Woodburn, IN (May 8, 2026) – A head-on collision on Old US 24 in eastern Allen County killed one person and sent another to the hospital Friday morning, according to the Allen County Sheriff’s Department.
The crash happened around 5:30 a.m. in the 15000 block of Old US 24, just outside of Woodburn. A car traveling east crossed the center line and struck a westbound pickup truck head-on, police say.
The driver of the car died at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and was later upgraded to non-life-threatening condition, according to the department.
The names of those involved have not been released. The crash remains under investigation.
A crash this sudden and this serious leaves families with urgent questions and very little time to think clearly. Here is what the truck driver and their family need to know right now.
Head-On Collisions in Indiana – What Injured Victims Should Know
Head-on crashes caused by a driver crossing the center line are among the most serious on Indiana roads. When another driver’s negligence causes the collision, the injured party has the right to pursue compensation for what they have lost.
What can be recovered in a claim like this?
Victims of serious crashes in Indiana may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including:
- Medical expenses, from emergency treatment through ongoing rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if injuries affect the ability to work
- Pain and suffering resulting from the crash and recovery process
- Future medical costs if long-term treatment is required
What should the injured driver and their family do now?
- Continue all prescribed medical treatment and keep records of every appointment, medication, and provider from the day of the crash forward.
- Do not provide recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. This includes the other driver’s insurer and your own.
- Do not settle any claim before understanding the full extent of the injuries. Some effects of serious trauma take weeks or months to fully present.
- Request a copy of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department report as soon as it becomes available.
- Contact an attorney early. Evidence from fatal and serious injury crashes can be lost quickly, and investigation findings may shape the entire claim.
What about the family of the person who was killed?
Indiana law allows the family of someone killed in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can cover funeral and burial expenses, lost financial support, and other damages recognized under Indiana law.
What is the deadline to file in Indiana?
Injured victims generally have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim under Indiana law (IC 34-11-2-4). Wrongful death claims carry the same two-year deadline (IC 34-23-1-1). The clock starts on the date of the crash. Waiting reduces options and can limit the evidence available to support a claim.
Contact Our Indiana Car Accident Attorneys
At Langer & Langer, our Indiana car accident lawyers have represented victims across the state who were seriously injured when another driver crossed the center line. A head-on collision is one of the most devastating crashes on Indiana roads. The physical recovery is hard enough without also fighting an insurance company alone.
If someone you love was killed in this crash, our wrongful death attorneys can help your family understand what options are available and what steps to take next. We handle both cases on a contingency fee basis. No upfront costs. No fees unless we win.
Here is why Indiana families trust us:
- 46+ years protecting Indiana families
- 4.8 rating across 150+ verified reviews
- Two-Time Trial Lawyer of the Year (ITLA)
- Available 24/7
- No recovery, no fee
Call us at 219-245-5881 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 for you.
