Star report

An Indiana lawmaker and his daughter are recuperating from injuries received in a two-car collision Downtown Thursday night.

Rep. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, also is counting himself lucky that he and his daughter Rachael, 23, were not more seriously hurt.

Friday morning, Niezgodski issued a statement from his hospital room saying the family is doing well, and they are thankful for the well wishes that rolled in after the news broke.

"I want to say how deeply moved our family has been by the outpouring of support we have received since last night's accident. The numbers of prayers and messages have been greatly appreciated by myself, my daughter and the rest of the family," he said.

"I also must pay tribute to the police officers, firefighters and EMTs who responded so quickly to the scene, as well as the folks at Eskenazi Hospital who treated us. I always have believed that those men and women who devote themselves to public safety never get enough credit for the work they do to protect the rest of us, and the skill and expertise they bring to the table came to the forefront last night. For that, I will be eternally grateful."

Niezgodski and his daughter were injured at 6:57 p.m. Thursday when the Cadillac STS sedan he was driving west on Ohio Street was T-boned by a Kia Sorento SUV traveling south on Capitol Avenue.

Niezgodski and his daughter had to be pulled from the vehicle by members of the Indianapolis Fire Department. It took 15 minutes to extricate Niezgodski's daugther from the wreckage, IFD said in a statement.

They were were taken to Eskenazi in critical condition.

"My daughter Rachael was released from the hospital last night. She suffered a concussion and some soft tissue damage, but considering the scope of the accident, we are all incredibly grateful that was the extent of her injuries," Niezgodski said.

"I suffered a broken rib, and the accident aggravated some neck problems I have had for several years. I am expected to be released sometime today, with some follow-up treatment scheduled for Monday."

The driver of the Kia, Megan Durham, 24, Indianapolis, was uninjured and treated at the scene.

Adams said investigators do not believe that impairment played a role in the crash, but, because of the injuries, the Fatal Alcohol Crash Team was called to assist in the investigation.

A lifelong South Bend resident, Niezgodski has represented Indiana's 7th District since 2006. He serves on the House Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs, according to his website. He is also the ranking minority member of the Employment, Labor and Pensions Committee.

"At times like this, it is valuable to count one's blessings," Niezgodski said of the crash. "Thanks in no small part to the work of many, many dedicated servants, my daughter and I are alive today. We thank them, and we thank all of you who have shown us so much support over these past few hours. You all occupy a special place in our hearts."