A tragic early morning crash on Interstate 65 in White County, Indiana claimed one life and left two others injured near mile marker 197. According to the Indiana State Police, the collision occurred when a 2020 Hino box truck, traveling southbound in the left lane, moved into the right lane for unknown reasons and struck a 2018 Freightliner tractor-trailer that was occupying that lane. The impact of the collision proved devastating for the occupants of the box truck. Both truck drivers sustained injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for what authorities described as non-life-threatening injuries. Tragically, a passenger riding in the Hino box truck was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the deceased victim has not been released pending family notification. Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the crash site to provide medical assistance and manage the scene. The collision remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine the specific factors that led the box truck to change lanes into the path of the tractor-trailer.

Location and Infrastructure

Interstate 65 near mile marker 197 in White County runs through a rural section of northwestern Indiana, serving as a major commercial and passenger vehicle corridor connecting Indianapolis to Chicago. This stretch of I-65 experiences heavy truck traffic throughout the day and night, as it is a critical route for freight transportation between major Midwest distribution centers. The area around mile marker 197 is characterized by relatively flat terrain with limited lighting during overnight hours, which can present visibility challenges for drivers, particularly during lane changes. White County sits approximately 75 miles northwest of Indianapolis, and this section of interstate passes through areas with fewer immediate emergency services compared to more urban stretches of the highway. The two-lane configuration in each direction requires heightened awareness from commercial vehicle operators, especially when changing lanes with vehicles of different sizes and braking capabilities.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning accident victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the collision. In commercial vehicle accidents involving tractor-trailers and box trucks, liability may extend beyond the drivers to include trucking companies, vehicle owners, and maintenance providers under federal motor carrier regulations. Victims and families of those killed in truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and loss of companionship. Indiana's wrongful death statute allows certain family members to file claims within two years of the date of death, while personal injury claims generally must be filed within two years of the accident date. Commercial trucking accidents often involve complex insurance policies with multiple coverage layers, including the drivers' policies, the trucking companies' liability coverage, and cargo insurance. Given the federal regulations governing commercial motor vehicles, evidence such as electronic logging device data, truck maintenance records, and driver qualification files may be crucial in determining fault and liability.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• White County Sheriff's Department: (574) 583-7111
• Indiana State Police Lafayette Post: (765) 567-2125
• White County Emergency Medical Services

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety Division
• Indiana State Police Crash Reports: www.indianacrashreports.org
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Support Services:

• Indiana Victim Assistance Program: 1-800-353-1484
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Indiana
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Conditions: www.trafficwise.org