Lebanon Police responded Monday night to the intersection of State Road 39 and Anderson Lane after a motorcycle collided with a utility pole, resulting in one fatality and one critical injury. According to WLFI, first responders arrived to find two people trapped between the motorcycle and the pole, requiring extrication before they could be transported for medical treatment.

The motorcycle's driver, identified as Larry T. Lane, was initially taken to Witham Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to an Indianapolis-area hospital in critical condition. The passenger, Nicole C. King of Lebanon, was pronounced dead at Witham Memorial Hospital.

A multi-agency CRASH Team — typically deployed in Indiana for crashes involving serious injury or death — has taken over the investigation, which remains ongoing. No additional details regarding the cause of the crash, contributing factors, or potential charges have been released at this time.

This crash serves as a somber reminder of the risks motorcyclists face, particularly in collisions involving fixed roadside objects such as utility poles, which often result in more severe outcomes than crashes involving other vehicles.

Location and Infrastructure

The intersection of State Road 39 and Anderson Lane sits within Lebanon, Indiana, the county seat of Boone County, located roughly 25 miles northwest of Indianapolis. State Road 39 is a heavily traveled corridor connecting Lebanon to surrounding communities, carrying a mix of local and through traffic, including commercial vehicles. Intersections along SR-39 in this area typically feature standard signalized or stop-controlled crossings, and roadside infrastructure such as utility poles sits in close proximity to the traveled way in many segments. Motorcyclists face heightened vulnerability at intersections like this one, where limited visibility, turning movements, and fixed objects near the roadway can significantly increase the severity of a crash. Boone County and Lebanon city officials periodically review high-incident corridors for potential safety improvements, including signage, lighting, and clear-zone adjustments.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Indiana operates under a modified comparative fault system, meaning a party found more than 50% at fault for a crash may be barred from recovering damages, while a less-at-fault party's recovery can be reduced proportionally to their share of fault. Indiana law generally allows two years from the date of an accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Insurance considerations in cases involving serious injury or death often include claims against the at-fault driver's liability coverage, as well as potential underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage. Compensation in cases like this may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, in a wrongful death claim, funeral expenses and loss of companionship. Because investigations by agencies such as a CRASH Team can affect the facts available for any claim, those affected are encouraged to consult a licensed Indiana attorney to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

Local Emergency Services

• Lebanon Police Department
• Boone County Sheriff's Office
• Witham Health Services / Witham Memorial Hospital

Local Traffic Safety Resources

• Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) – Boone County District Office
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute – Traffic Safety Division

Support Services for Accident Victims

• Indiana Victim Assistance Network
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Crash victim resources

State Traffic Laws and Regulations

• Indiana Code Title 9 – Motor Vehicles: https://iga.in.gov/laws/2024/ic/titles/9
• Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles – Motorcycle Safety Information: https://www.in.gov/bmv/