A catastrophic head-on collision near the intersection of State Road 3 and County Road 400 South in the Letts area of Decatur County created a significant emergency response early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 AM when a van driven by 34-year-old Samantha Blessing of Greensburg was traveling northbound and appeared to be passing a semi-truck when it collided head-on with a southbound vehicle driven by a 16-year-old. The crash resulted in multiple serious injuries, with six individuals requiring immediate medical attention. Emergency services from multiple local departments responded rapidly to the scene, coordinating a complex rescue operation that involved multiple ambulances and three medical helicopters. State Road 3 was completely closed for three-and-a-half hours during the initial investigation and cleanup, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area.

Location and Infrastructure

State Road 3 is a critical transportation route in Decatur County, running through rural and semi-rural areas including the Letts community. The road is known for its mix of agricultural and residential landscapes, with varying traffic patterns that include commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and local passenger vehicles. The intersection with County Road 400 South is located in an area with limited visibility and multiple access points to local farms and residences. Rural roads like these often present unique challenges for drivers, including narrow shoulders, occasional debris, and the presence of large agricultural machinery. The location's infrastructure typically requires heightened awareness from drivers due to the potential for sudden changes in traffic flow and road conditions.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In cases of motor vehicle accidents involving multiple parties and serious injuries, several legal considerations come into play. Indiana law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance and provides specific guidelines for determining fault in multi-vehicle collisions. Potential compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. Victims and their families typically have a two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims in Indiana, beginning from the date of the accident. Insurance companies will conduct thorough investigations to determine liability, which may involve examining factors such as vehicle positioning, driver actions, and potential mechanical failures. Individuals involved in such accidents are advised to document all medical treatments, preserve evidence, and consult with legal professionals to understand their full range of potential legal recourses.

Related Resources

Emergency Services

• Decatur County Sheriff's Office
• Greensburg Fire Department
• Letts Fire Department
• Burney/Clay Township Fire Department
• Westport Fire Department
• Stat Flight Emergency Medical Services

Traffic Safety Resources

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) Safety Information
• Decatur County Emergency Management
• Indiana State Police Traffic Safety Division

Support Services

• Decatur County Crisis Intervention Team
• St. Vincent Hospital Trauma Center
• Decatur County Memorial Hospital
• Indiana Victim Support Networks

Legal and Regulatory Resources

• Indiana Motor Vehicle Accident Laws
• Indiana Department of Insurance
• Indiana Judicial Branch Civil Procedure Resources