A fatal traffic collision occurred early Monday morning on North 231 in West Lafayette, Indiana, prompting an investigation by the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department. The crash was reported in the 5600 block of North 231 just before 4 a.m., according to officials. Emergency responders arrived at the scene in the pre-dawn hours to find at least one person had been killed in the incident. The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office was notified and dispatched to the crash site. As of Monday, authorities were working to legally identify the deceased individual through proper protocols. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and to assist investigators in understanding the circumstances surrounding the collision. The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the crash, and no additional details about the number of vehicles involved, potential contributing factors, or other parties have been released. The section of North 231 where the accident occurred is north of the West Lafayette city center.

Location and Infrastructure

North 231, also known as U.S. Highway 231, is a major north-south thoroughfare serving the Greater Lafayette area and Tippecanoe County. The 5600 block is located in the northern section of West Lafayette, an area that transitions from more developed commercial zones to rural stretches with higher speed limits. This portion of the highway serves as a critical route connecting West Lafayette to communities to the north and handles significant daily traffic volumes from both local commuters and through-traffic. The roadway in this area typically features two lanes in each direction with turning lanes at major intersections. Early morning hours, when this crash occurred, typically see reduced traffic but higher speeds. The pre-dawn timing at approximately 4 a.m. means visibility conditions and potential fatigue factors may be relevant to the ongoing investigation. Highway 231 is maintained by the Indiana Department of Transportation and serves as an important corridor for Purdue University traffic and regional commerce.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, families of individuals killed in traffic accidents may have the right to pursue wrongful death claims under Indiana Code 34-23-1. These claims can seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical costs prior to death, loss of the deceased's earnings and contributions, and loss of companionship. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning fault determination is crucial in these cases. Families typically have two years from the date of death to file wrongful death claims under Indiana's statute of limitations, though consulting with legal counsel promptly is advisable to preserve evidence and witness testimony. Insurance considerations may include liability coverage from at-fault drivers, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and potential claims against multiple parties depending on the circumstances. The ongoing investigation by the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department will be critical in establishing the factual basis for any potential legal actions. Crash reports, autopsy findings, and witness statements typically form the foundation of such cases.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department: (765) 423-9388
• West Lafayette Police Department (non-emergency): (765) 775-5200
• Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office: (765) 423-9388

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Traffic Safety Division: (317) 232-2423
• Tippecanoe County Highway Department: (765) 423-9242
• Indiana State Police Lafayette Post: (765) 567-2125

Support Services:

• Tippecanoe County Victim Assistance Program: (765) 423-9333
• Indiana Victim Assistance: 1-800-353-1484
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: 1-888-327-4236

Legal Information:

• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Traffic Safety: in.gov/bmv
• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): iga.in.gov
• Indiana State Bar Association Lawyer Referral: 1-800-266-2581