A devastating collision between a semi-truck and a pickup truck claimed the life of a female passenger on Monday afternoon near the General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly Plant in Allen County, Indiana. At approximately 2 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of Lafayette Center and Zubrick roads, just off the I-69 south exit, where they discovered both vehicles had careened into a ditch on the north side of Lafayette Center Road following a rear-end collision. According to Adam Griffith, spokesperson for the Allen County Sheriff's Department, the pickup truck was stationary at a red light when it was struck from behind by the semi-truck. The male driver of the pickup truck sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, while his female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Multiple witnesses from the nearby GM assembly plant attempted to render aid to the victims before medical personnel arrived. The identity of the deceased woman has not yet been released pending notification of family. The driver of the semi-truck escaped the crash without injuries. Authorities have not determined why the semi failed to stop at the traffic signal.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred at the intersection of Lafayette Center and Zubrick roads, a critical juncture that services high volumes of commercial traffic due to its proximity to the General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly Plant. This intersection sits near an exit ramp from Interstate 69, creating a transition point where highway traffic merges with local industrial traffic. The area is characterized by relatively high speed limits transitioning to controlled intersections, requiring significant braking distances for large commercial vehicles. Traffic signals at this intersection regulate the flow of vehicles entering and exiting the industrial complex. This stretch of Lafayette Center Road experiences consistent heavy truck traffic supporting the manufacturing operations at the GM plant, with peak congestion during shift changes. The rural-industrial setting creates a mix of passenger vehicles and commercial trucks navigating the same roadways, often with significant speed differentials.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, victims of commercial vehicle accidents may pursue claims against multiple potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially third-party contractors. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system (IC 34-51-2), meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are less than 51% responsible for the accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is two years from the date of the accident (IC 34-11-2-4), making timely legal consultation essential. Survivors of fatal truck accidents may pursue wrongful death claims seeking compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, loss of companionship, and pain and suffering. Commercial vehicles typically carry higher insurance policy limits than passenger vehicles, potentially allowing for more comprehensive compensation. Additionally, federal regulations governing commercial drivers (FMCSR) may provide additional avenues for establishing liability in cases involving commercial trucking operations.

Related Resources

• Allen County Sheriff's Department: (260) 449-3000
• Fort Wayne Police Department: (260) 427-1222
• Lutheran Hospital Trauma Center: (260) 435-7001
• Parkview Regional Medical Center: (260) 266-1000
• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Northeast District: (260) 969-8267
• Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division: (317) 232-8318
• Indiana Victim Compensation Program: (800) 353-1484
• Brain Injury Association of Indiana: (317) 356-7722
• Indiana Department of Insurance: (317) 232-2385
• Indiana Legal Services: (844) 243-8570
• Indiana Commercial Vehicle Safety Laws: www.in.gov/dor/commercial-vehicles