A tragic collision claimed one life on Tuesday afternoon at the intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and County Road 300 South in Benton County, Indiana. The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. when a Chevrolet pickup truck traveling westbound on CR-300S failed to stop at a posted stop sign. According to Indiana State Police's preliminary investigation, the Chevrolet truck entered the intersection and collided with a northbound Volvo semi-truck and trailer, striking its passenger side. The impact caused both vehicles to leave the roadway. Emergency response teams from both the Indiana State Police and Benton County Sheriff's Office were quickly dispatched to the scene. One fatality has been confirmed, though authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of U.S. Highway 41 and County Road 300 South is a rural crossing typical of Benton County's agricultural region. U.S. 41 is a major north-south federal highway that serves as a crucial transportation corridor between Chicago and Indianapolis, experiencing significant commercial truck traffic. The intersection is controlled by stop signs on CR-300S, while U.S. 41 traffic has the right of way. The area is predominantly surrounded by farmland, with generally flat terrain characteristic of northern Indiana. This configuration, combined with seasonal agricultural activity and high-speed highway traffic, requires particular vigilance from drivers on intersecting county roads.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8, drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs and yield right-of-way to vehicles on through highways. In fatal accident cases, Indiana's statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident for filing wrongful death claims. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future earnings, and loss of companionship. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning parties less than 51% at fault may seek compensation, though their recovery will be reduced by their percentage of fault. Insurance considerations typically involve both personal auto policies and commercial vehicle coverage when commercial trucks are involved. An experienced Benton County truckpersonal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim. An experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

• Emergency Services:
  • Benton County Sheriff's Office: (765) 884-0080
  • Indiana State Police Lafayette Post: (765) 567-2125
  • Benton County EMS: (765) 884-1401
• Traffic Safety Resources:
  • Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Division
  • INDOT Road Safety Audit Program
  • Benton County Highway Department
• Support Services:
  • Indiana Victim Compensation Program
  • Indiana State Police Victim Assistance Unit
  • Franciscan Health Trauma Services Lafayette
• Legal References:
  • Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)
  • Indiana Crash Report Portal
  • Indiana BMV Accident Reporting Requirements