An Indiana University student was critically injured in Bloomington on the morning of Sept. 29 when he was struck by a pickup truck. He was transported by a helicopter to a trauma center in Indianapolis, but he succumbed to his injuries the following day. According to media reports, he was a 27-year-old man who was studying for a Ph.D. at the university’s Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences.
Box Truck Driver Ran Red Light
The accident that claimed the student’s life took place at the intersection of Indiana Avenue and Third Street. Police officers arrived at the scene at approximately 9:33 a.m. According to an Indiana University Police Department representative, the crash was caused by a box truck driver who ignored a red light while proceeding westbound on Third Street. The box truck then struck a pickup truck that had been traveling northbound on Indiana Avenue.
Struck While on the Sidewalk
The force of the collision caused the pickup truck to spin across the intersection. The student was standing on the sidewalk outside a convenience store on the northwest corner. Police say that he was struck by the pickup truck shortly after crossing the street. Both of the drivers escaped the accident without injury. Initial reports do not indicate if the driver who ran the red light has been charged.
Establishing Negligence in Wrongful Death Lawsuits
When pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family members of a deceased motor vehicle accident victim, experienced personal injury attorneys may study the police report to find out if the driver responsible committed a traffic violation or was impaired, distracted or fatigued at the time. This information could then be used to establish negligence in court even if the police declined to file charges against the driver.
