Most Dangerous Intersections in Indiana: Crash Data and Safety Risks

Some of the most dangerous intersections in Indiana are found in Indianapolis, South Bend, and along heavily traveled state highways where drivers must cross or turn into oncoming traffic. Recent crash records identify West 38th Street and Moller Road in Indianapolis, South Michigan Street and West Ireland Road in South Bend, and State Road 28 and State Road 213 in Tipton County as locations with documented safety concerns.

There is no single, comprehensive statewide ranking that reliably identifies Indiana’s most dangerous intersection. Local governments and transportation researchers collect different types of crash data, over different periods, using different methods.

However, these records help identify intersections with substantial collision histories, explain the factors contributing to serious crashes, and highlight locations where transportation officials have recommended safety improvements.

For people injured in an intersection accident, the information also raises an important question: Was the collision caused by another driver’s negligence, dangerous road conditions, or a combination of factors?

What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?

An intersection with the most crashes isn’t necessarily the intersection where a serious injury is most likely.

Transportation officials generally evaluate intersection safety using several measures:

• Crash frequency: The number of reported collisions at or near an intersection.
• Crash severity: How many collisions result in injuries or fatalities.
• Traffic volume: How many vehicles travel through the intersection, which helps put crash totals into perspective.
• Collision patterns: Whether crashes repeatedly involve left turns, red-light violations, rear-end impacts, or other specific circumstances.

For example, a busy intersection with 100 minor collisions could have a different safety profile from a rural intersection with 15 collisions, several of which caused life-threatening injuries.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) uses crash frequency and severity to help identify locations that may benefit from roadway improvements.

According to Indiana Crash Facts 2024, the state recorded:

Indiana traffic crash statistics	2024
Total reported collisions	200,035
Fatal collisions	827
Suspected serious-injury collisions	4,095
Collisions listing failure to yield right-of-way as the primary factor	32,979

These figures cover crashes throughout Indiana, not just intersections. Nevertheless, failure to yield is particularly relevant to collisions involving turning vehicles and crossing traffic.

Indianapolis Intersections With the Highest Reported Crash Totals

Indianapolis has several major roads where multiple travel lanes, turning traffic, commercial entrances, and pedestrian crossings converge.

An October 2026 analysis by Poynter & Bucheri examined Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department crash records from 2021 through 2025, using the city’s Vision Zero crash data. The analysis counted reported crashes within approximately 250 feet of each intersection.

The following five intersections recorded the highest totals under that methodology:

Indianapolis intersection	Reported crashes, 2021–2025
West 38th Street and Moller Road	335
West 56th Street and Georgetown Road	313
Girls School Road and Rockville Road	278
Keystone Avenue / Fall Creek Parkway / Binford Boulevard / Allisonville Road junction	249
East Street and Thompson Road	248

Source: Indianapolis Intersections With the Most Crashes, 2021–2025, published October 30, 2026, using City of Indianapolis crash data.

These totals represent reported collisions within the study’s selected geographic boundaries. They do not measure crashes per vehicle traveling through the intersection, and they should not be treated as a statewide ranking.

West 38th Street and Moller Road

With 335 reported crashes during the five-year study period, West 38th Street and Moller Road had the highest total among the Indianapolis intersections evaluated.

At busy multi-lane intersections, drivers must watch for vehicles stopping, turning, or changing lanes. Rear-end and turning collisions are among the risks that investigators examine at such locations.

For motorists approaching this intersection, maintaining following distance and avoiding last-second lane changes are particularly sensible precautions.

West 56th Street and Georgetown Road

The intersection of West 56th Street and Georgetown Road recorded 313 crashes in the analysis.

A collision history alone doesn’t establish why a particular crash occurred. Investigators may need to examine traffic signals, vehicle speeds, sightlines, right-of-way decisions, and statements from the people involved.

These details are especially important when two drivers disagree about who entered the intersection first or whether a traffic signal had changed.

Girls School Road and Rockville Road

The Rockville Road and Girls School Road intersection recorded 278 crashes during the study period.

For drivers entering or crossing a busy arterial road, judging gaps in oncoming traffic is critical. A driver making a left turn may need to yield to vehicles proceeding straight, even when both directions have a green signal.

These turning conflicts can lead to side-impact crashes, sometimes called T-bone collisions, that expose vehicle occupants to substantial forces.

Keystone Avenue, Fall Creek Parkway, Binford Boulevard, and Allisonville Road

This complex Indianapolis junction recorded 249 reported collisions in the study.

Unlike a conventional four-way intersection, the surrounding roadway layout brings multiple traffic movements together. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may need to make lane choices while monitoring merging or turning traffic.

Complex roadway geometry can make the precise location of a collision particularly important. An accident reconstruction may need to establish which lanes and signals controlled each driver’s movement.

Our earlier article on dangerous Indianapolis intersections also discusses this area and several other major Indianapolis traffic locations.

East Street and Thompson Road

East Street and Thompson Road recorded 248 crashes in the same five-year analysis.

When evaluating a rear-end collision at an intersection, investigators may consider whether a driver was following too closely, distracted, approaching too quickly, or reacting to an unexpected stop.

A rear-end impact does not automatically resolve every question of fault. The circumstances surrounding the stop and the drivers’ actions still matter.

South Bend’s Most Frequently Reported Crash Intersections

South Bend provides another useful example of how local crash records can identify intersections requiring attention.

In an October 9, 2025, public safety presentation, the City of South Bend identified the five intersections with the highest collision totals from January 1 through September 30, 2025.

South Bend intersection	Reported collisions, Jan.–Sept. 2025
West Ireland Road and South Michigan Street	19
Portage Road and West Cleveland Road	15
Chapin Street and West Sample Street	14
South Bend Avenue and Ironwood Road	14
West Sample Street and South Lafayette Boulevard	11

Source: City of South Bend Public Safety Update, October 9, 2025. The city counted collisions within a 100-foot radius of each intersection.

These numbers should not be directly compared with Indianapolis totals because the reporting periods and geographic counting methods differ.

West Ireland Road and South Michigan Street

This intersection recorded the highest number of crashes on South Bend’s list during the first nine months of 2025.

The city reported 19 collisions, compared with 11 over the corresponding period in 2024—an increase of approximately 73%.

That increase makes the intersection particularly noteworthy, although the figures alone do not establish what caused the additional crashes.

Portage Road and West Cleveland Road

Portage Road and West Cleveland Road recorded 15 crashes through September 2025, compared with 11 during the same period of 2024.

The city identified the intersection as one of its focus locations for traffic enforcement and safety attention.

Chapin Street and West Sample Street

This intersection recorded 14 crashes through September 2025, compared with 13 during the equivalent period in 2024.

The intersection’s appearance among the city’s highest-crash locations reinforces why local transportation planning should consider recurring collision patterns rather than relying on one serious accident.

Other Dangerous Indiana Intersections Identified by Transportation Research

High-risk intersections aren’t limited to Indianapolis or South Bend.

INDOT engineering assessments and academic research provide additional evidence of locations where serious crashes have occurred.

State Road 28 and State Road 213 — Tipton County

One of the clearest documented examples is the intersection of State Road 28 and State Road 213 near Hobbs in Tipton County.

According to a 2026 INDOT environmental assessment, the intersection experienced 32 crashes between 2020 and 2025, including:

• Four fatal or incapacitating-injury crashes.
• Nine non-incapacitating-injury crashes.
• Nineteen property-damage-only crashes.

The engineering assessment determined that the intersection’s crash frequency and severity were above expectations for comparable intersections.

INDOT’s preferred safety improvement is a roundabout intended to reduce or eliminate the high-speed crossing conflicts associated with the existing intersection.

The assessment also notes the importance of accommodating large trucks and agricultural equipment.

This example shows why an intersection with fewer total crashes than a major urban junction can still present a serious safety concern.

Source: INDOT State Road 28 and State Road 213 Intersection Improvement Assessment, April 2026.

U.S. 40 and County Road 600 East — Hancock County

INDOT has also identified significant safety concerns at U.S. 40 and County Road 600 East in Hancock County.

Between 2022 and 2024, the intersection recorded 15 crashes. Twelve were right-angle collisions.

That means 80% of the reported crashes during that period were right-angle impacts.

INDOT has proposed a reduced-conflict intersection design to limit the need for drivers to cross several lanes of high-speed traffic in one movement.

Rather than making a conventional left turn or traveling directly across the highway, drivers would use a right turn followed by a designated U-turn movement.

The project illustrates how recurring collision types can influence roadway redesign decisions.

Source: INDOT U.S. 40 and C.R. 600 East Intersection Improvement.

State Road 49 and Calumet Avenue — Porter County

At State Road 49 and Calumet Avenue/County Road 950, INDOT has cited a high crash rate involving right-angle collisions that frequently cause injuries.

The agency has proposed a modified reduced-conflict intersection with a median U-turn to address safety concerns.

As of its published 2026 project information, construction was proposed for 2027.

The location is an example of a documented safety concern, not a verified statewide rank.

Source: INDOT State Road 49 and Calumet Avenue Project.

Historically High-Risk Intersections in Fort Wayne

A 2022 research study published in Advances in Civil Engineering examined intersections in Fort Wayne using crash records from 2013 through 2017 and traffic-volume estimates.

Among the locations with the highest fatal and injury crash rates in that historical analysis were:

• Oxford Street and Smith Street.
• Clay Street and East Lewis Street.
• South Coliseum Boulevard and East Pontiac Street.
• North Clinton Street and State Road 1.
• South Anthony Boulevard and Chartwell Drive.

Researchers evaluated crash rates, collision patterns, and possible safety improvements rather than relying exclusively on the total number of crashes.

Because this study used 2013–2017 data, these locations should be understood as historically identified safety concerns, not an updated ranking of Fort Wayne intersections in 2026.

Why Serious Intersection Accidents Happen

Every collision has its own circumstances, but certain driving behaviors and roadway conditions frequently contribute to intersection crashes.

Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way

Drivers making left turns, entering traffic from side roads, or proceeding through stop-controlled intersections must follow Indiana’s right-of-way rules.

A common collision scenario involves one driver making a left turn across the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Even when a turning driver has a green light, that driver may still have a duty to yield to approaching traffic.

The precise traffic control, vehicle positions, and circumstances determine whether that driver violated a legal duty.

Red-Light and Stop-Sign Violations

Disregarding traffic signals or stop signs can cause serious right-angle collisions.

Disputes often arise when one driver claims the signal was green while another insists the opposing driver entered on red.

Evidence from witnesses, dashcams, nearby businesses, and any available traffic-camera records may help establish what occurred.

Not every traffic camera records or preserves video, so it is important to investigate possible footage promptly.

Distracted Driving and Following Too Closely

A driver looking at a phone or failing to monitor surrounding traffic may not notice a vehicle slowing for a red light or a turning driver.

Rear-end collisions are especially common in stop-and-go traffic near intersections.

Even a relatively low-speed impact can cause injuries, depending on the circumstances.

Large Truck Turning and Visibility Hazards

Commercial trucks require additional space to turn, accelerate, and stop.

At an intersection, a truck’s length, turning path, and blind spots can create hazards for nearby vehicles, pedestrians, and motorcyclists.

After a serious collision involving a commercial vehicle, evidence may include onboard vehicle data, driver logs, maintenance records, and dispatch information.

Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers can investigate commercial vehicle collisions and identify potentially responsible parties.

Motorcycle and Pedestrian Vulnerability

Motorcyclists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when crossing or turning vehicles fail to detect them.

A left-turn collision involving a motorcycle may cause severe injuries even when the passenger vehicle sustains comparatively little damage.

Pedestrian crashes may involve failures to yield at crosswalks, poor visibility, or unsafe turning movements.

Because these individuals lack the structural protection provided by passenger vehicles, the consequences of an impact can be substantial.

What to Do After an Intersection Accident in Indiana

If you or a family member has been injured in an intersection accident, the first priority is safety and medical care.

The following steps can also help preserve evidence that may become important in an insurance claim or lawsuit.

1. Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Report the collision and request emergency assistance when needed.

Do not attempt to move a seriously injured person unless necessary to prevent further danger.

Even if your symptoms seem manageable immediately after the collision, some injuries may require medical evaluation to identify their full extent.

2. Photograph the Intersection and Surrounding Area

If it is safe and you are physically able, document more than the damage to the vehicles.

Useful photographs may include traffic signals, stop signs, road markings, turning lanes, skid marks, debris, obstructed sightlines, and final vehicle positions.

Try to record the direction each vehicle was traveling.

These details can be especially useful when fault depends on right-of-way or signal timing.

3. Identify Witnesses and Potential Video Evidence

Get contact information for witnesses when possible.

Look for businesses, parking facilities, residences, or vehicles that might have captured the collision on video.

Because some recording systems overwrite footage automatically, potentially relevant video should be identified and preservation requested promptly.

4. Obtain the Police Crash Report

The police report may provide information about the responding officer, drivers, vehicles, witnesses, reported violations, and the officer’s preliminary observations.

The Indiana State Police crash-report service explains how to obtain available crash reports through the state’s reporting system.

A police report can be valuable evidence, but it does not always conclusively determine civil liability.

5. Preserve Vehicle and Medical Evidence

Keep copies of photographs, repair estimates, medical bills, discharge instructions, and related correspondence.

For serious accidents, avoid disposing of or materially altering a damaged vehicle before important evidence has been evaluated.

If a commercial truck was involved, relevant electronic data and business records may need prompt preservation.

6. Understand Your Options Before Accepting a Settlement

An insurer may request statements, medical authorizations, or a settlement agreement soon after the collision.

Before accepting a final settlement, consider whether the full extent of your injuries, anticipated treatment, and financial losses is known.

An Indiana car accident attorney can help evaluate the evidence and the potential value of a claim.

Who Is Liable for an Intersection Accident in Indiana?

Liability depends on what caused the accident, not simply whether it happened at a location with a history of collisions.

Potentially responsible parties may include a negligent driver, an employer whose worker caused a collision while acting within the scope of employment, or another party whose conduct contributed to the crash.

In some circumstances, a defective signal, dangerous roadway condition, or negligent road maintenance may also warrant investigation. Claims involving government entities have special requirements and potential legal immunities.

Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault?

Indiana generally follows a modified comparative fault system for ordinary negligence claims.

Under Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6, an injured person’s recovery can be barred when their share of fault exceeds 50%. Otherwise, compensation is generally reduced by their assigned percentage of fault.

For example, suppose an injured driver has $100,000 in legally recoverable damages and is assigned 20% of the fault.

Their recovery would generally be reduced by $20,000, leaving $80,000, before considering other legal or insurance issues.

This is why a careful investigation matters when drivers disagree about a traffic light, a turning movement, or who had the right-of-way.

Different rules may apply to certain claims, including claims against government entities.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the circumstances, compensation after a serious intersection accident may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical treatment.
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
• Rehabilitation and ongoing care needs.
• Physical pain and other legally recognized losses.
• Property damage.

When an intersection accident results in a death, surviving family members may have rights under Indiana’s wrongful death laws. The available claims and damages depend on the particular statute and family circumstances.

How Long Do You Have to File an Indiana Accident Lawsuit?

Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the general deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years after the cause of action accrues.

Exceptions may apply.

Claims involving government entities may require much earlier action. Indiana’s Tort Claims Act generally requires notice within 180 days for claims against political subdivisions and within 270 days for claims against the state, subject to statutory exceptions.

These notice requirements are separate from the ordinary lawsuit filing deadline.

Anyone who suspects that defective roadway design, a malfunctioning traffic signal, or government negligence contributed to a serious accident should seek legal advice promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dangerous Indiana Intersections

What is the most dangerous intersection in Indiana?

There is no single verified statewide ranking that identifies one intersection as Indiana’s most dangerous.

In a 2026 analysis of Indianapolis police crash records from 2021 through 2025, West 38th Street and Moller Road had the highest reported crash total among the Indianapolis intersections evaluated, with 335 collisions within approximately 250 feet.

That finding does not establish that it has the highest crash rate or the greatest risk of serious injury anywhere in Indiana.

Which intersections in Indianapolis have the most accidents?

A 2026 analysis of 2021–2025 police data identified West 38th Street and Moller Road, West 56th Street and Georgetown Road, and Girls School Road and Rockville Road as the three Indianapolis intersections with the highest reported crash totals under its methodology.

Are rural Indiana intersections more dangerous than city intersections?

Not necessarily. Urban intersections may experience more total crashes because they handle greater traffic volumes.

Rural intersections can present different risks, including higher approach speeds and severe right-angle impacts.

Indiana’s 2024 crash data shows that fatal collisions represented a greater share of crashes in non-urban areas than in urban areas overall. That comparison covers all roadway locations, not just intersections.

Does an accident at a dangerous intersection prove the other driver was negligent?

No. A history of crashes does not, by itself, establish fault in a particular accident.

Investigators must consider the actions of the drivers, traffic controls, applicable rules of the road, and other relevant evidence.

What if a semi-truck caused the intersection accident?

Truck accidents can involve additional evidence and potentially multiple responsible parties, including a driver, motor carrier, or maintenance provider.

Preserving electronic vehicle information and trucking records can be important. The available evidence and responsible parties depend on the circumstances.

Do I need an attorney after an intersection accident?

Not every minor collision requires legal representation.

However, legal advice may be particularly useful when an accident causes serious injuries, disputed liability, substantial financial losses, or a death, or when a commercial truck or government entity may be involved.

Injured at a Dangerous Indiana Intersection? Contact Christie, Bell & Marshall

A serious intersection accident can leave you facing medical expenses, missed work, and uncertainty about what happened.

At Christie, Bell & Marshall, personal injury law is what we do. Our firm has represented injured people in Indiana since 1993, helping clients navigate claims involving negligent drivers and other potentially responsible parties.

Our Indianapolis car accident lawyers investigate collisions involving disputed right-of-way, negligent turning, distracted driving, and other causes of serious injuries.

If you’ve been injured or lost a family member in a crash in Indianapolis or elsewhere in Indiana, contact us to discuss what happened and learn about your legal options.

Call Christie, Bell & Marshall at 317-488-5500 for a free consultation. There is no attorney fee unless we win your case.

This article provides general information about Indiana traffic safety and personal injury law. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Crash data reflects the reporting periods and methodologies identified in the cited sources.

Call 317-488-5500 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form