Gary, IN — February 28, 2025, Keristin Garrett was killed in a truck accident at about 7 a.m. on Interstate 94/Borman Expressway.
Authorities said a 2008 Ford pickup crashed into the back of a Hoosier Helper truck near mile marker 7.7. The Indiana Department of Transportation truck has been called to help another driver with a flat tire. It had its rear-facing emergency lights on at the time of the crash.
The driver of the Ford pickup, 30-year-old Keristin Garrett, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash after being extricated from her vehicle.
No other injuries were reported.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Lake County crash at this time. The accident is still being investigated.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
A crash where a vehicle collides with the back of a stationary highway assistance truck raises serious questions about visibility, driver awareness and whether all necessary precautions were in place. While authorities have stated the Hoosier Helper truck had its emergency lights activated, my experience handling truck accident cases has taught me that a proper investigation needs to go beyond just that fact.
One key issue is whether the pickup driver had enough time and space to react. Emergency response vehicles rely on lights and signage to alert approaching drivers, but those warnings are only effective if they are visible from a safe distance. Investigators should look at whether road design, weather conditions or other traffic on the highway obstructed the driver’s view before impact.
Another important factor is how and where the Hoosier Helper truck was positioned. Was it parked in the safest possible location to assist the disabled vehicle? Did it have additional safety measures such as traffic cones or an advance warning vehicle to alert oncoming drivers? Highway assistance trucks provide a critical service, but how they position themselves on the road can make a significant difference in preventing secondary crashes like this.
Crashes involving stopped vehicles on highways are among the most dangerous because of the speed involved, but they are often preventable with the right combination of driver awareness, proper vehicle positioning and clear warning systems. A full investigation should consider all these factors to ensure similar incidents can be avoided in the future.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us