1 Killed, 1 Injured in Car Accident on US 40 in Plainfield, IN

Plainfield, IN — February 5, 2025,One person was killed and another was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 9:15 A.M. on US 40.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one infant dead, and injured a toddler during the morning hours of February 5th. According to official reports, a vehicle was fleeing from the police when it collided with a vehicle near the intersection of US 40 and Ronald Reagan Pkwy, which then caused the impacted vehicle to catch fire.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found a 2-month-old girl had succumbed to wounds sustained in the crash, and a 3-year-old boy was seriously injured, and he was transported to the hospital for treatment. The at-fault driver was taken into custody, and officials will reportedly be filing charges of an unknown nature. This remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by officials in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. While initial reports provide basic details, they often leave out critical information that can help determine why the crash occurred and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. To get a full picture, there are three key questions that need to be asked in every crash investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will typically document the scene, take witness statements, and examine factors such as road conditions and vehicle damage, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In a case involving a police pursuit, it’s crucial to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash. Investigators should determine whether officers followed proper pursuit procedures, whether alternative measures could have been taken to prevent harm to bystanders, and if any external factors contributed to the severity of the impact. Additionally, since the impacted vehicle caught fire, it is important to determine whether the fire was a direct result of the crash or if a mechanical failure or fuel system issue played a role.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While many crashes are attributed to driver actions, mechanical failures can and do contribute to the severity of collisions. Investigators should examine whether the impacted vehicle’s fuel system, safety features, or structural integrity functioned as intended. In cases where a fire occurs after impact, it’s especially important to determine whether the vehicle was designed to withstand such forces or if a defect played a role in the outcome. If a defect contributed to the severity of the crash, identifying it is critical—not just for this case, but to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, proving a defect requires access to the vehicle before it is scrapped or altered.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles contain electronic control modules (ECMs), which store valuable crash-related data, including speed, braking, and steering inputs leading up to the collision. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could provide further clarity about what happened. If investigators fail to collect this data quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine the full picture of how the crash occurred.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every crash is investigated as thoroughly as possible so that those answers are found. No one should be left wondering what really happened when the evidence to find out is within reach.