A three-vehicle collision brought traffic to a complete standstill at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Pettit Avenue in south Fort Wayne on Friday afternoon, creating significant congestion throughout the surrounding area. The crash occurred at approximately 2:45 p.m., prompting an immediate emergency response that included at least five emergency vehicles and one ambulance. According to Fort Wayne Dispatch, all drivers involved in the collision sustained non-life-threatening injuries, though the extent of those injuries has not been disclosed. Witnesses at the scene reported that one of the vehicles suffered severe front-end damage, indicating a high-impact collision. The accident reduced Lafayette Street to single-lane traffic in both northbound and southbound directions, causing heavy traffic backups as commuters and local residents navigated the compromised intersection during the late afternoon hours. Emergency responders worked to clear the scene while attending to the injured parties, with traffic gradually beginning to flow again, albeit at a significantly reduced pace.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of Lafayette Street and Pettit Avenue is located in south Fort Wayne, serving as a significant junction for local traffic in this residential and commercial area. Lafayette Street functions as a major north-south arterial route through the city, carrying substantial daily traffic volumes as it connects various neighborhoods and commercial districts. The intersection's role as a connector between local streets and this major thoroughfare makes it a critical point for both commuter traffic and local residents. During afternoon hours, particularly around 2:45 p.m. when this incident occurred, the area typically experiences increased traffic as the workday concludes and school dismissals add to road congestion. The reduction to single-lane traffic in both directions created a bottleneck effect that extended delays well beyond the immediate intersection, affecting multiple surrounding streets as drivers sought alternative routes through south Fort Wayne's road network.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana law requires all drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or property damage to stop at the scene and exchange information, as outlined in Indiana Code 9-26-1. Drivers who sustain injuries in multi-vehicle collisions may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering under Indiana's fault-based insurance system. The state operates under a modified comparative fault rule (Indiana Code 34-51-2-5), meaning injured parties can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Indiana law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims from the date of the accident, making timely action crucial for protecting legal rights. Those involved in accidents should document the scene thoroughly, seek immediate medical evaluation even for seemingly minor injuries, and report the incident to their insurance carriers promptly. Understanding these legal parameters can help accident victims make informed decisions about pursuing compensation for their injuries and losses.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Fort Wayne Police Department: Non-emergency (260) 427-1222
• Fort Wayne Fire Department: Non-emergency (260) 427-1312
• Allen County Emergency Services

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Division
• Fort Wayne Traffic Engineering Department
• Indiana State Police Safe Driving Tips

Support Services:

• Lutheran Hospital Emergency Department (260) 435-7001
• Parkview Regional Medical Center (260) 266-1000
• Allen County Victim Assistance Program

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: www.in.gov/indot