Pedestrian Accidents in Indianapolis: What the City’s Rising Fatality Numbers Mean for Your Case

August 27, 2026

• Indianapolis is the most dangerous city in the state for pedestrians. Fatal accidents are on the rise, and even a non-fatal pedestrian accident can cause serious injuries.
• If you or a loved one is hit by a driver, insurance companies may try to shift blame to deny you what you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Working with talented, tenacious Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorneys can help turn the odds back in your favor.

Pedestrian fatalities across the nation undertook a very slight decline during the less crowded days of 2020, then exploded over the next few years, with deaths peaking in 2022 before beginning another slight decline. Indiana saw the same pattern, with a grim exception: it is a state that had more fatal pedestrian accidents in 2024 than in 2023.

As with so much in our state, Indianapolis contributed greatly to this rise. A pedestrian in Indianapolis died nearly every 10 days in 2024, resulting in 35 recorded fatalities for the year overall. The good news is that the number today is lower than it was in 2023, but it continues to be staggering for people who get around the state capital by foot. The simple truth is that the city’s pedestrians are at an increased risk compared to even six years ago.

If you are hit by a driver while walking in Indianapolis, you have rights. You may be able to gain significant compensation under Indiana law. But insurance companies will be against you – and the law frequently sides with cars, though a tenacious Indianapolis pedestrian accident lawyer could help you move forward and get what you deserve.

The Most Dangerous Places to Walk in Indianapolis

Walking around Monument Circle is an extremely pleasant and meditative experience – until you have to leave and cross traffic to get to Market or Meridian. Downtown Indianapolis in general is confusing for pedestrians, with angled streets, one-ways, and lots of cars.

The rest of the city can be a little better, but residential areas are still run through with broad avenues of fast-moving vehicles, while commercial areas tend to provide no real protection for pedestrians. Some of the most dangerous places to walk include:

• The Meridian Street Corridor: high traffic, high speeds.
• East Washington west of Shadeland: a major road running through a residential and commercial mix that has minimal crossing controls.
• 38^th east of 65: cars pulling in and out of countless strip malls with few safe crossings.
• Michigan north of Kessler: a high-speed corridor winding through dense residential areas.

In addition to these locations, bus stops are major sources of danger for pedestrians. Walking to and from them can put you at risk from drivers who are only paying attention to traffic, not you.

Nevertheless, accidents can happen anywhere.  But getting the financial recovery you deserve – that’s no accident.

Why Too Many Pedestrians Lose Winnable Cases

Being hit by a car feels inherently unfair. It is much bigger than you, and there often seems to be an obviously liable party. But Indianapolis law has what is known as “modified comparative fault,” which means that your settlement might be lower if you are partially at fault.

And the driver’s insurers may go out of their way to show that you share some of the fault. They could say that you crossed mid-block or against a signal. They could claim that you were walking on the road, or that your clothes were too dark. They could say it was your fault for wearing headphones or looking at your phone. They could say you should have crossed at the next crosswalk, even if it was a mile up!

If an insurance company can prove any of this, your settlement could be greatly reduced. For instance, if you have a $100,000 settlement, but you’re 30% at fault, you might only get $70,000, which may not be enough to cover all of your bills. That’s why the first few hours after an accident are so crucial.

What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident

Fortunately, taking the following steps could help you protect yourself after a pedestrian or any other kind of auto accident:

• Call the Indianapolis police. Make sure they file a report and make sure you get that report number.
• Take pictures of the scene, including traffic lights and any signs that give drivers commands that might have been disobeyed. Note if the driver seems impaired, which could allow you to use Indiana’s dram shop law to hold a bar or similar establishment liable.
• Seek medical care immediately. Chances are you have injuries that need attention anyway. You might, even if you “feel fine.” There could be internal injuries. Delaying going to see a doctor could allow an insurance company to minimize your suffering.
• Don’t talk to the driver’s insurance company. Anything you say could be used against you.
• Contact a knowledegable lawyer.

There’s a lot that can go wrong with your case. The driver might be minimally insured, meaning you may have to file a claim with your own insurance company. Insurers for both sides may try to blame you. You’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. It’s almost impossible to do alone.

The right lawyer can be someone in your corner, no matter what corner you crossed at.

Reach Out to Our Experienced Indianapolis Pedestrian Accident Attorneys

The Indianapolis pedestrian accident lawyers who will walk the extra mile for you are at Hensley Legal Group, PC, a dedicated Indiana personal injury law firm whose experienced attorneys have been fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured since 1998.

Simply call us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form now for a free consultation with a skilled Indianapolis pedestrian accident attorney.