A devastating collision between a semi-truck and a Chrysler Pacifica on U.S. 52 near Tippecanoe County Road 600 South left two local women seriously injured on Tuesday morning. At approximately 10:10 AM, Christopher Szczepanski of Schererville, Indiana, lost control of his northbound semi-truck on the snow-covered highway. According to the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office, the semi crossed the median and slid into southbound lanes, where it collided with a Chrysler Pacifica driven by Lorie Amick of West Lafayette. Both Amick and her passenger, Lisa Drake of Lafayette, sustained serious injuries in the crash. The Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, though specific details about emergency response times and the victims' current medical status were not immediately available.

Location and Infrastructure

The collision occurred on a critical stretch of U.S. 52, a major north-south highway that serves as a key transportation artery through Tippecanoe County. The intersection with County Road 600 South is located in a relatively rural area south of Lafayette, where highway speeds typically remain high. This section of U.S. 52 features a grassy median separating northbound and southbound lanes, designed to prevent cross-traffic collisions. However, during adverse weather conditions, particularly in winter months, this stretch of highway can become hazardous due to its exposed location and susceptibility to snow drifts and ice formation.

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. In commercial vehicle accidents, multiple parties may bear liability, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially other entities responsible for vehicle maintenance or road conditions. Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system, meaning victims can recover damages as long as they are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Insurance considerations typically involve commercial vehicle policies, which often carry higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance.

Related Resources

• Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office: (765) 423-9388
• Indiana State Police Lafayette Post: (765) 567-2125
• Indiana Department of Transportation Winter Driving Resources
• Tippecanoe Emergency Ambulance Service
• Indiana Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
• Indiana Department of Insurance Consumer Services
• Tippecanoe County Victim Assistance Program
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles)