Indianapolis, IN (July 7, 2026) – A man died Monday morning, July 6, after being struck by a second vehicle while standing outside his car following an initial crash in the 3700 block of North Shadeland Avenue, just south of East 38th Street. The first collision was reported at approximately 5:55 a.m.
The man, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Green, had exited his vehicle after the first wreck when he was struck by a second car. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition, where he later died from his injuries.
Both women drivers involved in the two crashes remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. No further details about what caused either collision were included in the initial report on the accident.
The crash remains under active investigation. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Joshua Green.
What Happens When a Person Is Struck Outside Their Vehicle After a Crash?
A person who exits their vehicle after a crash and stands near a live roadway faces serious risk from passing traffic, particularly in low-light conditions or on roads where other drivers may not expect someone to be on foot. When a second vehicle strikes a person already involved in a prior crash, investigators must document both collisions separately and determine how the two events are connected. The sequence of events, timing, and positions of all vehicles involved are carefully reconstructed from physical evidence and witness accounts.
Secondary strikes involving someone standing outside a vehicle are recognized as a hazard in traffic safety research. Drivers approaching an active crash scene may be distracted by the initial collision or may not have enough time to react when a person appears in their path. This is one reason safety officials consistently advise drivers involved in a crash to move to a safe location away from traffic whenever possible.
When two crashes occur within minutes of each other at the same location, investigators treat them as a connected sequence even if different vehicles are involved. Evidence from both scenes is collected together, and the full timeline is reviewed to understand how the first crash created the conditions that led to the second.
