In a tragic incident on February 20th, 2025, a wrong-way driver caused a devastating head-on collision on US 41 in Warren County, Indiana, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The crash occurred just south of County Road 850 North when a 2015 Fiat, driven by 52-year-old Kelly Barnett of Alabama, was traveling southbound in the wrong lane of the divided highway. The Fiat collided head-on with a northbound 1998 Chevrolet van operated by 48-year-old Sterling Zachery of Chicago. Barnett was pronounced dead at the scene, while Zachery had to be extricated from his vehicle by emergency responders. He was airlifted to Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis with serious injuries. Three adults and three children who were passengers in Zachery's van were also transported to hospitals, with some requiring air medical transport. The Warren County Sheriff's Office and Indiana State Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash.

Location and Infrastructure

US 41 through Warren County is a major divided highway that serves as a crucial north-south corridor connecting Indiana with Illinois. The section where the accident occurred, just south of County Road 850 North, is typically characterized by high-speed traffic and moderate to heavy commercial vehicle use. This stretch of highway features a grass median separating northbound and southbound lanes, with two lanes in each direction. The area is predominantly rural, with agricultural fields surrounding the highway. Standard highway safety features include reflective markers, rumble strips, and clear directional signage. The nearest major crossroads are several miles away, making emergency response times a critical consideration in this area.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, victims of motor vehicle accidents have two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). In cases involving wrong-way drivers, liability determination typically focuses on negligence standards and violation of traffic laws. Insurance claims may involve multiple policies, including the deceased driver's liability coverage and the surviving victims' underinsured motorist protection. Compensation can potentially cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In fatal accidents, surviving family members may have grounds for wrongful death claims, which must be filed within specific statutory timeframes. Multiple-victim accidents often involve complex insurance allocation issues, potentially necessitating professional legal guidance. An experienced Indiana personal injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Warren County Sheriff's Office: (765) 762-3404
• Warren County EMS
• Indiana State Police Lafayette Post: (765) 567-2125

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Safety Information
• Warren County Highway Department
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute's Traffic Safety Division

Support Services:

• Indiana Auto Accident Victim Support Network
• Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Trauma Support Services
• Indiana Victim Compensation Program