Marshall County, Indiana (December 6, 2025) — Authorities have identified Christopher Jankoviak, 57, as the driver killed Saturday after a freightliner truck struck his Chevrolet Equinox at the intersection of U.S. 31 and State Road 10. The collision also left a passenger with serious injuries.
Incident Details: According to investigators, a 2024 Freightliner truck was traveling northbound on U.S. 31 as a UPS truck crossed westbound over S.R. 10. The Freightliner driver told officers they began slowing when the UPS truck entered the intersection.
A 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, also traveling westbound behind the UPS truck, was still in the intersection when the Freightliner was unable to brake in time. The larger truck struck the driver’s side of the Equinox, pushing both vehicles into the median north of the intersection.
Jankoviak was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, whose name has not yet been released, was airlifted to Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.
Investigation: The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to examine how the sequence of vehicle movements contributed to the crash. Investigators will review the Freightliner’s braking distance, its speed at the time the UPS truck entered the intersection, and whether traffic-control devices or right-of-way rules played a role.
In collisions involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, investigators typically inspect the truck’s mechanical systems, including brakes, tires, and onboard electronic logs, to determine whether performance issues or driver fatigue factored into the inability to stop. They may also evaluate sightlines across S.R. 10, skid marks, impact angles, and debris patterns to reconstruct the collision.
Investigators will likely interview the UPS truck driver and download a full event data recorder from both vehicles to clarify when each driver braked, accelerated, or changed lanes. This information is often essential for families and for any civil proceedings that may follow.
Legal Considerations: Under Indiana law, all drivers, particularly those operating commercial trucks, are required to maintain a safe following distance and adjust their speed according to roadway conditions, traffic flow, and foreseeable hazards. When a freightliner fails to stop in time and strikes a passenger vehicle broadside, it may indicate negligence, inadequate braking distance, or unsafe speed for conditions.
For the Jankoviak family, the loss of Christopher is immediate and life-altering. A passenger also remains hospitalized with serious injuries, adding another layer of trauma for loved ones. Through a wrongful death claim, Jankoviak’s family may seek compensation for funeral costs, the emotional toll of losing him, and the loss of his companionship and support. The surviving passenger may also pursue a personal injury claim to recover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
While no legal remedy can undo the devastation of losing a loved one in a violent crash, holding the responsible parties accountable can help provide answers and stability as the family begins to navigate the difficult path ahead.
My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Christopher Jankoviak, and I wish the surviving passenger strength and healing in their recovery.
Source: ABC57 News