer of risk. Drivers turning at these junctions are often watching for other vehicles and may not expect someone crossing on foot, especially in low-light morning or evening hours when visibility is reduced.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 24 percent of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were struck by hit-and-run drivers in 2023. That figure points to how often the scene itself, not just the initial impact, shapes the outcome for someone hit while walking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pedestrian crashes more likely to happen at night?
Yes. Reduced visibility and driver expectation both play a role, and a large share of pedestrian deaths nationally occur after dark, even though traffic volumes are lower than during the day.
What should a pedestrian do after being hit by a car?
If possible, stay still and call for medical help immediately. Get the names of witnesses and the driver, and ask that police be called to the scene to file an official report, even if injuries seem minor at first.
Who has the right of way at a crosswalk?
Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks, but drivers turning at intersections don't always yield properly, which is why caution on both sides matters.
What can drivers do to watch for people on foot?
Slowing down near intersections, scanning both sides of the road before turning, and staying off phones while driving all help drivers spot pedestrians sooner.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Accident in Indianapolis, IN
Anyone involved in or witnessing a pedestrian crash in Indianapolis should call 911 right away so medics and police can respond. Even if injuries aren't immediately obvious, a medical evaluation afterward can catch internal injuries or head trauma that take hours to show symptoms.
It helps to write down what you remember as soon as possible, including where you were standing or driving and what you saw. Getting a copy of the police report and keeping records of any medical visits can also matter later, especially if the full extent of injuries isn't clear right away.
