On Tuesday night, seven people sustained injuries when a Jeep collided with a horse-drawn buggy carrying nine passengers in Adams County, Indiana. According to Adams County Sheriff Dan Mawhorr, the crash occurred around 11:20 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 218 and County Road 000 in Berne. The driver of the Jeep, 33-year-old Bradley Ocilka of Kentucky, was traveling eastbound on SR 218 when he struck the buggy from behind, failing to slow down and safely pass the slower-moving vehicle. The violent impact ejected all nine occupants from the buggy, including six minors. The buggy's driver, a 32-year-old Berne man, suffered serious enough injuries to require emergency airlift transport to Lutheran Hospital. Five children and one additional adult passenger were transported by ground ambulance to area hospitals for treatment. A 32-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son were evaluated at the scene but released without requiring hospitalization. First responders from multiple agencies worked urgently to provide medical care to the injured parties. Ocilka, who was uninjured, was later taken to Adams County Memorial Hospital for a legal blood draw as part of the ongoing investigation.

Location and Infrastructure

State Road 218 in Adams County runs through rural northeastern Indiana, serving as a connector between several small communities including Berne, a town known for its significant Amish and Mennonite population. The crash site at the intersection with County Road 000 is located in an agricultural area where horse-drawn buggies frequently share the road with motor vehicles, particularly during evening hours. SR 218 is a two-lane rural highway where drivers must remain vigilant for slower-moving traffic, including farm equipment and horse-drawn vehicles that are common in this region. The roadway in this area features limited lighting and requires motorists to exercise caution, especially during nighttime hours. Indiana law requires buggies to display proper lighting and reflective markers, while motorists are legally obligated to slow down and pass safely when encountering these vehicles. The rural nature of this stretch of highway means that visibility can be challenging, making attentive driving critical for preventing collisions with buggies and other slow-moving vehicles.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Indiana law, drivers are required to exercise reasonable care when passing or approaching slower-moving vehicles, including horse-drawn buggies. Indiana Code 9-21-8-35 specifically addresses overtaking and passing vehicles, requiring drivers to slow down and ensure safe clearance. When a motor vehicle collision results in injuries, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages through the at-fault driver's insurance policy or through personal injury claims. Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning that injured parties can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Indiana is typically two years from the date of the accident, making timely consultation with legal counsel important for preserving rights. Given the serious nature of injuries in this case, including the airlift transport and multiple hospitalizations, victims should document all medical treatment and expenses. Insurance considerations may include the at-fault driver's liability coverage limits, underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage that could provide compensation for the injured parties' substantial medical needs.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Adams County Sheriff's Office: (260) 724-5345
• Adams County Memorial Hospital: (260) 724-2145
• Lutheran Hospital (Fort Wayne): (260) 435-7001

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute - Highway Safety: https://www.in.gov/cji/highway-safety/
• Indiana State Police Traffic Safety Information
• Adams County Emergency Management Agency

Support Services:

• Indiana Victim Assistance Network: 1-800-353-1484
• Road Victims Support Group Resources
• Local Amish/Mennonite Community Services in Berne

Legal and Regulatory Information:

• Indiana Code Title 9 (Motor Vehicles): https://iga.in.gov/laws/indiana-constitution-laws
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles Safety Resources
• Indiana Department of Transportation Road Safety Information