Terre Haute, IN (October 3, 2026) – The Terre Haute Police Department responded to a crash between a truck and a motorcycle at the intersection of 10th Street and Locust Street on the evening of October 3, according to police.
A juvenile riding the motorcycle suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead. A second person on the motorcycle was transported to the hospital and was last reported in stable condition.
The driver of the truck, Robert Morton, 48, of Terre Haute, was arrested at the scene. Morton was charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended license resulting in death, according to police.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What Families Can Do After a Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Indiana
Motorcycles make up less than 2 percent of all traffic collisions in Indiana yet account for roughly 16 percent of traffic fatalities statewide, according to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute. The state recorded 989 total traffic deaths in 2023, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Request the crash report from the Terre Haute Police Department and ask for the investigating officer’s direct contact information.
- Ask that the motorcycle not be released or repaired until it has been examined for evidence, including impact marks, tire condition, and mechanical state.
- Preserve the rider’s helmet and protective gear in the condition they were in at the time of the crash.
- Route all insurance calls through one family member or an attorney to keep statements consistent.
- Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate for insurance claims, court filings, and other official uses.
- Keep a detailed record of funeral costs, medical expenses, and any income the family has lost as a result of the crash.
Your Rights After a Motorcycle Crash in Vigo County
Indiana law provides several paths forward for families after a fatal motorcycle crash involving a driver who has been arrested and charged.
- Who may be liable: Robert Morton, the driver of the truck, faces criminal charges. A separate civil claim for damages does not depend on a conviction and is evaluated on its own facts.
- How fault is decided: Investigators will examine right-of-way, the truck’s speed and position, the motorcycle’s visibility, and whether Morton’s suspended license contributed to conditions that led to the crash.
- If fault is shared: Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule (IC 34-51-2-6) allows recovery as long as the claimant’s share of fault is less than 51 percent. The award is reduced by the claimant’s percentage.
- Insurance that may apply: Morton’s liability policy, if any, is the first source. The rider’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (IC 27-7-5-2) may apply if Morton’s coverage is insufficient or absent.
- Wrongful death claim: Under IC 34-23-1-1 and IC 34-23-2-1, the family may file a wrongful death action for funeral expenses, medical costs, lost future support, and loss of companionship.
- Filing deadline: The wrongful death statute of limitations in Indiana is two years from the date of death (IC 34-23-1-1), which puts the deadline at October 3, 2028.
- Second rider’s claim: The surviving rider may also file a personal injury claim within two years of the crash (IC 34-11-2-4), with a deadline of October 3, 2028.
Questions About a Motorcycle Accident Claim in Indiana? Talk to Langer and Langer
Families often worry about the cost of hiring a lawyer after a crash, especially when they are already facing funeral expenses and lost income. Langer and Langer works on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost and no fee unless the firm recovers compensation for the family.
The firm’s motorcycle accident lawyers in Indiana have represented riders and their families for more than 45 years. Steven L. Langer, a two-time Indiana Trial Lawyer of the Year, has the courtroom experience to take a case to trial when an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement.
From the first conversation, the firm reviews the crash report, identifies all liable parties and insurance sources, and manages communication with the other side so the family does not have to.
Before choosing a firm to handle a motorcycle death claim in Vigo County, here is what Langer and Langer brings to the case:
- Serving Indiana families since 1980
- More than 100 years of combined legal experience
- Steven L. Langer, former President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers
- Recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America
- Free consultation, no fee unless we win
Langer and Langer is located at 4 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383 and represents clients throughout the state. Call 219-245-5881, stop by the office, or fill out our contact form to get started.
