Daviess County, IN (October 18, 2026) – A 9-year-old boy died after a two-vehicle crash on State Road 57 near County Road 700 South, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said the call came in just after 2:45 p.m. on October 18. A northbound truck lost control and hit a southbound minivan, according to the sheriff’s office. All three people in the minivan were taken to the hospital.
The 9-year-old, a passenger in the minivan, was airlifted to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis and later died.
The truck driver, 25, showed signs of impairment, the sheriff’s office said. He was taken to Daviess Community Hospital for chemical testing, then arrested and taken to the Daviess County Security Center. He was not injured. He is charged with OWI causing serious bodily injury and OWI resulting in death.
The crash remains under investigation, and accident reconstruction is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation continues.
What Families Ask After a Fatal Crash in Daviess County
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute’s Indiana Crash Facts 2024 report counted 27 children, ages 0 to 14, killed in Indiana crashes in 2024, up from 20 in 2023.
Can the family file a claim after a child dies in a crash?
Yes. Indiana has a separate wrongful death statute covering a child’s death (IC 34-23-2-1). An attorney can explain who may file and what it covers.
Does it matter that the driver was charged?
A civil claim is separate from the criminal case. A charge is an accusation, not a finding, and the family’s claim has its own deadline.
How long does the family have to file?
Two years from the date of death (IC 34-23-2-1). Counting from the October 18, 2026 crash date, the safest deadline is October 18, 2028.
Can the other people in the minivan file claims?
Yes. Two other people in the minivan were also taken to the hospital. Anyone injured in the crash may have a claim for their own injuries and medical costs.
What should a family do first?
Request the crash report from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. Keep medical and funeral records, and send insurer calls to one trusted person or an attorney.
Questions About a Fatal Crash Claim in Indiana? Talk to Langer & Langer
Families often wonder how soon they have to decide anything. After a loss like this one, there is no pressure to decide today, and a first conversation can simply cover what a claim would involve.
Langer & Langer represents families across Indiana from our Valparaiso office. An Indiana car accident lawyer from our firm can explain the process by phone before you commit to anything. We handle the insurer contact and evidence requests so the family can focus on each other.
What Indiana families can count on from Langer & Langer after a fatal crash:
- 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
Our office is at 4 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Call 219-245-5881 whenever you are ready, or reach us through our contact page.
