Delventhal Law Office — Personal Injury Attorneys

NEWSTIPPECANOE COUNTYNOVEMBER 2, 2026

Update: INDOT Adds Protected Left Turn at U.S. 231 and Veterans Memorial Parkway After Fatal Motorcycle Crashes Near Lafayette

By Chad E. DelventhalUpdated November 3, 20263 min read

What changed at the intersection

WLFI reported[1] that INDOT replaced the flashing yellow left-turn signal at U.S. 231 and Veterans Memorial Parkway, just south of Lafayette, with a protected green-arrow left turn. INDOT is also reviewing sight lines near the median barrier and water barrels at the intersection.

The change followed the October 23, 2026 crash that killed motorcyclist Tyler Guy, 32, of Lafayette, in a collision with a car. WLFI also reported that motorcyclist Ashley Ray was killed in a crash at the same intersection on June 9, 2026. A Journal & Courier report syndicated by Yahoo News[2] said the car's driver stated that she did not see the motorcycle. No charges have been reported, no agency has assigned fault, and the October 23 investigation remains ongoing.

U.S. 231 and Veterans Memorial Parkway intersection near Lafayette, with turn lanes and roadside barriers relevant to INDOT's signal and sight-line review.

A “Protect Our Riders” petition organized by David Ranalli and backed by ABATE of Indiana is active. WLFI reported that a town hall was set for 6 p.m. Monday, November 2, at Lafayette City Hall.

What this intersection tells drivers on U.S. 231

Left turns across oncoming traffic are one of the most common causes of serious motorcycle crashes. A motorcycle's narrow profile can make it harder to see and harder to judge for speed, especially when barriers or other objects sit near the line of sight. A protected arrow removes the need to judge a gap in oncoming traffic.

Drivers turning left can take an extra look for motorcycles before turning. Riders can use lane position and lights to stay visible as they approach intersections. If you are injured in a similar collision, a Fort Wayne motorcycle accident attorney can explain how evidence and insurance issues may affect a claim.

Motorcycle safety awareness scene near a civic building in Lafayette, relevant to the Protect Our Riders petition and town hall.

What accident victims should do next

After a serious crash, get medical care and keep every treatment record. Families who lose a loved one can keep the crash report number, the coroner's contact information, and copies of medical and funeral bills. You can also review the evidence that may help explain an Indiana crash and learn how to obtain an Indiana crash report.

Photos of the intersection, signals, and nearby barriers taken soon after a crash can help document conditions before changes are made. Evidence can be lost or overwritten quickly, so timely preservation requests matter.

Why location matters in Indiana injury claims

This intersection is on a state highway in Tippecanoe County, and INDOT controls its signals and design. A civil case is usually filed in the county where the crash happened or where a defendant lives.

When a state agency could be involved, Indiana's Tort Claims Act requires written notice to the State within 270 days under Ind. Code 34-13-3-6. Claims against a political subdivision require notice within 180 days under Ind. Code 34-13-3-8. These notice rules can be shorter than the ordinary filing period, as explained in this guide to Indiana government tort claim notices.

Indiana wrongful death claims are governed by Ind. Code 34-23-1-1, and most personal injury and wrongful death claims must be filed within two years under Ind. Code 34-11-2-4. Indiana divides fault among those involved under Ind. Code 34-51-2-6. A police report is not a determination of civil liability.

Signal plan and documentation materials representing evidence preservation after a motorcycle crash in Tippecanoe County, Indiana.

How Delventhal Law Office can help

Delventhal Law Office, LLC is a Fort Wayne personal injury law firm founded by attorney Chad E. Delventhal in 2009. The firm helps motorcyclists and families across Indiana understand injury and wrongful death claims, including notice deadlines when a government agency may be involved. Insurance companies and other defendants may aggressively defend fault, causation, and damages, so careful preparation matters.

No outcome can be promised in any case. If you want to discuss your circumstances, you can request a free case evaluation.

This post is based on public reporting, the investigation may be ongoing, and nothing here is legal advice or creates an attorney-client relationship.

Sources

  1. WLFI reported (wlfi.com) ↩
  2. Journal & Courier report syndicated by Yahoo News (yahoo.com) ↩

Working with Delventhal Law

Common questions

How fees work, deadlines that matter, and what to expect when you call.

  1. How much does it cost to hire Delventhal Law Office?

    There is no up-front cost. Personal-injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis: you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free and carries no obligation. Call (260) 484-6655 to talk through your situation.

  2. How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Indiana?

    Indiana generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a personal-injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). Shorter deadlines can apply when a government entity is involved or in some workers' compensation matters. The sooner you call, the more options you have.

  3. What if I'm partly at fault for the accident?

    Indiana follows a modified comparative-fault rule (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6). You can still recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you think you share blame, call us — the insurance company's first assignment of fault is often wrong.

  4. Do I have to come into the office to meet with you?

    No. We meet clients by phone, video call, at their home, or at the hospital. The Delventhal Law Office is in downtown Fort Wayne, but most of our clients live across Indiana and we come to you when that's easier.

  5. How quickly should I call after an accident?

    As soon as you can. Evidence disappears fast — skid marks fade, surveillance video is overwritten, witnesses move on. Insurance adjusters also start calling within days. Talking to us before you give a recorded statement protects your claim.

  6. What kinds of cases does Delventhal Law handle?

    We represent injured plaintiffs in car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents; workers' compensation and on-the-job injuries; wrongful death; slip-and-fall and premises liability; birth injuries; burn injuries; and other personal-injury claims across Indiana.

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