A violent collision on US 31 near Sease Drive in Miami County, Indiana resulted in serious injuries on Thursday when an Audi rear-ended a Ram pickup truck. According to Indiana State Police, the Audi's driver, identified only as a Wabash resident, was ejected from his vehicle after the initial impact caused his car to leave the roadway and roll multiple times before coming to rest. Emergency responders called for air medical transport, and the seriously injured Audi driver was flown to a nearby hospital for treatment. The Ram's driver sustained only minor injuries in the crash. While investigators have ruled out alcohol and drugs as contributing factors, preliminary findings indicate excessive speed played a role in the collision. State Police noted that neither driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The crash occurred along US 31, a major north-south highway that serves as a crucial transportation artery through Miami County. The specific section near Sease Drive is a well-traveled stretch of highway that connects Peru, the county seat, with communities to the north and south. This segment of US 31 typically experiences moderate to heavy traffic flow, particularly during peak commuting hours, and features a posted speed limit of 55 mph. The area is predominantly rural but includes several residential access points and cross streets, requiring drivers to remain alert for turning vehicles and crossing traffic.

Under Indiana law, victims of motor vehicle accidents have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. The state follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning compensation may be reduced based on each party's degree of responsibility for the crash. Insurance considerations typically involve both drivers' liability coverage, with minimum requirements in Indiana being $25,000 per person for bodily injury. Potential compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The failure to wear seatbelts, while itself a violation of Indiana Code 9-19-10-2, does not automatically bar recovery but may affect damage awards.

Related Resources:

• Miami County Emergency Medical Services: (765) 473-5511
• Indiana State Police Peru Post: (765) 473-6666
• Miami County Sheriff's Office: (765) 472-1322
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: www.in.gov/bmv(link is external)
• Indiana Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division
• Indiana Auto Accident Victim Support Services
• Indiana Driver's Manual and Traffic Laws: www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/licenses-permits-ids/drivers-manual/(link is external)